Jeremiah 48:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 48:15
15 Moab is spoiled, and gone up out of her cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 48 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, righteousness, hope. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-47: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 48:15
15 Moab is spoiled, and gone up out of her cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.
Analysis
Moab is spoiled, and gone up out of her cities (שָׁדַד מוֹאָב וְעָרֶיהָ עָלָה)—The verb shadad (devastated/plundered) announces total military defeat. His chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter (וּמִבְחַר בַּחוּרָיו יָרְדוּ לַטָּבַח)—Moab's elite warriors (mivchar bachurav, choice of young men) descend to tabach (slaughter), the same word used for ritual animal sacrifice, suggesting their deaths are divine judgment, not merely military defeat.
Saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts (נְאֻם־הַמֶּלֶךְ יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת שְׁמוֹ)—This title emphasizes Yahweh's sovereign authority over all earthly kingdoms. Moab's king is nothing before Yahweh Tseva'ot, the Commander of heaven's armies. Human monarchy bows to divine kingship.
Historical Context
Jeremiah wrote during the neo-Babylonian empire's expansion under Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC). Archaeological evidence shows Moabite cities were destroyed during this period, with many sites abandoned. The phrase 'LORD of hosts' appears frequently in prophetic literature confronting false gods and earthly powers with the reality of Yahweh's supreme authority.
Reflection
- How does recognizing God as 'the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts' relativize all earthly powers and authorities?
- What does it mean that the strongest and best of Moab ('chosen young men') could not escape divine judgment?
- In what ways does God's sovereign kingship provide comfort to the oppressed while warning the proud and powerful?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Jeremiah 46:18, 51:57, Malachi 1:14
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 50:27