Jeremiah Chapter 48 · Verse 35

Authorized King James Version

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Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.

Original Language Analysis

וְהִשְׁבַּתִּ֥י Moreover I will cause to cease H7673
וְהִשְׁבַּתִּ֥י Moreover I will cause to cease
Strong's: H7673
Word #: 1 of 8
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
לְמוֹאָ֖ב in Moab H4124
לְמוֹאָ֖ב in Moab
Strong's: H4124
Word #: 2 of 8
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
נְאֻם saith H5002
נְאֻם saith
Strong's: H5002
Word #: 3 of 8
an oracle
יְהוָ֑ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מַעֲלֶ֣ה him that offereth H5927
מַעֲלֶ֣ה him that offereth
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 5 of 8
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
בָמָ֔ה in the high places H1116
בָמָ֔ה in the high places
Strong's: H1116
Word #: 6 of 8
an elevation
וּמַקְטִ֖יר and him that burneth incense H6999
וּמַקְטִ֖יר and him that burneth incense
Strong's: H6999
Word #: 7 of 8
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
לֵאלֹהָֽיו׃ to his gods H430
לֵאלֹהָֽיו׃ to his gods
Strong's: H430
Word #: 8 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis & Commentary

Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places (וְהִשְׁבַּתִּי לְמוֹאָב נְאֻם־יְהוָה מַעֲלֶה בָּמָה)—God will stop (shavat, שָׁבַת) Moab's worship at bamot (בָּמוֹת, high places)—elevated shrines for pagan worship, often to Chemosh (Moab's national deity, 1 Kings 11:7). And him that burneth incense to his gods (וּמַקְטִיר לֵאלֹהָיו). The word qatar (קָטַר) means to burn incense, to make sacrifices smoke—the central act of pagan worship.

This verse reveals judgment's spiritual dimension. God doesn't merely destroy Moab's political and economic structures—He ends their false worship. Their gods cannot save them; their high places will fall silent. This demonstrates Yahweh's sovereignty over all nations and the impotence of idols. When the true God acts in judgment, false gods are exposed as powerless. Moab's relationship with Chemosh (to whom they even sacrificed children, 2 Kings 3:27) made them particularly abominable. God's judgment includes religious purging.

Historical Context

Chemosh was Moab's primary deity, mentioned in the Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone, 840 BC). Worship at high places involved sacrifices, incense, and sometimes child sacrifice. Solomon built a high place for Chemosh near Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:7), which Josiah later destroyed (2 Kings 23:13). Moab's religion was deeply integrated with national identity; destroying their high places meant destroying their spiritual and cultural foundations. After Babylon's conquest, Moabite religion effectively ceased, fulfilling this prophecy. No more sacrifices to Chemosh are recorded in history.

Questions for Reflection