Jeremiah 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.
Original Language Analysis
מוֹאָ֜ב
Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֜ב
Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
2 of 23
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
מִנְּעוּרָ֗יו
from his youth
H5271
מִנְּעוּרָ֗יו
from his youth
Strong's:
H5271
Word #:
3 of 23
(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)
הוּא֙
H1931
הוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 23
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
שְׁמָרָ֔יו
on his lees
H8105
שְׁמָרָ֔יו
on his lees
Strong's:
H8105
Word #:
7 of 23
something preserved, i.e., the settlings (plural only) of wine
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הוּרַ֤ק
and hath not been emptied
H7324
הוּרַ֤ק
and hath not been emptied
Strong's:
H7324
Word #:
9 of 23
to pour out (literally or figuratively), i.e., empty
כֶּ֔לִי
from vessel
H3627
כֶּ֔לִי
from vessel
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
10 of 23
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
כֶּ֔לִי
from vessel
H3627
כֶּ֔לִי
from vessel
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
12 of 23
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
וּבַגּוֹלָ֖ה
into captivity
H1473
וּבַגּוֹלָ֖ה
into captivity
Strong's:
H1473
Word #:
13 of 23
exile; concretely and collectively exiles
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָלָ֑ךְ
neither hath he gone
H1980
הָלָ֑ךְ
neither hath he gone
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
15 of 23
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֗ן
H3651
כֵּ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
17 of 23
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עָמַ֤ד
remained
H5975
עָמַ֤ד
remained
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
18 of 23
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
טַעְמוֹ֙
therefore his taste
H2940
טַעְמוֹ֙
therefore his taste
Strong's:
H2940
Word #:
19 of 23
properly, a taste, i.e., (figuratively) perception; by implication, intelligence; transitively, a mandate
Cross References
Zephaniah 1:12And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.Zechariah 1:15And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.Jeremiah 48:29We have heard the pride of Moab, (he is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart.Nahum 2:2For the LORD hath turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches.Isaiah 24:3The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word.Isaiah 16:6We 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.Psalms 123:4Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.Psalms 55:19God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
Historical Context
Unlike Israel and Judah who experienced conquest and exile, Moab remained relatively undisturbed for centuries. This prosperity bred arrogance and spiritual lethargy.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God used trials to prevent you from being 'settled on your lees'?
- What dangers accompany prolonged periods of ease and prosperity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moab's problem was ease and complacency - 'settled on his lees' (like wine undisturbed, keeping sediment). Never having experienced exile or defeat, Moab grew stagnant and proud. God's people benefit from trials that disturb complacency and refine character (Rom 5:3-5, James 1:2-4). Constant prosperity often produces spiritual stagnation rather than growth.