Jeremiah 48:30
I know his wrath, saith the LORD; but it shall not be so; his lies shall not so effect it.
Original Language Analysis
יָדַ֨עְתִּ֨י
I know
H3045
יָדַ֨עְתִּ֨י
I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 11
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כֵ֑ן
H3651
כֵ֑ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Moab had historically boasted of strength and plotted against Israel. The Moabite Stone (circa 840 BC) records King Mesha's boast of defeating Israel and attributing it to his god Chemosh. Such pride characterized Moab's self-perception. But Jeremiah declares their boasting is empty—their wrath cannot prevent God's judgment. History vindicated this prophecy: Moab ceased to exist as a nation after the Babylonian conquest, absorbed into larger empires and eventually disappearing from history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's declaration that Moab's wrath 'shall not be so' demonstrate His absolute sovereignty over human rage and plans?
- What comfort does this verse offer when facing hostile forces that boast and threaten against God's people?
- In what ways might we rely on our own wrath or empty boasting rather than trusting God's purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I know his wrath, saith the LORD (יָדַעְתִּי עֶבְרָתוֹ נְאֻם־יְהוָה)—God declares intimate knowledge of Moab's fury and arrogance. The Hebrew evrah (עֶבְרָה) means outburst, overflow, fury—violent anger expressed in hostile actions and boastful words. But it shall not be so; his lies shall not so effect it (וְלֹא־כֵן בַּדָּיו לֹא־כֵן עָשׂוּ). The word bad (בַּד) means empty talk, boasting, idle claims—Moab's threats and proud declarations are vapor.
This verse exposes the impotence of rage apart from divine approval. Moab's wrath and boasting accomplish nothing because God opposes them. Their lies (bad) cannot effect (עָשׂוּ, asah—do, accomplish, make) their desired outcomes. Human fury, however violent, cannot override divine decree. This principle appears throughout Scripture: God laughs at nations raging against His purposes (Psalm 2:1-4). Moab's pride produces only empty threats.