Jeremiah 48:22

Analysis & Commentary

And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Beth-diblathaim—Dibon (v. 18) reappears in this catalog. Nebo (Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed Canaan, Deuteronomy 34:1) held religious significance as a high place for Moabite worship. The Mesha Stele records Moab's capture of Nebo from Israel. Beth-diblathaim (house of the double fig-cake) suggests agricultural prosperity now devastated.

Nebo's inclusion is particularly poignant—the mountain where Moses died looking toward the Promised Land becomes a site of judgment. Places associated with divine revelation (Nebo) and human prosperity (Beth-diblathaim) both fall. Geography offers no protection; sacred history provides no immunity. Only covenant faithfulness to Yahweh preserves.

Historical Context

Mount Nebo, northeast of the Dead Sea, was a significant religious site for both Israelites (Moses's death) and Moabites (sanctuary to their gods). The Mesha Stele celebrates Moab's control of Nebo and describes building projects there. Dibon, mentioned again, was Moab's capital. Beth-diblathaim appears in Numbers 33:46 as an Israelite camping site during the wilderness journey.

Questions for Reflection

• How can places associated with genuine divine activity (like Nebo) later become sites of idolatry and judgment?
• What does Nebo's dual history (Moses's death, Moabite idolatry, now judgment) teach about the necessity of present faithfulness over past spiritual heritage?
• In what ways might contemporary Christians wrongly assume geographic or historical religious significance provides protection from divine judgment?