Jeremiah 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.
Original Language Analysis
לְמוֹאָ֡ב
Against Moab
H4124
לְמוֹאָ֡ב
Against Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
1 of 18
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֨ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֨ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֜וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֜וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
5 of 18
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 18
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֻׁדָּ֔דָה
for it is spoiled
H7703
שֻׁדָּ֔דָה
for it is spoiled
Strong's:
H7703
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
הֹבִ֥ישָׁה
is confounded
H3001
הֹבִ֥ישָׁה
is confounded
Strong's:
H3001
Word #:
13 of 18
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
נִלְכְּדָ֖ה
and taken
H3920
נִלְכְּדָ֖ה
and taken
Strong's:
H3920
Word #:
14 of 18
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
קִרְיָתָ֑יִם
Kiriathaim
H7156
קִרְיָתָ֑יִם
Kiriathaim
Strong's:
H7156
Word #:
15 of 18
kirjathaim, the name of two placed in palestine
הֹבִ֥ישָׁה
is confounded
H3001
הֹבִ֥ישָׁה
is confounded
Strong's:
H3001
Word #:
16 of 18
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
Historical Context
Jeremiah prophesied this oracle around 605-586 BC, likely fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces swept through Transjordan. Moab had maintained independence and prosperity through strategic alliances, making their judgment particularly shocking. These cities were key defensive positions in Moab's highland plateau.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern 'fortresses' (wealth, status, nation, ideology) do people trust instead of the LORD of hosts?
- How does God's judgment on pagan high places challenge cultural compromises in contemporary faith?
- What does the confounding of Moab's confidence teach about human self-sufficiency?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Against Moab (אֶל־מוֹאָב)—this oracle targets Israel's eastern neighbor, descendants of Lot's incestuous relationship (Genesis 19:37). The threefold judgment on Nebo, Kiriathaim, and Misgab demonstrates Yahweh's sovereignty over pagan high places. Nebo (נְבוֹ), ironically named after a Babylonian deity, is spoiled (שֻׁדָּדָה shudadah)—utterly devastated. The verb for confounded (הֹבִישָׁה hovisha) means shamed or put to shame, while dismayed (חַתָּה chattah) expresses terror-struck paralysis.
These fortified cities represented Moab's military confidence and religious pride. Their collapse reveals that no fortress, no deity, no human stronghold can withstand the LORD of hosts (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת)—the Commander of heaven's armies. This divine title emphasizes absolute power over all earthly powers.