◄ Jeremiah 48:15 ►
Moab has been destroyed and its towns have been invaded; the best of its young men have gone down in the slaughter, declares the King, whose name is the LORD of Hosts.
Study Bible
Moab has been destroyed
Moab was a nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. The destruction of Moab is a fulfillment of prophecy against a nation that had been a persistent adversary of Israel. This phrase indicates a complete overthrow, aligning with earlier prophecies in Isaiah 15-16 and Amos 2:1-3. The destruction serves as a divine judgment for Moab's pride and idolatry.

and its towns have been invaded;
The invasion of Moab's towns suggests a comprehensive military campaign, likely by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar. This reflects the historical context of Babylon's expansion and dominance in the region during the 6th century BC. The invasion signifies the loss of security and autonomy for Moab, emphasizing the totality of God's judgment.

the best of its young men have gone down in the slaughter,
The phrase highlights the loss of Moab's strength and future, as young men represent both military power and the continuation of the nation. This slaughter is a direct consequence of divine judgment, reminiscent of similar judgments on other nations, such as in Isaiah 13:18 regarding Babylon. It underscores the futility of relying on human strength against God's decrees.

declares the King,
This title emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority over all nations, including Moab. It reflects the biblical theme of God as the ultimate ruler, as seen in Psalms 47:7-8. The use of "King" here contrasts with earthly kings, highlighting the divine origin of the judgment.

whose name is the LORD of Hosts.
The "LORD of Hosts" is a title that underscores God's supreme power and command over heavenly armies. It is frequently used in the Old Testament to convey God's might and ability to execute judgment (e.g., 1 Samuel 17:45). This title reassures believers of God's control over all events and His ability to fulfill His promises and prophecies.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moab
An ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a nation that turned away from God and faced His judgment.

2. The LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. It underscores His power and authority in executing judgment.

3. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages of judgment and hope to the nations, including Moab. His role was to call people to repentance and warn them of impending consequences.

4. The Finest Young Men
Represents the strength and pride of Moab, which is now humbled and defeated. This symbolizes the futility of relying on human strength against divine judgment.

5. Destruction and Invasion
The events described are a fulfillment of God's judgment against Moab for their pride and idolatry, as prophesied by Jeremiah.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The title "LORD of Hosts" reminds us of God's ultimate authority over all nations. We must recognize His power and submit to His will.

The Futility of Human Strength
Moab's finest young men symbolize human pride and strength, which are powerless against God's judgment. We should not rely on our own abilities but trust in God's strength.

The Consequences of Pride and Idolatry
Moab's downfall serves as a warning against pride and idolatry. We must examine our lives for areas where we may be placing anything above God.

The Certainty of God's Word
The fulfillment of prophecy against Moab demonstrates the reliability of God's Word. We can trust that His promises and warnings will come to pass.

Repentance and Humility
The judgment on Moab calls us to repentance and humility before God. We should seek His forgiveness and align our lives with His commands.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the judgment of Moab in Jeremiah 48:15 reflect God's character as the "LORD of Hosts"?

2. In what ways can we see the futility of relying on human strength in our own lives, and how can we shift our reliance to God?

3. What are some modern-day "idols" that might lead us away from God, similar to Moab's idolatry?

4. How does the prophecy against Moab encourage us to trust in the certainty of God's Word?

5. What steps can we take to cultivate a heart of repentance and humility in response to God's warnings and judgments?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 15-16
These chapters also prophesy the downfall of Moab, highlighting the consistency of God's message through different prophets.

Psalm 60:8
Moab is referred to as a "washbasin," symbolizing its subjugation and the fulfillment of God's judgment.

Amos 2:1-3
Amos also prophesies against Moab, emphasizing God's justice and the consequences of their transgressions.
Sermons
The Ease of MoabA.F. Muir
People
Chemosh, Gamul, Jeremiah, Sihon, Zoar
Places
Arnon, Aroer, Beth-diblathaim, Bethel, Beth-gamul, Beth-meon, Bozrah, Dibon, Elealeh, Heshbon, Holon, Horonaim, Jahaz, Jahzah, Jazer, Kerioth, Kir-hareseth, Kiriathaim, Luhith, Madmen, Mephaath, Moab, Nebo, Nimrim, Sea of Jazer, Sibmah, Zoar
Topics
Affirmation, Almighty, Armies, Best, Choice, Choicest, Chosen, Cities, Death, Declares, Destroyed, Destroyer, Finest, Hosts, Invaded, Laid, Makes, Moab, Says, Slaughter, Smoke, Spoiled, Towns, Waste
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 48:13

     8747   false gods

Library
August 8. "Be Like the Dove" (Jer. Xlviii. 28).
"Be like the dove" (Jer. xlviii. 28). Harmless as a dove, is Christ's interpretation of the beautiful emblem. And so the Spirit of God is purity itself. He cannot dwell in an unclean heart. He cannot abide in the natural mind. It was said of the anointing of old, "On man's flesh it shall not be poured." The purity which the Holy Spirit brings is like the white and spotless little plant which grows up out of the heap of manure, or the black soil, without one grain of impurity adhering to its crystalline …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

How those are to be Admonished who Decline the Office of Preaching Out of Too Great Humility, and those who Seize on it with Precipitate Haste.
(Admonition 26.) Differently to be admonished are those who, though able to preach worthily, are afraid by reason of excessive humility, and those whom imperfection or age forbids to preach, and yet precipitancy impells. For those who, though able to preach with profit, still shrink back through excessive humility are to be admonished to gather from consideration of a lesser matter how faulty they are in a greater one. For, if they were to hide from their indigent neighbours money which they possessed …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. )
Carried by the Spirit into the far distant future, Balaam sees here how a star goeth out of Jacob and a sceptre riseth out of Israel, and how this sceptre smiteth Moab, by whose enmity the Seer had been brought from a distant region for the destruction of Israel. And not Moab only shall be smitten, but its southern neighbour, Edom, too shall be subdued, whose hatred against Israel had already been prefigured in its ancestor, and had now begun to display Itself; and In general, all the enemies of …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Meditations for the Sick.
Whilst thy sickness remains, use often, for thy comfort, these few meditations, taken from the ends wherefore God sendeth afflictions to his children. Those are ten. 1. That by afflictions God may not only correct our sins past, but also work in us a deeper loathing of our natural corruptions, and so prevent us from falling into many other sins, which otherwise we would commit; like a good father, who suffers his tender babe to scorch his finger in a candle, that he may the rather learn to beware …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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