Jeremiah 48:5
For in the going up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up; for in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מַעֲלֵ֣ה
For in the going up
H4608
מַעֲלֵ֣ה
For in the going up
Strong's:
H4608
Word #:
2 of 13
an elevation, i.e., (concretely) acclivity or platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or (figuratively) priority
יַֽעֲלֶה
shall go up
H5927
יַֽעֲלֶה
shall go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
5 of 13
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְּמוֹרַ֣ד
for in the going down
H4174
בְּמוֹרַ֣ד
for in the going down
Strong's:
H4174
Word #:
8 of 13
a descent; as architecture, an ornamental appendage, perhaps a festoon
Historical Context
The paired cities Luhith and Horonaim marked the southern escape route from Moab's plateau toward Edom. Refugees would climb Luhith's ascent hoping for safety, then descend Horonaim's path toward the Dead Sea. Jeremiah depicts both routes filled with weeping, suggesting complete military encirclement.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the imagery of weeping 'going up' and 'going down' teach about the inescapability of consequences?
- How does this geographical detail demonstrate that rebellion against God leads to dead ends in every direction?
- Where in your life might you be seeking an escape route instead of repentance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
In the going up of Luhith (בְּמַעֲלֵה הַלּוּחִית bema'aleh haLuhit)—ma'aleh refers to an ascending path or stairway, while Luhith (possibly meaning 'tablet-place') was a mountain ascent south of Horonaim. Continual weeping shall go up (בְּבֶכִי יַעֲלֶה־בֶּכִי bevki ya'aleh-veki)—the Hebrew literally repeats 'weeping' for emphasis: 'with weeping, weeping goes up.' The repetition conveys unceasing, climbing grief.
Conversely, in the going down of Horonaim (בְּמוֹרַד חוֹרֹנַיִם bemorad Horonayim) depicts descent accompanied by a cry of destruction (צַעֲקַת־שֶׁבֶר tza'aqat-shever). Whether climbing upward or descending downward, in every direction, only anguish awaits—no escape, no refuge. This geographic poetry of despair shows judgment pervading every path, every option exhausted.