Put salt on Moab, for she will be laid waste; her cities will become desolate, with no one to dwell in them. Put salt on MoabThe phrase "Put salt on Moab" is a symbolic act of judgment and desolation. In ancient times, salting a land was a method used to curse or render it barren, ensuring that nothing would grow there. This act signifies the complete and utter destruction that is to come upon Moab. The Hebrew root for "salt" (מֶלַח, melach) often carries connotations of barrenness and desolation. Historically, Moab was a nation east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. This command reflects God's judgment against Moab for its pride and idolatry, as detailed in the surrounding chapters. for she will be laid waste
The phrase "for she will be laid waste" indicates the certainty of Moab's impending destruction. The Hebrew word used here for "laid waste" (שָׁמַם, shamam) conveys a sense of being desolate or astonished. This is not merely a temporary setback but a complete devastation. The historical context shows that Moab, despite its past strength and prosperity, would face divine retribution, leading to its downfall. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and relying on one's own strength. her cities will become desolate
"Her cities will become desolate" emphasizes the totality of the destruction. The cities, once bustling with life and activity, will be empty and abandoned. The Hebrew word for "desolate" (שְׁמָמָה, shemamah) suggests a haunting emptiness, a place devoid of life. Archaeological evidence from the region shows that many ancient cities were indeed left in ruins, supporting the prophetic accuracy of Jeremiah's words. This desolation serves as a stark warning against pride and self-reliance, urging a return to faithfulness and humility before God. with no one to dwell in them
The phrase "with no one to dwell in them" underscores the complete abandonment of Moab's cities. The Hebrew root for "dwell" (יָשַׁב, yashab) implies settling or inhabiting. The absence of inhabitants signifies not just physical desolation but also the loss of community and culture. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled as Moab's cities were left uninhabited, a testament to the accuracy of God's word through Jeremiah. This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God's mercy and grace. Persons / Places / Events 1. MoabAn ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is the subject of God's judgment in this passage. 2. JeremiahA prophet of God who delivered messages of judgment and hope to the nations, including Moab, during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. 3. DesolationThe event of Moab's destruction and depopulation as a result of divine judgment, symbolized by the command to "put salt" on the land. Teaching Points The Consequences of PrideMoab's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Just as Moab was judged for its arrogance, individuals and nations today must remain humble before God. The Certainty of God's JudgmentThe imagery of "putting salt" on Moab underscores the certainty and completeness of God's judgment. Believers are reminded of the seriousness of sin and the inevitability of divine justice. The Call to RepentanceWhile judgment is pronounced, the broader biblical account always leaves room for repentance. This passage encourages self-examination and turning back to God. The Sovereignty of GodGod's control over nations and history is evident in His dealings with Moab. Trust in God's sovereignty provides comfort and assurance in uncertain times. Bible Study Questions 1. What historical and spiritual factors led to God's judgment on Moab, and how can we apply these lessons to our personal lives today? 2. How does the imagery of "putting salt" on Moab enhance our understanding of the severity of God's judgment? 3. In what ways does the account of Moab's judgment parallel the warnings given to other nations in the Bible, and what can we learn from these parallels? 4. How can we guard against the pride and arrogance that led to Moab's downfall in our own lives and communities? 5. Reflecting on God's sovereignty as demonstrated in Jeremiah 48:9, how can we find peace and assurance in God's control over world events today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 19The origin of the Moabites, tracing back to Lot and his daughters, provides context for the longstanding tension between Moab and Israel. Isaiah 15-16These chapters also pronounce judgment on Moab, echoing the themes of desolation and divine retribution found in Jeremiah 48. Zephaniah 2:8-11This passage speaks of God's judgment on Moab and Ammon, highlighting their pride and arrogance against God's people. People Chemosh, Gamul, Jeremiah, Sihon, ZoarPlaces 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, ZoarTopics Anyone, Cities, Complete, Desolate, Desolation, Dwell, Flee, Fly, Inhabitant, Inhabitants, Laid, Moab, Pillar, Therein, Thereof, Towns, Utterly, Waste, WingsDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 48:8-9 4357 salt 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 Links Jeremiah 48:9 NIVJeremiah 48:9 NLTJeremiah 48:9 ESVJeremiah 48:9 NASBJeremiah 48:9 KJV
Jeremiah 48:9 Commentaries
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