Jeremiah 48:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 48:2
2 There shall be no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against it; come, and let us cut it off from being a nation. Also thou shalt be cut down, O Madmen; the sword shall pursue thee.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 48 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, salvation, discipleship. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 48:2
2 There shall be no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against it; come, and let us cut it off from being a nation. Also thou shalt be cut down, O Madmen; the sword shall pursue thee.
Analysis
There shall be no more praise of Moab (אֵין־עוֹד תְּהִלַּת מוֹאָב)—the Hebrew tehillat (praise/glory) is the same root used in Psalms. Moab's renown will cease entirely. In Heshbon (חֶשְׁבּוֹן), ironically meaning 'stronghold' or 'device,' enemies devise evil (חָשְׁבוּ רָעָה)—a wordplay showing that the city of 'devising' becomes the place where its own destruction is devised.
Cut it off from being a nation (נַכְרִיתֶנָּה מִגּוֹי nakritennah miggoy) uses the covenant curse language of karat (to cut off, destroy). The command to Madmen (מַדְמֵן)—possibly a wordplay on damam (to be silent/destroyed)—declares: thou shalt be cut down (תִּדֹּמִּי tiddommi, 'you shall be silenced'). The sword shall pursue (חֶרֶב תֵּלֶךְ אַחֲרָיִךְ)—relentless, inescapable judgment.
Historical Context
Heshbon, originally Amorite, had been contested between Israel and Moab for centuries (Numbers 21:26). Its strategic location on the King's Highway made it economically vital. This prophecy reverses Moab's historical boasting over territorial gains, fulfilling the curse pattern established in Deuteronomy 28.
Reflection
- How does the wordplay in Hebrew (Heshbon devising its own destruction) illustrate the principle that sin contains its own judgment?
- What national or personal 'praise' must end when it contradicts God's purposes?
- How does the pursuing sword image warn against thinking we can outrun consequences of rebellion?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 31:36, Numbers 32:37, Isaiah 16:14