What is the meaning of Jeremiah 48:35? In Moab, declares the LORD • The focus is on Moab, Israel’s neighbor east of the Dead Sea—formed from Lot’s descendants (Genesis 19:36-37). • God has already promised judgment on Moab through prophets like Isaiah (Isaiah 15-16) and Amos (Amos 2:1-3). Jeremiah 48 expands on that same word. • “Declares the LORD” reminds us the message is not Jeremiah’s opinion; it is the sovereign God speaking (Isaiah 45:21; Jeremiah 1:9). Every prophecy He utters comes to pass (Numbers 23:19). I will bring an end • This phrase signals decisive, irreversible action. When the LORD ends something, no power can undo it (Job 42:2; Isaiah 14:27). • The context shows national devastation (Jeremiah 48:42). God’s patience had run out after centuries of Moabite arrogance (Jeremiah 48:29). • His ending of sin is also a mercy to the surrounding nations, removing a stumbling block (Zephaniah 2:9-11). to those who make offerings on the high places • “High places” were hilltop shrines where pagan rites flourished (1 Kings 11:7; 2 Kings 17:10-11). • God had commanded worship only at His chosen place (Deuteronomy 12:2-5), but Moab ignored that standard. • By targeting the worshipers, the LORD strikes at the heart of cultural and religious identity that opposed Him (Jeremiah 48:35 parallels Hosea 10:8, where altars become thorny ruins). and burn incense to their gods. • Incense symbolized prayer and devotion (Psalm 141:2). When directed to false gods, it became an insult to the Creator (Isaiah 65:3). • Moab’s gods—Chemosh in particular (Numbers 21:29)—could not save them (Jeremiah 48:7). • God’s judgment on incense-bearers mirrors His word against Judah’s idolaters (Jeremiah 44:17-23) and fulfills His resolve that “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). summary Jeremiah 48:35 reveals the LORD’s determination to purge Moab of its idol worship. He personally announces the decree, guarantees its finality, pinpoints the idolatrous practices on the high places, and exposes the futility of incense offered to powerless gods. The verse underscores God’s exclusive right to worship and His unwavering commitment to eradicate anything that competes with His glory. |
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