What is the meaning of Jeremiah 48:23? Kiriathaim “Judgment has come … on Kiriathaim” (Jeremiah 48:23). • Kiriathaim lay in Moab’s northern plateau, once part of Reuben’s inheritance (Numbers 32:37; Joshua 13:19). The city’s name means “double town,” hinting at its prominence. • Earlier prophecy singled it out as a proud Moabite stronghold slated for ruin (Jeremiah 48:1; Ezekiel 25:9). When God repeats a warning, He underscores its certainty. • By listing Kiriathaim, the Spirit shows that no fortress—however established—can shield a people who rebel against Him (Psalm 33:16–17). • The coming Babylonian invasion (Jeremiah 48:40–44) would arrive exactly as foretold; every stone of Kiriathaim’s “double” defenses would fall. Beth-gamul “Judgment has come … upon Beth-gamul” (Jeremiah 48:23). • Beth-gamul (“house of recompense”) is mentioned only here, yet God knows it by name. The Lord’s eye misses nothing (Proverbs 15:3). • Nestled on the open plain (“the Arabah,” Jeremiah 48:21–22), Beth-gamul enjoyed trade routes and grazing lands. Prosperity without humility breeds false security (Deuteronomy 8:17–18). • Its downfall reminds us that obscurity offers no refuge; the same God who judges kings also judges villages (Psalm 9:7-8). • Moab’s farmers would watch their flocks scattered and fields burned, fulfilling the word spoken through Jeremiah (Jeremiah 48:32-33). Beth-meon “Judgment has come … upon Beth-meon” (Jeremiah 48:23). • Called Baal-meon when Reubenites settled it (Numbers 32:38; Joshua 13:17), the town kept its idol’s name centuries later. Persistent idolatry invites sure judgment (Exodus 20:3-5). • Ezekiel paired Baal-meon with Kiriathaim when announcing Moab’s doom (Ezekiel 25:9), confirming Jeremiah’s message. Two prophets, one verdict. • God’s assault on Beth-meon exposes the emptiness of Baal. When the Lord rises, every false god falls (Isaiah 42:8; Jeremiah 10:14-15). • The city’s fate illustrates a wider truth: nations may change owners, but until they bow to the LORD they remain under wrath (Psalm 2:10-12). summary Jeremiah 48:23 singles out Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon to show that God’s judgment on Moab would be total, sparing neither great fortress, modest village, nor idolatrous shrine. Each name reminds us that the Lord sees every place, remembers every promise, and accomplishes every word. Trusting Him brings security; resisting Him invites the certain fall these cities experienced. |
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