Jeremiah Chapter 48 · Verse 28

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth.

Original Language Analysis

עִזְב֤וּ leave H5800
עִזְב֤וּ leave
Strong's: H5800
Word #: 1 of 12
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
עָרִים֙ the cities H5892
עָרִים֙ the cities
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 2 of 12
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְשִׁכְנ֣וּ and dwell H7931
וְשִׁכְנ֣וּ and dwell
Strong's: H7931
Word #: 3 of 12
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
בַּסֶּ֔לַע in the rock H5553
בַּסֶּ֔לַע in the rock
Strong's: H5553
Word #: 4 of 12
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
יֹשְׁבֵ֖י O ye that dwell H3427
יֹשְׁבֵ֖י O ye that dwell
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 5 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
מוֹאָ֑ב in Moab H4124
מוֹאָ֑ב in Moab
Strong's: H4124
Word #: 6 of 12
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
וִֽהְי֣וּ H1961
וִֽהְי֣וּ
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 7 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְיוֹנָ֔ה and be like the dove H3123
כְיוֹנָ֔ה and be like the dove
Strong's: H3123
Word #: 8 of 12
a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)
תְּקַנֵּ֖ן that maketh her nest H7077
תְּקַנֵּ֖ן that maketh her nest
Strong's: H7077
Word #: 9 of 12
to nestle, i.e., build or occupy as a nest
בְּעֶבְרֵ֥י in the sides H5676
בְּעֶבְרֵ֥י in the sides
Strong's: H5676
Word #: 10 of 12
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
פִי mouth H6310
פִי mouth
Strong's: H6310
Word #: 11 of 12
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
פָֽחַת׃ of the hole's H6354
פָֽחַת׃ of the hole's
Strong's: H6354
Word #: 12 of 12
a pit, especially for catching animals

Analysis & Commentary

O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock (עִזְבוּ עָרִים וְשִׁכְנוּ בַּסָּלַע)—God commands Moab to abandon their fortified cities and flee to caves in the rocky cliffs. The Hebrew sela (סֶלַע) means cliff, crag, or rocky stronghold—natural defensive positions but primitive compared to urban fortifications. This reverses their security: cities, symbols of civilization and strength, will become death traps; wilderness caves will be refuges.

Be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth (כְּיוֹנָה תְּקַנֵּן בְּעֶבְרֵי פִי־פָחַת). Rock doves nest in cliff crevices for protection from predators. Moab must become like frightened birds fleeing to remote, inaccessible places. This imagery depicts complete vulnerability and loss of national dignity—from proud urban dwellers to refugees hiding in caves. The irony is sharp: Moab's pride (v. 29) will be humbled to animal-like subsistence.

Historical Context

Moab's territory east of the Dead Sea featured both agricultural plains with cities like Kir-hareseth and rugged wilderness with limestone cliffs full of caves. These formations provided natural fortresses during invasions. Archaeological evidence shows cave occupation during various periods of upheaval. Jeremiah prophesied during Babylon's westward expansion (605-586 BC); Moab eventually fell to Nebuchadnezzar. The command to flee cities echoes Jesus' warning about Jerusalem's coming destruction (Luke 21:20-21)—when judgment comes, urban centers become traps.

Questions for Reflection