Jeremiah Chapter 48

Jeremiah Chapter 48 is a Prophecy against Moab
The historical background to the messages concerning Moab is uncertain. A logical time for them to have been uttered is after the Moabite' association with the Babylonians when Jehoiakim revolted in 601-600 B.C. (2 Ki.24:2). This was fulfilled by Nebuchadnezzar in 582 B.C. when he invaded that area in connection with the events described in Jeremiah 41. There are close parallels between Jeremiah 48 and Isaiah 15 & 16, but to what extent Jeremiah drew from Isaiah’s material is not known. Some reject this linking altogether, while others see Jeremiah summarizing what earlier prophets had spoken. It does seem to me, that Jeremiah was inspired by the prophecy in Isaiah 15 & 16.
https://godcannotlie.org/book_of_isaiah_ch.15.htm

Some Biblical facts about the man, Moab. Lot was the grandson of Terah, son of Haran, and nephew of Abram (Abraham). He was most likely born in Ur of the Chaldeans. Lot’s father Haran died without warning, and Lot was taken in by the rest of his family.
Gen. 19:30-38 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters. 31 And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: 32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. 33 And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. 34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. 35 And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. 36 Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. 37 And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day. 38 And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day. (KJV) . . . Gen.19:30–38 accounts for the origins of the nation of Moab. After Lot and his daughters escaped from Sodom, they lived in a cave in the hills near Zoar. Lot’s daughters got him drunk, and then they seduced him. Both conceived and bore children. Lot’s oldest daughter named her son Moab, from whom the Moabites descended, and Lot’s younger daughter called her son Ben-ammi, from whom the Ammonites descended. The name Moab means he is of my father, which is a perpetual reminder of Moab’s incestuous beginnings.

Moab is next kingdom set before Jeremiah the prophet, whom the LORD God has constituted judge over nations and kingdoms, and from his mouth to receive its doom. Isaiah's predictions concerning Moab had had their accomplishment (predictions of Isaiah 15 and 16 and Amos 2:1-3), and they were fulfilled when the Assyrians, under Salmanassar, invaded and troubled Moab. But this is a prophecy of the desolations of Moab by the Chaldeans, which was accomplished under Nebuzaradan, about five years after he had destroyed Jerusalem. Here is, (1). The destruction foretold, that it would be great and over-all, and would extend to all parts of the country (vs. 1-6, 8, 21-25, 34), that spoilers would come upon them and force some to flee (vs. 9), and would carry many into captivity (vs. 12, 46), that the enemy would come shortly (vs. 16), come quickly and surprise them (vs. 40-41), that he would do an in-depth work (vs. 10) and lay waste the country, and even though it was very strong (vs. 14-15), there would be no escaping (vs. 42, 45), that this would force them to give up their idols (vs. 13, 35) and put an end to all their joy (vs. 33-34), that their neighbors shall mourn for them (vs. 17-19) as the prophet himself does (vs. 31, 36). (2). The causes of this destruction given to them was their sin of pride, security and carnal confidence (vs. 7, 11, 14, 29), and their disrespect and hatred of God and His people (vs. 26-27, 30). There would be no escaping for Moab (vs. 42-45). (3). A gracious Promise of the restoration of Moab (vs. 47).

Great and General Destruction Foretold, That Would Extend
To All Parts of the Country (Jer. 48:1-6, 8, 21-25, 34)

Jer. 48:1 Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded and taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed. (KJV)

Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel . . . the prophecy concerning Moab is introduced with these descriptions of Almighty God, partly to show that the God of Israel was the only TRUE God, in opposition to the gods of Moab, and other nations; and partly to point out the LORD’S authority and power, being able to perform what He here states and threatens; as to suggest, that for the hostility of the Moabites to His people Israel, and their contempt of them, which is exposed in this Chapter, and the ill treatment of them, the LORD would now take vengeance on them. This prophecy, according to Josephus, had its fulfilment about five years after the destruction of Jerusalem.
Woe unto Nebo for it is spoiled . . . its walls broken down; its houses demolished; its inhabitants destroyed and plundered of their riches. This, in prophetic language, is represented as done, because of the certainty of it. Nebo (Isa.15:2), a considerable city, is thought to be a prophetic one, where there was a temple of their idol; and from where their priests gave out prophecies, promising peace, prosperity and safety to Moab; and so the desolation of that is first prophesied of, to show that no one should depend on those false prophecies.
Kirjathaim is confounded and taken . . . a city in the tribe of Reuben, which later came into the hands of the Moabites (Jos.13:19). The word is of the twofold form; and it might be a double city, like Jerusalem, consisting of a lower and upper city; or it might be divided by a river; or as some think, it was so called because it had two towers in it. It seems to be the same with Kir of Moab, Kirharesh, and Kirhareseth (Isa.15:1); when it was taken by the Chaldeans, the inhabitants were confounded, as having looked upon the place, and boasted that it was unassailable.
Misgab is confounded and dismayed . . . Misgab was so called because it was built on a high place and well-fortified . . . some think that it only indicates a high and fortified place; a place of refuge, where persons thought themselves safe. The Targum renders it, the house of their confidence . . . this, when besieged and taken by Babylon, threw the people into utmost confusion and panic. Some take it to be the same as Bamoth, a name of much the same signification (Jos.13:17; Isa.15:2).

Jer. 48:2 There shall be no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against it; come, and let us cut it off from being a nation. Also thou shalt be cut down, O Madmen; the sword shall pursue thee. (KJV)

There shall be no more praise of Moab . . . it shall no more be admired for a rich, populated and fruitful country, being now laid waste . . . as follows.
In Heshbon . . . concerning Heshbon, the sense is that there shall not be anyone any more in Heshbon, to praise the country of Moab, what a fine and fertile country it is, since that city will also be destroyed. There will be no more Moabites to boast of their being an inhabitant in Heshbon, for there shall be an utter destruction made of it. Heshbon had been a famous, strong, wealthy city, but is no more (Isa.15:4).
They have devised evil against it . . . the Chaldeans devised evil against Heshbon, to besiege it, take and destroy it: there is in the expression a beautiful reference to the name of the city of Heshbon, which has its name from a word that means to devise and consult;  
come, and let us cut it off from being a nation . . . this is what the Babylonians consulted together against Heshbon; and not only against it, a principal city; but against the whole country of Moab, to make such an entire desolation of it, that it would no more be a nation . . . that which the Moabites with others devised against the people of Israel  . . . is now devised against them; a just retaliation! Ps. 83:4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. (KJV)
Also thou shalt be cut down, O Madmen . . . this is a play on words on the meaning of madmen (silence) . . .  Thou shalt be brought to silence, so as well deserving the name (Isa.15:1). They shall not dare utter a sound.

*****The Chaldeans were based in Heshbon and used it as headquarters in attacking Moab (verses3, 45).

Jer. 48:3 A voice of crying shall be from Horonaim, spoiling and great destruction. (KJV)

A voice of crying shall be from Horonaim . . . another city of Moab. The word is of the dual number; and according to some, there were two Horons, the upper and the lower. Horonaim would also be destroyed (Isa.15:5); and a cry of the inhabitants would be heard.
Spoiling, and great destruction . . . the city was spoiled with a great destruction made in the people and riches of it.

Jer. 48:4 Moab is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard. (KJV)

Moab is destroyed . . . Moab was the name of both the whole country, and a main city in it. Some understand this to be the city.  
Her little ones have caused a cry to be heard . . . by her little ones some understand to be little children; while others think it is lesser magistrates, or the common people seeing their parents killed, and they being left desolate, and in the hands of the enemy; and not just that, but being dashed to pieces by them.

Jer. 48:5 For in the going up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up; for in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction. (KJV)

For in the going up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up . . . Luhith (Isa.15:5), is yet another city, which was built on a high hill, which had a considerable climb to it, where those that escaped from Horonaim might flee for safety; but as they went up the hill would weep bitterly, because of the loss of friends and provisions, and the danger they themselves were still in.
For in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction . . . Horonaim a place before mentioned, which lay low, in the descent of which, the enemies, the Chaldeans, heard the cries of those that fled from Horonaim, and went up from there to Luhith, which cries were as follows:

Jer. 48:6 Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness. (KJV)

Flee, save your lives . . . these are either the words of the Moabites, their cry of destruction mentioned in the latter part of verse 5; who, seeing nothing but ruin before their eyes, advise one another to flee quickly, and save their lives if possible, since nothing else could be saved . . . or else they are the words of the prophet, giving counsel to the Moabites to ready themselves to run for the safety of their lives, these being in great danger.
And be like the heath in the wilderness . . . heath grows in waste places. Some interpret it as a small tree that grows in dry and desert places; a low, naked, barren, fruitless shrub; indicating, that when they fled from their dwellings, they would be as lonely and stripped of all their good things, like a bare and naked shrub in a desert.

It Was Sin That Brought This Ruin Upon Them, Their Pride,
Security, and Carnal Confidence (Jer.48:7)

Jer. 48:7 For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity with his priests and his princes together. (KJV)

For because thou hast trusted in thy works . . . the strong fortifications they had made around their cities, thinking themselves safe in them. Some interpret it of their cattle and other possessions (1 Sam.25:2). It could be understood of their idols, the works of their hands, in which they placed their confidence; and therefore their chief god after mentioned, is threatened to be taken and carried away.
And in thy treasures . . . their gold and silver, and other riches they had heaped together.
Thou shalt also be taken . . . some particular city seems to be meant, maybe Moab, or Ar of Moab (verse 4); or Horonaim (verse 5).
And Chemosh shall go forth in captivity, with his priests and his princes together . . . Chemosh was the god of the Ammonites (Jud.11:24); and of the Moabites (1 Ki.11:7), so the Moabites are called the people of Chemosh (Num.21:29).

*****Chemosh was the grand-national idol of the Moabites, and it would go into captivity. Ancient idolaters used to take their gods with them to the field of battle. This was probably done imitating the Israelites, who took the ark of the covenant with them in such cases.

Jer. 48:8 And the spoiler shall come upon every city, and no city shall escape: the valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be destroyed, as the LORD hath spoken. (KJV)

And the spoiler shall come upon every city . . . the spoiler is Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his army. The Targum says, the spoilers, who came against and took every city of Moab, and wasted them. Josephus makes specific mention of Nebuchadnezzar subduing the Ammonites and Moabites.
And no city shall escape . . . the spoiler, and destruction by him.
The valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be destroyed, as the LORD hath spoken . . . not only the cities, and the people in them; but also the people of the valleys and plains. The Targum says, it would be destroyed; and also the corn that grew on the valleys and plains, and the flocks and herds that grazed there, exactly as the LORD had foretold.

Spoilers Would Come Upon Them and
Force Some to Flee (Jer.48:9)

Jer. 48:9 Give wings unto Moab, that it may flee and get away: for the cities thereof shall be desolate, without any to dwell therein. (KJV)

Give wings unto Moab that it may flee and get away . . . indicating that they were in great danger, and there was no probability of escaping, unless they had the wings of a bird (Ps.55:6).
For the cities thereof shall be desolate, without any to dwell therein . . . this expresses the total destruction of them.

*****This means the Moabites would need wings like a bird to escape the ruin which is to come on them. But . . . even if they had wings, they could not escape, for the LORD was determined that all the cities of Moab shall be brought to desolation, and as a result, no inhabitants shall be left in them.

Jer. 48:10 Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. (KJV)

Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully . . . this is said with regard to the Chaldeans, who were instructed to destroy the Moabites. This destruction is called the work of the LORD, because Almighty God had given them a command to do it; and which was to be done by them, not in a careless manner, but completely and faithfully. They were not to spare them, as Saul did the Amalekites (1 Sam.15). This is a universal rule, and applies to us today, which may be applied to all divine work and service . . . every man has work to do for God; some in a more public, others in a more private way . . . but all should be done in sincerity, with faithfulness and honesty. It should never be done deceitfully when men play the hypocrite; and carelessly when they are reluctant to do it, or are lukewarm in it (Rev.3:16), and rare in performing it; which shall bring the curse of God upon them; which is not a curse without cause, and is none other than the wrath of a Holy God in strict justice.
And cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood . . . from shedding the blood of the Moabites, when God had given command to do it. The curse is repeated, to confirm the matter, that it might be most certainly expected; since it would certainly come, if the LORD'S work was not done as He commanded.

*****Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully . . . Moab is doomed to destruction, and the LORD pronounces a curse on their enemies if they do not proceed to do utter destruction. Almighty God is the Author of life, and has a supreme right to dispose of it exactly as He pleases; and Moab had forfeited their right long ago by their idolatry and other sins. The idea here seems to be that those called to be God's instrument of chastening upon Moab were to be blessed in their work if they did it honestly and boldly; but if they did it half-heartedly and cowardly they would be cursed.

It Was Sin That Brought This Ruin Upon Them, Their Pride,
Security, and Carnal Confidence (Jer.48:11)

Jer. 48:11 Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed. (KJV)

Moab hath been at ease from his youth . . . lived in great peace and prosperity from the time they became a kingdom; being very little or rarely disturbed with wars by their neighbors, so they lived in prosperous and flourishing conditions, which caused their pride and arrogance, for which they were well known. This is a symbol of sinful men; who, although sinners from birth, and accountable to the curse of the law, were accountable to the way they lived and must come to judgment . . . yet they were stupid and quite at ease, having no thought of sin, nor feeling of the burden of its guilt, nor grief or trouble for it; no sense of danger, nor fear of Hell; but were in the utmost security: all which come from ignorance, hardness of heart, profaneness and unfaithfulness; no thought about their immortal souls in eternity; placing the evil day far from them; and being under the influence of Satan (1 John 3:10).
And he hath settled on his lees . . . a symbol taken from wine; meaning that the longer wine stays on the lees, the better body it has, and the richer and stronger it is; and here means the great serenity of the Moabites. They were not at all disturbed at the evil of sin; nor the wrath of God; His judgments on men; the last and awful judgment; or of the terrors of Hell; and those who trust in their own righteousness, and depend upon that for salvation, this certainly applies to people in our day and time. BEWARE!!!
https://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_it_there.htm
And hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel . . . like wine that has never been put into containers, they were never moved from place to place, but always continued in their land; in which they were a symbol of those who have never seen their own emptiness, nor their lack of the grace of God, and have never been emptied of sin, nor of their self-righteousness.
Neither hath he gone into captivity . . . this explains the symbol in the preceding clause; the Moabites had never been carried captive out of their own land into others; a symbol of those who have never seen their captive state to sin and Satan.
Therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed . . . his wealth, riches, and prosperity continued without any change; and too his sins and vices, idolatry, pride, luxury, and which were the cause of his ruin; a symbol of sinful men, whose taste is ruined by sin, and continues as it was in the beginning; they enjoy sin, and hate everything that is good; loving the things that are of the world, never the things of God . . . so are in a most dangerous condition.

Jer. 48:12 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles. (KJV)

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD . . . since this being their case, they should not continue in it; a change would be made, and that in a very short time, as there was; according to Josephus, it was about five years after the destruction of Jerusalem that the Moabites were subdued by the king of Babylon.
That I will send unto him wanderers that shall cause him to wander . . . the wanderers here are the Chaldeans, who wandered from their own country to conquer other people; who shall conquer the Moabites, and carry them into captivity. These Chaldeans, who wandered out of their own country to Moab, were directed by the wisdom of God to come there to do His work; and who, at first, might be treated by the Moabites with contempt, as vagrants, but would soon be made to know that they would cause them to wander; or would remove them out of their own country into other lands, particularly Babylon, to be vagrants there.
And shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles . . . Jeremiah had before compared the Moabites to wine settled on the lees, here he says that God would send those that would not only disturb and reel them, but ruin and destroy them.

This Should Force Them to Quit Their Idols (Jer.48:13, 35)

Jer. 48:13 And Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence. (KJV)

And Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh . . . his idol (verse 7); of his worship of him, his prayers to him, and his ridiculous confidence in him . . . for he was not able to save Moab from the destruction of the Chaldeans, nor from being carried captive by them; for Chemosh himself would also go into captivity.
As the house of Israel were ashamed of Bethel their confidence . . . meaning the golden calf that was set up in Bethel by Jeroboam, and which the ten tribes of Israel worshipped, and in which they trusted; but that could not save them from being carried captive by the Assyrians; and so were ashamed of it, and of their idolatrous worship and vain confidence. 1 Ki. 12:29 And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. (KJV)

It Would Lay the Country Quite Waste,
Even Though It Was Very Strong (Jer. 48:14-15)

Jer. 48:14 How say ye, We are mighty and strong men for the war? (KJV)

How say ye, We are mighty and strong men for the war? . . . the Moabites were proud and arrogant; boasting so much of their strength and courage; of the strength of their bodies, fitness for war and skill in it; and of the strength of their fortified cities. They thought themselves a match for any enemy, and secure from all danger . . . but for their pride, vanity and self-confidence, they are here reproved, since their destruction was at hand.

Jer. 48:15 Moab is spoiled, and gone up out of her cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts. (KJV)

Moab is spoiled . . . the whole country is ruined; which is spoken of as present (now), although it would be future, which was the way of prophecy, because of the certainty of it. The fortresses are spoiled and destroyed, into which the Moabites used to go up, being built on high places; or where they went for safety, the enemy being in their country, but in vain.
And gone up out of her cities . . . the inhabitants of Moab were gone up out of their cities, either through fear and flight, or them being forced to go, being carried captive.
And his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter . . . the select of them, for beauty, strength and bravery; these being taken, when the enemy entered the cities, were taken to some place of slaughter, and there put to death. All this was not said by the prophet, who was just a man, even though sent by God; but by the LORD Himself, as it follows.
Saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts . . . who is the King by way of eminency; the King of kings, and LORD of lords; SO much mightier than the king of Moab, or even than the king of Babylon; and the LORD of greater armies than either; and therefore what He said should certainly be accomplished. Rev. 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (KJV)

The Enemy Would Come Shortly (Jer.48:16)

Jer. 48:16 The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast. (KJV)

The calamity of Moab is near to come . . . as it did come within five years after the destruction of Jerusalem.
And his affliction hasteth fast . . . his evil, the evil of punishment for his sin; his utter destruction.

*****Calamity . . . is near . . . the inability to specifically date this chapter makes knowing how much time would elapse until the events of 582 B.C. difficult. But the fact that there is time for the people to flee shows that God is graciously giving opportunity for repentance and salvation to all people.

Their Neighbors Shall Mourn for Them (Jer.48:17-19)

Jer. 48:17 All ye that are about him, bemoan him; and all ye that know his name, say, How is the strong staff broken, and the beautiful rod! (KJV)

All ye that are about him, bemoan him . . . the neighboring nations around Moab, such as the Ammonites and others, are called upon to have sympathy for the sad case of Moab; all those on the borders of the country of Moab.
And all ye that know his name . . . Ps. 110:2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. (KJV) . . . Not only those that had heard of Moab’s fame and glory, but knew in what grandeur and splendor that he lived; these should mourn for them.
Say, how is the strong staff broken, and the beautiful rod! . . . the mighty men of war, the staff of the nation, in which they trusted, destroyed; their fortified cities demolished; the powerful kingdom, which ruled in great glory, and was cruel, terrible and troublesome to others, now was pulled down.

Jer. 48:18 Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, and he shall destroy thy strong holds. (KJV)

Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon . . . Dibon was a major city in Moab (Isa.15:2). Come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst . . . in a dry and thirsty land; lacking all the necessaries of life, in captivity . . . who before had abounded with all good things, and lived in a well-watered and fruitful area; but now called to vacate all their former glory and happiness, their fullness and happiness, and submit to great difficulties.
For the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, and he shall destroy thy strong holds . . . the spoiler is the king of Babylon and his army, who spoiled the other cities of Moab. He would come against Dibon also and take it, demolishing its fortifications, which they thought secure . . . these man-made defenses would not be able to protect it against the determined will of God.

Jer. 48:19 O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, and say, What is done? (KJV)

O inhabitant of Aroer . . . yet another city that belonged to Moab, situated on the border of it towards Ammon, near the river Arnon (Isa. 17:2).
Stand by the way, and espy . . . this place was further away, and is advised to watch for its own safety.
Ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth . . . ask every man or woman you see fleeing, having escaped the Chaldean army,  
And say, what is done? . . . ask every one what had been done, so that they may know when to pack and go. Ask what cities had been taken by the Chaldeans; what progress they have made; what was done to their cities, that they too may flee.

Jer. 48:20 Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled, (KJV)

Moab is confounded, for it is broken down . . . this is the answer they got, by those that had escaped and were fleeing. The report was that the whole country of Moab was in the utter confusion and panic; not being able to stand before the enemy, for he broke down and destroyed everything that was in his way . . . and so tells them to,
Howl and cry . . . because of the whole nation was in ruin, and they must expect to share the same fate; and they should prepare themselves and their neighbors for it, as follows,
Tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled . . . the country of Arnon, so called from a river of that name, on the banks of which Aroer was situated; the inhabitants of which would spread all over that part of the country, that Moab was utterly ruined by the Chaldean army; the details of which follow.

Great and General Destruction Foretold, That Would Extend
Itself to All Parts of the Country (Jer. 48: 21-25)

Jer. 48:21 And judgment is come upon the plain country; upon Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath, (KJV)

And judgment is come upon the plain country . . . of Moab, which was for the most part plain, especially that which lay near Arnon; the judgment of God's vengeance, for the punishment of their sin, came by the hand of the Chaldeans.
Upon Holon; a city of Moab . . . (Jos.15:51); it had its name possibly from the sandy ground on which it stood.
And upon Jahazah . . . the same as Jahaz (Isa.15:4), thought by some to be Jahazah (Jos.13:18).
And upon Mephaath . . . (Jos.13:18).

Jer. 48:22 And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Bethdiblathaim, (KJV)

And upon Dibon . . . whose destruction by this time was come upon it, as suggested in verse 18.
And upon Nebo . . . verse 1.
And upon Bethdiblathaim . . . the same as Almondiblathaim (Num.33:46) and Diblath (Eze.6:14).

Jer. 48:23 And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Bethgamul, and upon Bethmeon, (KJV)

And upon Kirjathaim . . . see verse 1.
And upon Bethgamul . . . this is the only place Bethgamul is mentioned in Scripture.
And upon Bethmeon . . . (Isa.15:2).

Jer. 48:24 And upon Kerioth, and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near. (KJV)

And upon Kerioth . . . which once belonged to the tribe of Judah (Jos.15:25). It is from this place Judas Iscariot is by some thought to have his name; the name means a man of Kerioth.  
And upon Bozrah . . . not in Idumea, but in Moab; the same as Bezer (Jos.21:36).
And upon all the cities of the land of Moab, for and near . . . all the rest of the cities not named, whether close or far away from Aroer.

Jer. 48:25 The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, saith the LORD. (KJV)

The horn of Moab is cut off . . . horn = power. The kingdom of Moab, high and strong, his power and strength, by which he defended himself and offended others, like a huge bull with his horns defends himself and scares others.
And his arm is broken, saith the LORD . . . so that he cannot hold a sword, or handle any weapon of war against the enemy, or do anything to annoy him, or in his own defense.

Their Disrespect and Hatred to God and His People (Jer.48:26-28)

Jer. 48:26 Make ye him drunken: for he magnified himself against the LORD: Moab also shall wallow in his vomit, and he also shall be in derision. (KJV)

Make ye him drunken . . . not with wine, but with the cup of Divine wrath; with the vengeance of God. The sore afflictions, calamities and judgments of Almighty God give him his fill of them, until he is quite intoxicated with them, and has lost his senses. He shall be brought to madness and distraction, reeling and staggering, he shall fall to the ground, like someone who is drunk.
For he magnified himself against the LORD . . . Moab made himself as great as the LORD, even set himself above the LORD; thought himself to be out of God’s reach; spoke proudly and shamefully of him, and blasphemed Him, saying He could not deliver His people, or destroy His and their enemies.
Moab also shall wallow in his vomit . . . as drunken men do. He shall dash his hands and feet against the ground as he lies in his vomit, as persons in such a condition do: or shall wring his hands for sorrow, being sick and in distress, and men shall laugh at him as he lies wallowing in it, rejoicing at his fall and ruin; as is expressed in the next clause.
And he also shall be in derision . . . shall be mocked, ridiculed and scorned as drunken men are. He shall be despised by others, as others have been despised by him; now it will be his turn to see how it feels!

Jer. 48:27 For was not Israel a derision unto thee? was he found among thieves? for since thou spakest of him, thou skippedst for joy. (KJV)

For was not Israel a derision unto thee? . . . in the time of Israrel’s calamity, when the ten tribes were carried captive by the Assyrians some years ago; and then the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin by the Chaldeans. The Moabites rejoiced at this, which they should not have done, upon the shared principles of humanity; and especially since they were not only neighbors, but kin, and according to the law of retaliation, it was only right that they should be ridiculed themselves.
Was he found among thieves? . . . that he should be a mockery to any, as thieves are when they are taken; men rejoice at it, insult them, and scorn them; but was this the case of Israel? Had he robbed any? Had he done any injury to Moab, or any other? No, so why this disrespect?
For since thou spakest of him, thou skippedst for joy; . . . whenever the Moabites spoke of the sufferings and disasters of Israel, and of their captivity, they laughed until they shook themselves; not only did they shake their heads, but their whole bodies.

Jer. 48:28 O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth. (KJV)

O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock . . . indicating that they would not be in safety in their strongest and most fortified cities, which would be besieged by the enemy and taken. Therefore they are advised to leave them, and flee to the rocks and mountains, that maybe they might be safe there.
And be like the dove, that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth . . . the dove, for fear of birds of prey, makes her nest inside a hole, or cleft of a rock, that she and her young may be safe from them; and which being pursued by the hawk, flies into a hollow rock or cavern.

Their Sin Brought This Ruin Upon Them, Their Pride,
Security and Carnal Confidence (Jer.48:29)

Jer. 48:29 We have heard the pride of Moab, (he is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart. (KJV)

We have heard the pride of Moab . . . pride (Isa.16:6-7). Moab broadcast of his own fame. Israel, and all the nations around it, had heard or seen the many examples of it.
The prophet here speaks for the nations; but it seems best for us to understand that it is of the LORD Himself, as appears from verse 30; and Who here speaks in the plural number, because of the number of Persons in the Godhead; as He does afterwards in the singular number, to represent the unity of the Divine Spirit.
(He is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart . . . Jeremiah adds loftiness and arrogancy to what Isaiah had said, showing that Moab had not only NOT been bettered by the chastisement they endured before, as foretold by Isaiah, but had become much worse; so that his guilt of sin and his sentence of punishment, are increased now. Many times Moab's pride (or the synonyms) are mentioned, to show the LORD’S great hate of his sin.

*****(He is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart . . . many words, all expressing the same thing; stating that the examples of Moab’s pride were many, and that it was indeed great. These many words reveal that the LORD, through Jeremiah, wanted to fully declare their sin. The same was observed in Isaiah's time, and in much the same language; only more words are here used, to show that Moab’s pride had increased since that time. Isa. 16:6 We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so. (KJV)

Jer. 48:30 I know his wrath, saith the LORD; but it shall not be so; his lies shall not so effect it. (KJV)

I know his wrath, saith the LORD . . . against the Jews, and other nations; what he has threatened to do unto them, and would do if not restrained.
But it shall not be so . . . for the LORD has decided in His Mind, and threatened in His wrath; that all Moab’s swelling thoughts and big words shall come to nothing.
His lies shall not so effect it . . . it shall not be according to Moab’s words; they all will prove to be lies, and to no effect. Isa.44:25 That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish; (KJV) . . . Moab’s diviners have deceived him with their lying prophecies; making him swell up with pride; and bringing him to utter ruin, because he trusted them.

The Prophet Himself Mourns (Jer.48:31)

Jer. 48:31 Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kirheres. (KJV)

Therefore will I howl for Moab . . . Jeremiah was a man affected with the miseries of a very wicked people, which miseries they deserved. He does not plan to express the affections of his own heart, but to show what reason the Moabites would have to howl for the calamities of their country. As some say, the prophet here speaks for the people of Moab. Isa.16:7 Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken. (KJV)   
And I will cry out for all Moab . . . the entire country of Moab, which would become desolate.
Mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kirheres . . . Kirheres is the same as Kirhareseth, a city of Moab (Isa.16:7); whose foundations would be shattered, the city taken, and the men of it put to the sword, or caused to flee. Their case being disgraceful, the prophet says his heart should mourn for them, like a dove.

Jer. 48:32 O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer: thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach even to the sea of Jazer: the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage. (KJV)

O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer . . . Sibmah was a city in the land of Moab that abounded with vines, but now would be destroyed. Jazer was another city in the same country, which was destroyed before Sibmah, therefore its destruction should be lamented and wept over, just as that had been. Isa.16:9 Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen. (KJV)
Thy plants are gone over the sea . . . these plants seems to symbolize the multitudes of those that living in Sibmah, and the villages of it, which extended beyond the Dead Sea, even to the sea of Jazer; but as fruitful as this vine was, and extensive as its branches were, they would be destroyed.
They reach even to the sea of Jazer . . . a lake or coming together of water near to Jazer, called a sea; as it was usual with the Jews to call such seas; such as the sea of Tiberias (John.6:1; 21:1).
The spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits, and upon thy vintage . . . the king of Babylon, came upon them with his army in the summer season, and at the time of their vintage, and devoured the fruits of their vines and fig trees, with which this country abounded; and so impoverished and ruined them.

*****We also can read of this vine of Sibmah (Isa.16:8-9). Both Sibmah and Jazer were places in the portion of Reuben  (Jos.13:18-19). Sibmah was probably a place famous in those days for vines and vineyards. It seems that Jazer was taken first, and carried into captivity, which caused great mourning. The prophet foretells such a weeping for Sibmah as was for Jazer. By plants, he means the inhabitants of Sibmah, which he prophesieth would be carried into captivity over the Dead Sea. As a worsening of the judgment that would come upon them, the LORD, by His prophet, tells them that the spoiler would come down on them in their harvest time.

An End Put to All Their Joy (Jer. 48:33-34)

Jer. 48:33 And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field, and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses: none shall tread with shouting; their shouting shall be no shouting. (KJV)

And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field . . . or, from Carmel; not Mount Carmel in the land of Israel; for the prophecy is of Moab; though that reached to Sibmah; but here it means any fruitful place, like Carmel, where there was good pasture, corn and fruit bearing trees, which produced an abundance of good things, and caused joy to the owners of them . . . but now all would be destroyed by the enemy, and there would be NO joy and gladness.
And from the land of Moab . . . from all parts of Moab, where there used to be plenty, which brought joy.
And I have caused wine to fail from the wine presses . . . there being no grapes to put into the presses, nor men to tread them . . . any grapes to be put in and trodden, would not be the owners, but the enemy that would have the wine. These are the words of the LORD, who has control of the clearance of the fruits of the Earth.
None shall tread with shouting . . . treaders in the wine press used to shout, to make their work easier, and the time to pass by more enjoyably; but now there would be neither treading nor shouting.
Their shouting shall be no shouting . . . not a shouting of joy, as used to be when they trod out the wine; but now would be a cry of mourning and weeping, because of the sword of the enemy. Isa.16:10 And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease. (KJV)

***** The time of harvest was when the farmers reaped the fruit of all their labors of the preceding year, and was usually a time of great joy; but here Jeremiah foretells them there would be no such rejoicing, for they would have no wine from the winepresses, there would be no shouting as used to be in the time of harvest and of vintage. For verses Jer.48:32-33, see Isa.16:8-10.

Jer. 48:34 From the cry of Heshbon even unto Elealeh, and even unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice, from Zoar even unto Horonaim, as an heifer of three years old: for the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate. (KJV)

From the cry of Heshbon even unto Elealeh . . . two cities in the land of Moab (Isa.15:9). There will be continued cries in all quarters, from one end of the country to the other; slaughter and death will be everywhere.
And even unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice . . . another city of Moab (Isa.15:8); which also was laid waste, and where the Moabites uttered their voice of weeping because of it.
From Zoar even unto Horonaim, as an heifer of three years old . . . the destruction would go on to Zoar, and on to Horonaim (Isa.15:5). The cry of the distressed, and of those that flee, would also go from place to place; and be as loud and as strong, and heard as far as the bellowing of a heifer of three years old. Some say that the voice in all female creatures is smaller and shriller, except the ox; for the voice of the females of that creature is stronger than in the males; and also that the taming of these creatures is more difficult when they are three years old.
For the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate . . . being disturbed by the Chaldean army, their horses treading them with their feet, and so fouling them; or being mixed with the blood of the slain, and so was unfit to drink (Isa.15:6).

This Should Force Them to Stop Their Idolatry (Jer.48:35)

Jer. 48:35 Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods. (KJV)

Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places . . . meaning burnt offerings, because the priest shall be taken and carried captive (verse 7), including every one of them; so that there will not be one left to offer sacrifices to this vain thing.
And him that burneth incense to his gods . . . and all of them that burn incense to these idols, Chemosh and others that the Moabites worshipped. This tells us that idolatry was one of the sins for which Moab was punished. All the places and all kinds of people would suffer in this calamity . . . idolatrous places, priests and worshippers of idols.

The Prophet Himself Mourns (Jer.48:36)

Jer. 48:36 Therefore mine heart shall sound for Moab like pipes, and mine heart shall sound like pipes for the men of Kirheres: because the riches that he hath gotten are perished. (KJV)

Therefore my heart shall sound for Moab like pipes . . . mournful sounds on times of funerals (Mat.9:23). This seems to be what the prophet said in behalf of the inhabitants of Moab; whose hearts would mourn for the calamities of their country like the doleful sound of minstrels.
And my heart shall sound like pipes for the men of Kirheres . . . as for the country of Moab in general, but for this main city and the inhabitants of it, in particular (Isa 16:11).
Because the riches that he hath gotten is perished . . . either Moab or Kirheres; the abundance of goods they had gotten together were now totally lost, falling into the hands of the enemy; which was a matter of great lamentation. The Targum is, for the rest of their substance they had got were spoiled. Some understand this to be the few that escaped the sword, would perish by famine or other ways (Isa.15:7).

Jer. 48:37 For every head shall be bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands shall be cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth. (KJV)

For every head shall be bald, and every beard clipped . . . men, in times of mourning, would pluck off the hairs of their head until they were bald, and shaved their beards; which, some say, was the glory of their faces (Isa.15:2).
Upon all the hands shall be cuttings . . . it was usual with the Heathens to make incisions in the several parts of their bodies, particularly in their hands and arms, with their nails, or with knives, as a sign of mourning; which was forbidden to the Israelites (Deu.14:1).
And upon the loins sackcloth . . . this is a well-known custom for mourners, to take off their clothes and put on sackcloth. All these things are mentioned, to show how great the mourning of Moab was for the calamities of it.

Jer. 48:38 There shall be lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, saith the LORD. (KJV)

There shall be lamentation generally . . . the entire country of Moab shall be in mourning; all are full of mourning; all persons, places and things express nothing but mourning. No matter where they go, they will see sorrow and weeping.
Upon all the house tops of Moab, and in the streets thereof . . . the mourning was general, it was public and seen by everyone, everywhere (Isa.15:3).
For I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, saith the LORD . . . like a clay pot, which if the potter does not like, takes it and smashes it to pieces; into a thousand shivers, as the word here means, and can never be put together again; or as a filthy unclean vessel a man cannot bear in his sight. Moab is by the LORD called His wash pot. Ps.60:8 Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me. (KJV)  . . . The Moabites were vessels of wrath, fitted for destruction by their own sins; and now the time was come.

Jer. 48:39 They shall howl, saying, How is it broken down! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him. (KJV)

They shall howl, saying, how is it broken down! . . . how is it broken? They howl out these words, and while they are howling, say, how is Kirheres or Moab broken all to pieces? Yet Almighty God quenched their power and glory, putting their main cities and their mighty men in the greatest shock and confusion!
How hath Moab turned the back with shame! . . . not being able to look their enemies in the face, but forced to flee before them.
So shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him . . . (verses 26-27) a mockery to their enemies, as Israel had been to them, and so they now know how it feels. They are a worry to others, their friends, who fear sharing the same fate, at the hands of the Chaldeans.

It Would Come Quickly and Surprise Them (Jer.48:40-41)

Jer. 48:40 For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab. (KJV)

For thus saith the LORD, behold, he shall fly as an eagle . . . Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, with his army; is compared to an eagle for his strength, swiftness and great appetite for prey.
And shall spread his wings over Moab . . . just as an eagle spreads its large wings over the little birds it seizes as its prey; so too, the king of Babylon would bring a large army against Moab, and spread it over Moab.

Jer. 48:41 Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs. (KJV)

Kerioth is taken . . a city in Moab (verse 24); some render this the cities, and means every one of the cities of Moab, were as easily and quickly taken as one city.
And the strong holds are surprised . . . every one of the strongholds, so that there was not a city, or a fortified place, but that did not come into the enemies' hands. These may mean the cities in the plain, as well as the strong holds in high places.
And the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs . . . even the hearts of the bravest soldiers, and the most courageous generals, shall sink within them. Isa.13:8 And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. (KJV)

*****The strong-holds of Moab are taken by surprise, so that all their strength was utterly gone. This made the hearts of even their most mighty men to fail, for they did not have time to put their strength in action. It would have taken much more than an ordinary degree of courage not to be afraid of the sudden and unexpected fear that came upon them.

There Would Be No Escaping (Jer.48:42-45)

Jer. 48:42 And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the LORD. (KJV)

And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people . . . they would be destroyed from being a people for a while, but not for always, because the captivity of Moab is promised to be returned (verse 47).
Because he hath magnified himself against the LORD . . .  Moab always ‘blew his own horn about how great he was’. His pride and arrogance was the cause of his destruction.
Jer.48:26 Make ye him drunken: for he magnified himself against the LORD: Moab also shall wallow in his vomit, and he also shall be in derision. (KJV)  

*****The present-day Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on the east bank of the Jordan River occupies the same land that the country of Moab and its people once occupied. But the LORD is not yet through with the people of Moab (verse 47). I do not know where they are today, but rest assured, Almighty God knows exactly where they are.

Jer. 48:43 Fear, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD. (KJV)

Fear, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon thee . . . a well-known expression, state that if they escaped one danger or painful judgment, they would fall into a greater one. This seems to be taken from: Isa.24:18 And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake. (KJV)
O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD . . . what is said in the prophecy of Isaiah seems to mean the inhabitants of the Earth in general, and is here applied to the inhabitants of Moab.

Jer. 48:44 He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, even upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD. (KJV)

He that fleeth from the fear . . . of terrible enemies he is afraid of, dares not face them, but flees to escape them.
Shall fall into the pit . . . into some kind of misfortune or another.
And he that getteth out of the pit shall be taken in the snare . . . laid by the enemy for him, and so shall fall into his hands. Some very cleverly observes that the allusion is to the hunting of deer, when first a line of feathers of various colors is placed to frighten them; and if they get over that, then there is a pit dug for them, to catch them in; and if they get out of that, a snare is laid to take them; so that they rarely escape: and thus it would be with the Moabites, if they got rid of a first and second danger, a third would involve them; their destruction was certain, as follows; see Isaiah 24:18;
For I will bring upon it, even upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD . . . a way of wrath and punishment; for which there was a time fixed, and was now at hand, and would speedily take place, according to the will and Word of the LORD, of which Moab might be assured; for he is expressed by name, that it should be quite clear who was intended.

*****As in: Isa.24:18 And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake. (KJV) . . . Upon the report of some terrible evil coming towards him; he flees from a fearful noise that will be made, the voices and thunders heard in the heavens above, the sea and waves roaring below; or from wars, and rumors of wars and terrible armies approaching and pursuing (Mat.24:6-7; Lk.21:9, 25). When one tries to avoid one danger, by so doing he plunges quickly into a much greater trouble (Job 15:21; Ps.94:13). The windows from on high are opened, and the foundations of the earth do shake . . . both Heaven and Earth seem to unite against him. Isaiah refers to the flood of waters which Almighty God can pour down from Heaven, and to the earthquakes which He often causes below. And the foundations of the earth do shake . . . this may possibly refer to the termination of the world that may be attended with a general earthquake (Isa.29:6; Zec.14:4-5; Rev.16:18); or this may mean the dread and terror that will seize the inhabitants of it, or both.

Jer. 48:45 They that fled stood under the shadow of Heshbon because of the force: but a fire shall come forth out of Heshbon, and a flame from the midst of Sihon, and shall devour the corner of Moab, and the crown of the head of the tumultuous ones. (KJV)

They that fled stood under the shadow of Heshbon, because of the force . . . Heshbon was a strong city in the land of Moab, to which many of the Moabites went to in the time of their calamity; thinking they would be sheltered, under the protection of it, from the fury of the Chaldean army. There they fled, and there they stood, thinking they were safe, because of the strength of this city.  
But a fire shall come forth out of Heshbon, and a flame from the midst of Sihon . . .
Heshbon is the same as Sihon. Flame of fire means that the Chaldeans would make themselves masters of Heshbon, this strong city that the Moabites trusted; and from there would go out like a flaming fire, spreading themselves all over the country, destroying it.
And shall devour the corner of Moab . . . the whole country, even to the borders of it. Great men are sometimes called a corner (Zec.10:4).
And the crown of the head of the tumultuous ones . . . not the common people that were riotous, but of the great ones, who strutted and boasted, making a noise about their riches and strength . . . but now would have their heads broken and their pride and glory laid in the dust.

Jer. 48:46 Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives. (KJV)

Woe be unto thee, O Moab! . . . the people of Moab who worshipped Chemosh perished (verse 7). The people of Moab worshipped the idol Chemosh, just as the people of Israel worshipped the LORD God.
For thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives . . . this explains the woe that would come upon them, and in what way they would perish; since their sons and daughters, who they hoped would have continued their name and nation, were taken, and would be carried captives into Babylon (Num.21:29).

A Promise of the Restoration of Moab (Jer.48:47)

Jer. 48:47 Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far is the judgment of Moab. (KJV)

Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter day, saith the LORD . . . restoration is promised to Moab, for the sake of righteous Lot, their ancestor (Gen.19:37; Ex.20:6; Ps.89:30-33). It seems to me that Gospel blessings, temporal and spiritual, to the Gentiles in the last days, are also intended.
Thus far is the judgment of Moab . . . thus far is the prophecy concerning the destruction of Moab; this is the conclusion of it; here it ends, being a long one.

*****Moab’s destruction is not a perpetual one, because this Chapter concludes with a short Promise of their return out of captivity in the latter days. God, who brings them into captivity, will bring them out of captivity. So the LORD tenderly deals with Moabites, and so much more with His own people! Even with Moabites the LORD will not contend for ever (Isa.57:16), nor will He be always angry. When Israel returned, Moab returned; and maybe the prophecy was intended mainly to encourage God's people to hope for that salvation which even Moabites shall share in. Yet I think it looks further, to Gospel times; which the Jews refer to as the Days of the Messiah; then the captivity of the Gentiles, under the yoke of sin and Satan, shall be brought back by the divine grace of God, which shall make them free, and free indeed (Jn.8:36). This prophecy concerning Moab is long, but here it ends comfortably.  

Book of Jeremiah

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