Numbers 21:29
Woe 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.
Original Language Analysis
מוֹאָ֔ב
to thee Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֔ב
to thee Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
3 of 14
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
אָבַ֖דְתָּ
thou art undone
H6
אָבַ֖דְתָּ
thou art undone
Strong's:
H6
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
עַם
O people
H5971
עַם
O people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
נָתַ֨ן
he hath given
H5414
נָתַ֨ן
he hath given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בָּנָ֤יו
his sons
H1121
בָּנָ֤יו
his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וּבְנֹתָ֣יו
and his daughters
H1323
וּבְנֹתָ֣יו
and his daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
10 of 14
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
בַּשְּׁבִ֔ית
H7628
בַּשְּׁבִ֔ית
Strong's:
H7628
Word #:
11 of 14
exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty
Cross References
Jeremiah 48:46Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives.2 Kings 23:13And the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Zidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the king defile.Judges 11:24Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.Jeremiah 48:7For 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.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.1 Kings 11:7Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.
Historical Context
Chemosh worship involved child sacrifice (2 Kings 3:27) and ritual prostitution. Archaeological finds include the Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone), where King Mesha credits Chemosh with military victory over Israel—demonstrating that Moabites attributed political-military outcomes to their god, just as Israel attributed victories to Yahweh.
Questions for Reflection
- What false 'gods' in contemporary culture promise protection but deliver captivity to those who trust them?
- How does comparing Yahweh's actual deliverance with idols' empty promises strengthen your faith?
- Where might you be tempted to trust functional 'Chemoshes'—career, reputation, wealth—that cannot ultimately save?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh (כְּמוֹש, Kemosh)—Chemosh was Moab's national deity (1 Kings 11:7), here mocked for inability to protect his worshipers. He hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon—The false god delivers his own people to defeat, reversing expected divine protection. This taunt exposes pagan deities' impotence.
Jeremiah 48:46 later repeats this woe when Babylon conquers Moab, proving the ongoing validity of prophetic judgment. Chemosh's failure contrasts with Yahweh's faithfulness—Israel's God actually delivers, fights, conquers. The comparative theology is pointed: worship determines destiny.