How does Jeremiah 48:29 describe Moab's pride, and why is it significant? Scripture Focus Jeremiah 48:29: “We have heard of Moab’s pride—his exceeding pride and conceit, his arrogance and his boastfulness, and the haughtiness of his heart.” What Jeremiah Says About Moab’s Pride • “Exceeding pride” – pride piled on pride; nothing moderate or hidden about it • “Conceit” – Moab’s self-importance; an inflated view of its own greatness • “Arrogance” – a brazen, outward swagger that looks down on others • “Boastfulness” – loud self-promotion that tries to magnify Moab’s achievements • “Haughtiness of heart” – the inner attitude driving all the outward display Layers of Meaning in the Description • Repetition of “pride” words shows a settled character flaw, not a momentary lapse. • The emphasis on both heart (inner) and boastfulness (outer) reveals pride’s total grip. • Jeremiah echoes Isaiah 16:6, confirming that Moab’s reputation for pride was longstanding and well-known. Why This Pride Matters • Pride invites judgment. Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction.” The surrounding oracle (Jeremiah 48:1-47) details Moab’s coming downfall because God opposes the proud (James 4:6). • Pride rejects reliance on the Lord. Moab trusted in Chemosh (Jeremiah 48:7) and fortified cities, not the living God. • Pride blinds. Moab could not see its vulnerability; the prophet announces devastation precisely where Moab felt secure (Jeremiah 48:18, 25). • Pride corrupts witness. Nations were to see Israel’s God through Israel’s neighbors, yet Moab’s arrogance advertised rebellion against Him. • Pride repeats the pattern of Babel, Egypt, Babylon—each toppled when self-glory rose against God (Genesis 11:4-9; Ezekiel 29:3-5; Daniel 4:30-37). Application for Today • National or personal achievements are gifts, not grounds for boasting (1 Corinthians 4:7). • God still resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). • Vigilance is needed: pride grows subtly until, like Moab, it dominates both heart and speech. • Humility before God safeguards us from the same ruin that overtook Moab and showcases God’s mercy to a watching world. |
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