Jeremiah 48:20
Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,
Original Language Analysis
הֹבִ֥ישׁ
is confounded
H3001
הֹבִ֥ישׁ
is confounded
Strong's:
H3001
Word #:
1 of 11
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
מוֹאָֽב׃
Moab
H4124
מוֹאָֽב׃
Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
2 of 11
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חַ֖תָּה
for it is broken down
H2865
חַ֖תָּה
for it is broken down
Strong's:
H2865
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
הֵילִ֣יליּ׀
howl
H3213
הֵילִ֣יליּ׀
howl
Strong's:
H3213
Word #:
5 of 11
to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)
וּֽזְעָ֑קיּ
and cry
H2199
וּֽזְעָ֑קיּ
and cry
Strong's:
H2199
Word #:
6 of 11
to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly
הַגִּ֣ידוּ
tell
H5046
הַגִּ֣ידוּ
tell
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
בְאַרְנ֔וֹן
ye it in Arnon
H769
בְאַרְנ֔וֹן
ye it in Arnon
Strong's:
H769
Word #:
8 of 11
the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
The Arnon River (modern Wadi Mujib) formed Moab's central artery, a dramatic canyon cutting east-west through the plateau to the Dead Sea. Cities lined its banks, and the valley served as a communication corridor. Proclaiming Moab's fall 'in Arnon' ensured the message reached from the eastern desert to the Dead Sea coast, covering the nation's breadth.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Scripture sometimes command public proclamation of judgment rather than private mourning?
- How do shame and brokenness serve as prerequisites for genuine repentance and restoration?
- In what contexts should Christians today 'proclaim' warnings about divine judgment, and how should this be done faithfully?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moab is confounded; for it is broken down (הֹבִישׁ מוֹאָב כִּי־חַתָּה)—The verb hovish (put to shame/confounded) pairs with chattah (shattered/dismayed). Howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled (הֵילִילוּ וְזַעֲקוּ הַגִּידוּ בְאַרְנוֹן כִּי שֻׁדַּד מוֹאָב)—The imperative verbs heylilu (wail/howl) and zaʿaqu (cry out) demand public lamentation. Proclaiming at the Arnon River, Moab's geographic heart, ensures the news spreads throughout the nation.
The language echoes Joel's call to national mourning (Joel 1:5-13). Public confession of judgment serves multiple purposes: acknowledging God's justice, warning others, and potentially moving toward repentance. The repetition of 'spoiled' (shuddad) from v. 15 emphasizes complete devastation—military, economic, and psychological collapse.