What is the meaning of Jeremiah 48:10? “Cursed is the one who is remiss in doing the work of the LORD” • Jeremiah speaks during God’s announced judgment on Moab (Jeremiah 48:1-9). The “work of the LORD” in this chapter is the divinely commanded campaign that Babylon will carry out against Moab. Failing to obey that commission invites a curse. • Scripture consistently warns against half-hearted service: Saul lost his kingdom for incomplete obedience (1 Samuel 15:18-23). Jesus calls such lukewarmness “worthless” (Revelation 3:15-16). Paul urges, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • The curse reminds believers that God’s assignments—whether proclaiming the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20) or bearing daily witness (James 4:17)—are never optional. Negligence in sacred duty provokes divine displeasure. “and cursed is he who withholds his sword from bloodshed” • In context, Babylon’s armies are God’s instrument (Jeremiah 25:9). Refusing to swing the sword would mean opposing God’s justice. Similar warnings appear when Israel was told, “Do not be discouraged, for the battle is not yours but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15), and when a prophet condemned a soldier who spared Ben-hadad (1 Kings 20:35-42). • The principle: when God authorizes judgment, withholding action is disobedience. Romans 13:4 affirms the governing sword “is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” • In a spiritual sense, believers today wield “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). Shrinking from declaring truth that cuts convictingly is akin to sheathing the sword God provided (Hebrews 4:12). Silence in the face of sin is not neutrality; it is rebellion (Ezekiel 3:18-19). summary Jeremiah 48:10: “Cursed is the one who is remiss in doing the work of the LORD, and cursed is he who withholds his sword from bloodshed.” The verse binds together two ideas: wholehearted obedience and courageous execution of God’s appointed tasks. Whether in ancient warfare or in present-day witness, God expects His people to act promptly and fully. Neglect invites curse; faithful diligence secures blessing. |
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