Jeremiah 48:7
For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity with his priests and his princes together.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֠י
H3588
כִּ֠י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַ֣עַן
H3282
יַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
בִּטְחֵ֤ךְ
For because thou hast trusted
H982
בִּטְחֵ֤ךְ
For because thou hast trusted
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
בְּמַעֲשַׂ֙יִךְ֙
in thy works
H4639
בְּמַעֲשַׂ֙יִךְ֙
in thy works
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
4 of 14
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
תִּלָּכֵ֑דִי
thou shalt also be taken
H3920
תִּלָּכֵ֑דִי
thou shalt also be taken
Strong's:
H3920
Word #:
8 of 14
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
וְיָצָ֤א
shall go forth
H3318
וְיָצָ֤א
shall go forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
9 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
בַּגּוֹלָ֔ה
into captivity
H1473
בַּגּוֹלָ֔ה
into captivity
Strong's:
H1473
Word #:
11 of 14
exile; concretely and collectively exiles
כֹּהֲנָ֥יו
with his priests
H3548
כֹּהֲנָ֥יו
with his priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
12 of 14
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
Cross References
Numbers 21:29Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.Psalms 52:7Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.Jeremiah 49:3Howl, O Heshbon, for Ai is spoiled: cry, ye daughters of Rabbah, gird you with sackcloth; lament, and run to and fro by the hedges; for their king shall go into captivity, and his priests and his princes together.Jeremiah 9:23Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:Jeremiah 48:46Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives.Jeremiah 48:13And Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Beth-el their confidence.1 Timothy 6:17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;1 Kings 11:33Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.Hosea 10:13Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.
Historical Context
Moab, descended from Lot (Gen 19:37), had opposed Israel repeatedly. Their pride and self-sufficiency made them prime examples of human arrogance facing divine judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'works and treasures' do you unconsciously trust in for security?
- How does Moab's downfall warn against self-reliance rather than God-reliance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moab's trust in works and treasures led to downfall. The Hebrew 'ma'asim' (works) and 'otzerot' (treasures) represent human achievement and accumulated wealth - the twin pillars of self-reliance. God declares these insufficient - Chemosh (Moab's god) will go into captivity with his people. This echoes biblical warnings against trusting riches (Ps 49:6-7, 1 Tim 6:17) and works-righteousness (Eph 2:8-9).