What is the meaning of Jeremiah 48:46? Woe to you, O Moab! “Woe to you, O Moab!” (Jeremiah 48:46a) • A “woe” is a solemn prophetic announcement of disaster—not wishful thinking, but a sure word from God (Isaiah 5:20). • Moab, descended from Lot (Genesis 19:37), had long opposed Israel (Numbers 22–24). God’s patience had limits: decades of pride and hostility now met divine justice (Isaiah 16:6; Amos 2:1–3). • The warning echoes earlier oracles against Moab (Isaiah 15–16) and reminds us that God governs all nations, holding even non-Israelite peoples accountable (Jeremiah 46–51). • The certainty of judgment underscores God’s holiness and faithfulness to His covenant promises (Deuteronomy 32:35). The people of Chemosh have perished “The people of Chemosh have perished” (Jeremiah 48:46b) • Chemosh was Moab’s principal god (Numbers 21:29; 1 Kings 11:7). Trusting this idol brought no rescue when the true God acted (Psalm 115:4–8). • By linking the nation’s fate to its deity, Jeremiah shows idols are powerless (Jeremiah 10:14–16). The Lord alone gives life or death (1 Samuel 2:6). • Earlier, God had delivered Moab from oppressors (Judges 3:12–30), but they credited Chemosh, deepening their guilt (Micah 6:5). • The annihilation of Chemosh’s devotees foreshadows the ultimate downfall of every false religion (Revelation 18:4–8). For your sons have been taken into exile “For your sons have been taken into exile” (Jeremiah 48:46c) • Exile was a common tool of Babylonian policy (2 Kings 24:14–16). As Judah went, so would Moab—no favoritism in God’s courtroom (Jeremiah 25:17–26). • Losing sons meant losing future strength and inheritance (Psalm 127:3-5). God’s judgment strikes at what a nation prizes most (Jeremiah 47:6-7). • The prophecy fulfills the warning in Numbers 24:17 when Balaam foresaw “a star” crushing Moab—pointing to Messiah’s ultimate victory over all enemies (Matthew 2:2). And your daughters have gone into captivity “and your daughters have gone into captivity” (Jeremiah 48:46d) • Captive daughters picture complete national collapse—no one untouched (Lamentations 1:18). • Family disruption highlights sin’s expansive cost (Exodus 20:5). What seemed a local rebellion against Israel was rebellion against God, and He answered decisively (Jeremiah 48:42). • Yet even here God hints at future mercy: later He promises to “restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days” (Jeremiah 48:47), exemplifying both justice and grace (Romans 11:22). summary Jeremiah 48:46 declares God’s sure judgment on Moab: a prophetic “woe,” the downfall of Chemosh’s worshipers, and the heartbreaking exile of sons and daughters. The verse affirms that idolatry cannot save, divine justice is impartial, and national pride leads to ruin. At the same time, the broader context shows God still offers restoration to those who turn to Him. The Lord who judges also redeems, urging every generation to forsake idols and trust His unfailing Word. |
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