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Jeremiah 48:44

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He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, [even] upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

He that fleeth {H5127}{H5211} from {H6440} the fear {H6343} shall fall {H5307} into the pit {H6354}; and he that getteth up {H5927} out of the pit {H6354} shall be taken {H3920} in the snare {H6341}: for I will bring {H935} upon it, even upon Moab {H4124}, the year {H8141} of their visitation {H6486}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

"Whoever flees from the terror will fall into the pit; and he who climbs up out of the pit will be caught in the trap. For I will bring on her, on Mo'av, the year for her punishment," says ADONAI.

“Whoever flees the panic will fall into the pit, and whoever climbs from the pit will be caught in the snare. For I will bring upon Moab the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.

He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon him, even upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

Commentary on Jeremiah 48:44 (KJV)

Jeremiah 48:44 is a powerful declaration of God's inescapable judgment against the nation of Moab, emphasizing that all attempts to flee or escape divine wrath will ultimately lead to further peril. It paints a vivid picture of inevitable doom, illustrating the comprehensive nature of God's "visitation."

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy prophecy (Jeremiah 48:1-47) specifically directed against Moab, a nation historically related to Israel through Lot (Genesis 19:37) but often antagonistic. Moab was known for its pride, idolatry (worshipping Chemosh), and complacency, trusting in its wealth and strongholds rather than the Lord. The prophet Jeremiah, speaking on behalf of God, foretells the utter destruction and humiliation of Moab, signifying a major turning point in their history. This judgment was often carried out through invading armies, such as the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar, who served as instruments of God's wrath, bringing the prophesied "year of their visitation" upon them.

Key Themes

  • Inescapable Judgment: The central message is the futility of trying to escape God's appointed judgment. The imagery of fleeing from "fear" only to fall into a "pit," and then escaping the pit only to be caught in a "snare," powerfully conveys that there is no refuge from divine reckoning. This highlights the sovereignty of God over nations and their destinies.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Justice: The phrase "for I will bring upon it, even upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD" underscores that this is not merely a consequence of natural events but a deliberate act of God's justice. He is actively involved in history, holding nations accountable for their actions, particularly their pride and rebellion against Him. This concept of a "day of visitation" or reckoning is common in prophetic literature.
  • Consequences of Pride and Idolatry: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Jeremiah 48 reveals that Moab's downfall was a direct result of their arrogance, self-sufficiency, and devotion to false gods. Their trust in their own strength and idols ultimately led to their ruin.

Linguistic Insights

The term "visitation" (Hebrew: פְּקֻדָּה, p'quddah) is significant. While it can refer to a visit for good (e.g., God visiting His people with blessings), in prophetic contexts like this, it often denotes an inspection, an accounting, or a time of punishment for sin. It implies that God is settling accounts with Moab, bringing to fruition the consequences of their long-standing rebellion and pride. The "year of their visitation" is thus the appointed time for their divine reckoning.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 48:44 serves as a timeless reminder of several spiritual truths:

  • Accountability Before God: Both individuals and nations are ultimately accountable to God. There is no escaping the consequences of persistent sin, rebellion, and pride.
  • Futility of Self-Reliance Apart from God: Moab trusted in its own strength and gods, which proved useless in the face of God's determined judgment. This calls believers to trust in God alone and not in human wisdom, power, or possessions.
  • God's Justice is Sure: While God is merciful and long-suffering, He is also just. This verse assures us that He will ultimately address injustice and sin. It encourages a healthy fear of God, recognizing His power and holiness. For those who are in Christ, the "visitation" is one of grace and salvation, but for those who reject Him, it remains a judgment, as seen in other prophetic warnings about the final judgment.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 11:23 (4 votes)

    And there shall be no remnant of them: for I will bring evil upon the men of Anathoth, [even] the year of their visitation.

  • 1 Kings 19:17 (4 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, [that] him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

  • Amos 5:19 (3 votes)

    As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.

  • Jeremiah 46:21 (3 votes)

    Also her hired men [are] in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, [and] are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, [and] the time of their visitation.

  • Amos 2:14 (2 votes)

    Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself:

  • Amos 2:15 (2 votes)

    Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and [he that is] swift of foot shall not deliver [himself]: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.

  • Jeremiah 16:16 (2 votes)

    Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.