Jeremiah 48:35
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Jeremiah 48:35
35 Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 48 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, mercy, faith. 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 48:35
35 Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.
Analysis
Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places (וְהִשְׁבַּתִּי לְמוֹאָב נְאֻם־יְהוָה מַעֲלֶה בָּמָה)—God will stop (shavat, שָׁבַת) Moab's worship at bamot (בָּמוֹת, high places)—elevated shrines for pagan worship, often to Chemosh (Moab's national deity, 1 Kings 11:7). And him that burneth incense to his gods (וּמַקְטִיר לֵאלֹהָיו). The word qatar (קָטַר) means to burn incense, to make sacrifices smoke—the central act of pagan worship.
This verse reveals judgment's spiritual dimension. God doesn't merely destroy Moab's political and economic structures—He ends their false worship. Their gods cannot save them; their high places will fall silent. This demonstrates Yahweh's sovereignty over all nations and the impotence of idols. When the true God acts in judgment, false gods are exposed as powerless. Moab's relationship with Chemosh (to whom they even sacrificed children, 2 Kings 3:27) made them particularly abominable. God's judgment includes religious purging.
Historical Context
Chemosh was Moab's primary deity, mentioned in the Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone, 840 BC). Worship at high places involved sacrifices, incense, and sometimes child sacrifice. Solomon built a high place for Chemosh near Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:7), which Josiah later destroyed (2 Kings 23:13). Moab's religion was deeply integrated with national identity; destroying their high places meant destroying their spiritual and cultural foundations. After Babylon's conquest, Moabite religion effectively ceased, fulfilling this prophecy. No more sacrifices to Chemosh are recorded in history.
Reflection
- How does God's judgment on false worship demonstrate that He is Lord over all nations, not just Israel?
- What does the cessation of Moab's religious practices teach about the impotence of idols when confronted by the true God?
- In what ways might we practice 'high place' worship—religious activities not directed to the one true God?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 15:2, 16:12