Jeremiah 48:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 48:5
5 For in the going up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up; for in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 48 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, love, truth. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 48:5
5 For in the going up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up; for in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction.
Analysis
In the going up of Luhith (בְּמַעֲלֵה הַלּוּחִית bema'aleh haLuhit)—ma'aleh refers to an ascending path or stairway, while Luhith (possibly meaning 'tablet-place') was a mountain ascent south of Horonaim. Continual weeping shall go up (בְּבֶכִי יַעֲלֶה־בֶּכִי bevki ya'aleh-veki)—the Hebrew literally repeats 'weeping' for emphasis: 'with weeping, weeping goes up.' The repetition conveys unceasing, climbing grief.
Conversely, in the going down of Horonaim (בְּמוֹרַד חוֹרֹנַיִם bemorad Horonayim) depicts descent accompanied by a cry of destruction (צַעֲקַת־שֶׁבֶר tza'aqat-shever). Whether climbing upward or descending downward, in every direction, only anguish awaits—no escape, no refuge. This geographic poetry of despair shows judgment pervading every path, every option exhausted.
Historical Context
The paired cities Luhith and Horonaim marked the southern escape route from Moab's plateau toward Edom. Refugees would climb Luhith's ascent hoping for safety, then descend Horonaim's path toward the Dead Sea. Jeremiah depicts both routes filled with weeping, suggesting complete military encirclement.
Reflection
- What does the imagery of weeping 'going up' and 'going down' teach about the inescapability of consequences?
- How does this geographical detail demonstrate that rebellion against God leads to dead ends in every direction?
- Where in your life might you be seeking an escape route instead of repentance?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 15:5