Jeremiah 48 - Introduction

Jeremiah 48:1-47 (LXX. Ch. Jeremiah 31:1-40). Prophecy against Moab

The comparative length of this utterance of itself makes it probable that it has been considerably expanded, and there is a general agreement among modern commentators on this head, though with a good deal of difference as to the parts to be considered secondary. Gi. makes the whole to be spurious. It is, however, unlikely that in the utterance of prophecies of this kind so important a people as Moab would be omitted. See on Jeremiah 48:3. On the other hand the fact that the ch. includes sometimes the substance, sometimes the actual words of Is. 15., 16; Amos 2:1-3; Zephaniah 2:8-10; cp. Numbers 24:17, and the probability that Israel's feelings of hatred towards Moab (Isaiah 25:10-12) would prompt later writers to expand a prophecy uttered against that nation, are a strong support to the view that we have here a great extension of the original utterance.

The ch. may be summarized as follows.

(i) Jeremiah 48:1. The cities of Moab are overthrown. It remains only to flee. Gods and their followers shall be led captive, city and country laid waste. The work is Jehovah's. Cursed be he who does it negligently. (ii) Jeremiah 48:11. Political disaster is new to Moab. He has not had the discipline which is now to be his lot. His god disappoints him, as Israel was disillusioned when they trusted in Beth-el. His chosen warriors are slain. Bewail ye his fate. Dibon is cast down. Aroer questions the fugitives for news. (iii) Jeremiah 48:20. Destruction is coming on Moab's many cities. As he mocked Israel, so shall he be himself a derision. O inhabitants, take refuge like doves in the rocks. (iv) Jeremiah 48:29. Moab's well-known haughtiness has ended in disaster. I will weep for her fruits and vineyards. Throughout the land there is woe. Worship has perforce ceased. Signs of mourning are on every side. Moab is a derision to all. (v) Jeremiah 48:40. The enemy shall descend like an eagle. The mightiest shall be terrorized. None shall escape the visitation or captivity. Yet in the end her fate shall be reversed.