Jeremiah 48:4
Moab is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard.
Original Language Analysis
מוֹאָ֑ב
Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֑ב
Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
2 of 5
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
הִשְׁמִ֥יעוּ
to be heard
H8085
הִשְׁמִ֥יעוּ
to be heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 5
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern warfare regularly resulted in civilian casualties, particularly women and children. Jeremiah doesn't celebrate this suffering but records it as the tragic fruit of generational pride and idolatry. Moab's covenant relationship with Chemosh included child sacrifice (2 Kings 3:27), making this judgment grimly fitting.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the mention of children's cries challenge simplistic views of divine judgment?
- What responsibility do present generations bear for protecting future generations from the consequences of corporate sin?
- How should awareness of judgment's collateral damage inform our pursuit of justice and righteousness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moab is destroyed (נִשְׁבְּרָה מוֹאָב nishberah Moav)—the verb shabar means broken, shattered like pottery. This is irreparable destruction, not mere defeat. The pathos intensifies with her little ones have caused a cry to be heard (הִשְׁמִיעוּ צְעָקָה צְעִירֶיהָ hishmi'u tze'aqah tze'eireiha). The word tze'irim refers to small children or young ones—the most vulnerable, whose cries pierce the heavens.
This detail reveals God's comprehensive judgment encompasses entire populations, yet also God's awareness of individual suffering. The children's cries are heard—not ignored, not minimized. This doesn't contradict God's justice; rather, it demonstrates that national sin brings corporate consequences that affect the innocent, a sobering reality that should drive societies toward righteousness.