Title: Prophecy against Moab/Jeremiah 48
Content Prophecy against Moab
Jeremiah 48
1. The desolation of the cities of Moab (1-10)
① Prophecy of destruction throughout Moab (1-5)
② Destruction of all social and religious spheres of Moab (6-10)
In this paragraph God's judgment on Moab is declared. These prophecies are the same as those already declared through the prophet Isaiah. Jeremiah says that Nebo will be desolated, Mizkab will be put to shame, rebellion will be held at Heshbon, the city of Mattmen will be desolate, and the cry of destruction from Horonaim. In this way, God's judgment will come upon the entire land of Moab.
Although the Moabites will desperately flee to escape the wrath of imminent wrath, they will find themselves in a dire situation like a deserted and lonely bush. Because Moab, like Judah, trusts in his idol Chemosh and wealth, and is judged by God and taken into captivity. God uses the nations as a tool to make known to the world His justice by destroying Moab, who had neglected to serve Him. This paragraph makes it clear that the destruction of the sinner is inevitable, and that there is no place in this world where they can escape from God's judgment.
2. Causes of the destruction of Moab (11-35)
① The first cause of the destruction of Moab - idolatry (11-25)
② The second cause of the destruction of Moab - A proud heart (26-35)
Moab has hitherto been a relatively peaceful nation, but it will be destroyed by pride. Jeremiah likens Moab to wine that remains on the dross without pouring from one vessel to another. This is an expression of the overly arrogant Moabites. Moab did not feel the harsh realities of captivity, like unpoured wine, and did not change their attitude in the slightest. But God will, in due time, convince him of his pride because of Moab. That is, Moab will be put to shame because of Chemosh as Israel was put to shame when they believed in Bethel. Under these circumstances, Moab disrespected God and trusted the warriors who were valiant in battle. But not only will they be unable to prevent ruin, but they will soon be slaughtered. In the end, Moab, who did not trust in God and prayed for safety through military and economic power, reached complete destruction.
In particular, Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of Moab with two symbols. First, the horns of Moab will be cut off. The horn is a symbol of strength. Second, the arm of Moab will be broken. Paro is a symbol of power. Eventually, Moab's national power will decline and eventually fall. Because Moab disregarded God, they will slip on their vomit and be ridiculed by others, eventually abandoning the city and hiding in a rock from their enemies. Indulging in pride due to the enjoyment of relative peace, they disregarded and looked down on God and met a miserable end.
God hates human pride above all else.
3. The shame of Moab and the salvation of God to the Gentiles (36-47)
① The judgment and shame that Moab will face in the future (36-44)
② Implication of God’s salvation to the Gentiles through the restoration of Moab (45-47)
Moab is in a very miserable state. Everywhere cries of sorrow are chanted like the high notes of a flute, and all their wealth is lost. The proud nation thus becomes an object of ridicule and fear. Moab's enemies will fly like eagles to capture Moab and become captives, and the warriors who protect them will fall into fear like a woman in childbirth. Moab, who does not rely on God in this way, will wander in sorrow and pain like a lost child.
The cause of this destruction of Moab is the rejection of God's Word. Those who disobey God's command will surely perish.
Now Moab is completely destroyed and their sons and daughters are locked up as captives. But God does not end it that way, and promises to restore Moab at some point.