Jeremiah 48:24
And upon Kerioth, and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
קְרִיּ֖וֹת
And upon Kerioth
H7152
קְרִיּ֖וֹת
And upon Kerioth
Strong's:
H7152
Word #:
2 of 11
kerioth, the name of two places in palestine
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעַ֗ל
H5921
וְעַ֗ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עָרֵי֙
and upon all the cities
H5892
עָרֵי֙
and upon all the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
7 of 11
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
9 of 11
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
Cross References
Amos 2:2But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth: and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet:Jeremiah 48:41Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.
Historical Context
Kerioth appears in Amos 2:2 as a target of divine judgment: 'I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth.' Bozrah (distinct from Edomite Bozrah) represented Moab's southern extent. The phrase 'far or near' indicates Babylon's thoroughness—the entire nation from northern to southern boundaries faced destruction. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread destruction of Moabite sites during the 6th century BC.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the phrase 'far or near' challenge assumptions that distance from centers of power or visibility might exempt from divine accountability?
- What does God's comprehensive judgment on 'all the cities' reveal about His omniscience and the impossibility of hiding from His justice?
- In what ways should the certainty of impartial divine judgment affect how we pray for and warn both prominent and obscure communities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And upon Kerioth, and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near (וְעַל־קְרִיּוֹת וְעַל־בָּצְרָה וְעַל כָּל־עָרֵי אֶרֶץ־מוֹאָב הָרְחֹקוֹת וְהַקְּרֹבוֹת)—Qeriyot (cities/Kerioth) was a major Moabite center, possibly the capital (Amos 2:2). Botsrah (fortress/sheepfold) represents southern Moab. The summary phrase 'far or near' (harechoqot vehaqrovot) emphasizes totality—distance provides no escape from divine judgment.
This comprehensive statement concludes the city catalog (vv. 21-24), moving from specific locations to universal application. Paul uses similar logic: 'There is no distinction; for all have sinned' (Romans 3:22-23). Geographic, economic, or military distinctions become irrelevant before God's impartial justice. Whether capital or village, fortress or farm, all stand equally accountable.