Jeremiah 48:33

Analysis & Commentary

And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field, and from the land of Moab (וְנֶאֶסְפָה שִׂמְחָה וָגִיל מִכַּרְמֶל וּמֵאֶרֶץ מוֹאָב)—The Hebrew simchah (שִׂמְחָה) and gil (גִּיל) both mean joy, gladness, rejoicing. These are harvest terms—the celebration accompanying grape gathering and wine production. This joy is 'taken' (asaph, אָסַף—gathered away, removed, withdrawn). God removes blessing, and with it, the joy that blessing produces.

I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses: none shall tread with shouting (וְיַיִן מִיקָבִים הִשְׁבַּתִּי לֹא־יִדְרֹךְ הֵידָד). The word shavat (שָׁבַת) means to cease, stop, rest—God actively stops wine production. Treading grapes was accompanied by joyful shouting (hedad, הֵידָד). Their shouting shall be no shouting—any cries will be of anguish, not celebration. The reversal is complete: sounds of joy become sounds of grief. This echoes the covenant curses of Deuteronomy 28:30-39—planting but not harvesting, because of covenant unfaithfulness.

Historical Context

Grape harvest in the ancient Near East was the year's most joyful celebration, similar to modern harvest festivals. Treading grapes in winepresses was communal, accompanied by rhythmic chanting and singing. Isaiah 16:9-10 contains nearly identical language about Moab's harvest joy being ended. The fulfillment came when Babylon conquered Moab (circa 582 BC), devastating agriculture and ending prosperity. This judgment parallels what Judah experienced—both nations lost their harvests and joy under divine discipline.

Questions for Reflection

• How does the removal of harvest joy illustrate that all human gladness depends on God's blessing?
• What does the silencing of joyful shouting teach about the comprehensive nature of divine judgment?
• In what ways should awareness that God gives and removes blessing shape our enjoyment of prosperity and productivity?