Tyndale Open Study NotesJeremiah 48

Moab, one of two nations descended from Abraham’s nephew Lot (Genesis 19:36–38), was the next nation judged in the Lord’s courtroom (compare Isaiah 15–16). Moab’s land was between the Arnon River and the Zered Brook, east of the Dead Sea. At that time, the Moabites felt confident because they were mostly safe from Babylonian military power. However, the Lord found the Moabites to be greedy and cruel, and their worship was violent and indulgent.

The Lord ordered the destruction and future rebuilding of Moab and Ammon. These two nations came from Lot, who was Abraham's nephew (Genesis 19:36–38).

• The powerful Judge, the God of Israel (see study note on Jeremiah 2:2), presented the charges and decisions against Moab.

• The city of Nebo was located on the side of Mount Nebo (Numbers 32:3, 38), several miles east of the northern end of the Dead Sea.

• The tribe of Reuben built the city of Kiriathaim (Joshua 13:19) in the highlands east of the Dead Sea.

• Heshbon was between the Jabbok and Arnon rivers, east of the Dead Sea.

• Madmen was likely another name for Dibon, a town near Heshbon. It would also be destroyed.

We know little about the village of Horonaim (see Isaiah 15:5). It was likely near the southeastern shore of the Dead Sea.

Luhith was another small village near Horonaim. The sadness from oppression would touch even the smallest places.

The people of Moab boasted about their wealth and skill. However, their biggest sin was worshiping a deity named Chemosh. This false god symbolized the magical power of reproduction, but it would soon become clear that Chemosh was powerless.

The Lord ordered the destruction of all the towns in Moab. He instructed his agents to carry out his command faithfully.

Moab enjoyed a long history of peace and a culture its people valued greatly. Moab had many vineyards. After squeezing the grape juice, they stored the wine in clay flasks until it became fragrant and smooth.

• The Lord's judgment would make the Moabites embarrassed that Chemosh could not protect them. This is similar to how the Israelites of the northern kingdom felt when the false gods they worshiped could not protect them from the Assyrians (1 Kings 12:28–29; 13:33–34; Hosea 8:5–6).

• ashamed when they trusted in Bethel: See 1 Kings 12:28–30.

Dibon and nearby Aroer were important cities in Moab.

When people heard that Moab was in ruins, panic quickly spread in the Arnon Valley.

Eleven Moabite villages would soon learn that Moab's military strength was broken. This meant the villages had no defense against the advancing enemy.

Moab hated Israel because they opposed the Lord.

• The Lord punished Moab and other nations for their sins, but this made him mourn.

• Kir-hareseth was the capital city of Moab.

The tribe of Reuben conquered and rebuilt Sibmah and Jazer (Numbers 32:3, 38; Joshua 13:19). They turned the high plateau east of the Dead Sea into vineyards.

• These verses describe the impact of the Lord's judgment on the Moabite people.

• The Moabite towns mentioned were along small rivers flowing east into the Dead Sea.

The Moabites showed their sorrow and grief through traditional actions. They shaved their heads and beards, cut their hands, and wore burlap clothing (Jeremiah 41:5; Job 1:20).

The Lord's judgment of Moab would make nearby countries realize they could face similar ruin as punishment.

The eagle symbolizes speed and surprise. It catches its prey and carries it away before the prey can react.

The people of Moab could not escape the terror (Hebrew pakhad), traps (Hebrew pakhath), and snares (Hebrew pakh).

• If the Moabites fled north, they would meet their enemies at Heshbon.

• fire has gone forth from Heshbon: (compare Numbers 21:28).

The Lord promised to show mercy to Moab. He said the people would prosper in the future.