Jeremiah 48:16
The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast.
Original Language Analysis
מוֹאָ֖ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֖ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
3 of 7
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
וְרָ֣עָת֔וֹ
and his affliction
H7451
וְרָ֣עָת֔וֹ
and his affliction
Strong's:
H7451
Word #:
5 of 7
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
Historical Context
This oracle likely dates to shortly before Nebuchadnezzar's western campaigns (c. 605-600 BC). Moab had watched Assyria destroy northern Israel (722 BC) and threaten Judah under Hezekiah (701 BC), yet continued in idolatry. The 'hastening' judgment came through multiple Babylonian incursions, culminating in campaigns that devastated Transjordan around 582 BC.
Questions for Reflection
- How does divine patience, rather than immediate judgment, demonstrate God's mercy and desire for repentance?
- What warnings about hastening judgment might apply to contemporary society or your personal spiritual condition?
- How should the certainty and imminence of God's judgment affect priorities, relationships, and daily choices?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The calamity of Moab is near to come (קָרוֹב אֵיד־מוֹאָב לָבוֹא)—The Hebrew eyd (calamity/disaster) is imminent (qarov, near). And his affliction hasteth fast (וְאֵידוֹ מִהַר מְאֹד)—The verb mahar (hastens/hurries) emphasizes the urgency and inevitability of coming judgment. This echoes prophetic urgency throughout Scripture: 'The end has come' (Ezekiel 7:6), 'The time is at hand' (Revelation 1:3).
The double emphasis (near/hastening) removes false hope in delayed judgment. Peter addresses this: 'The Lord is not slack concerning His promise' (2 Peter 3:9). God's patience should inspire repentance, not presumption. Moab's time had run out—the window for turning from Chemosh to Yahweh was closing.