What does Jeremiah 48:20 mean?
"Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled," - Jeremiah 48:20
The verse Jeremiah 48:20 from the King James Version reads, "Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled," This verse comes from the book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament of the Bible and is part of a prophecy against the nation of Moab.
To truly understand the significance of this verse, we must first look at the historical and literary context. The book of Jeremiah was written by the prophet Jeremiah, who was called by God to prophesy to the people of Judah in the years leading up to and during the Babylonian exile. Moab, mentioned in this verse, was a neighboring nation to Judah and was also a target of God's judgment through the prophet Jeremiah.
The overall theme of the book of Jeremiah is the impending judgment of God upon the nations, particularly Judah and its neighbors, for their disobedience and idolatry. In this specific passage, the focus is on Moab, which is described as being "confounded" and "broken down." This language conveys the idea of utter devastation and defeat. The people of Moab are called to "howl and cry" as they are informed of their impending ruin. The mention of Arnon, a river that flows through the territory of Moab, serves as a specific location for the announcement of Moab's downfall, emphasizing the widespread nature of the judgment.
Symbolically, Moab represents the pride and arrogance of nations that defy God and rely on their own strength and resources. Like many of the other nations in the Old Testament, Moab’s downfall serves as a warning to all who would trust in their own power rather than acknowledging and obeying the sovereignty of God. The destruction of Moab serves as a reminder of God's justice and the consequences of turning away from Him.
In a broader sense, this verse and the prophecy against Moab also speak to the universal truth that all nations and individuals are accountable to God for their actions. The judgment of Moab serves as a sobering reminder that no one is exempt from God's justice, regardless of their power or status.
In the larger context of the book of Jeremiah, the judgment of Moab also serves to highlight the faithfulness of God to fulfill his promises, both of judgment and of restoration. Throughout the book, God does not waver in his commitment to bring about the consequences of disobedience, and yet he also remains faithful to eventually bring about the restoration of his people.
Overall, Jeremiah 48:20 is a specific revelation of God's judgment on the nation of Moab and a universal reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It highlights the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty and living in obedience to His commands. It also serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness in fulfilling both his promises of judgment and restoration. This verse and the prophecy against Moab can serve as a timeless warning and encouragement for all who read it.
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Jeremiah 48:20 - "Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,"
"Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled," - Jeremiah 48:20
Jeremiah 48:22 - "And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Beth-diblathaim,"
Jeremiah 48:6 - "Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness."
Jeremiah 48:16 - "The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast."
Jeremiah 48:23 - "And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Beth-gamul, and upon Beth-meon,"
Jeremiah 48:14 - "¶ How say ye, We are mighty and strong men for the war?"
Jeremiah 48:3 - "A voice of crying shall be from Horonaim, spoiling and great destruction."
Jeremiah 48:25 - "The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, saith the LORD."
Jeremiah 48:4 - "Moab is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard."
Jeremiah 48:13 - "And Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Beth-el their confidence."
Jeremiah 48:21 - "And judgment is come upon the plain country; upon Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath,"
Jeremiah 48:43 - "Fear, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD."
Jeremiah 48:24 - "And upon Kerioth, and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near."
Ezekiel 20:48 - "And all flesh shall see that I the LORD have kindled it: it shall not be quenched."
Jeremiah 48:30 - "I know his wrath, saith the LORD; but it shall not be so; his lies shall not so effect it."
Jeremiah 48:42 - "And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the LORD."
Jeremiah 48:19 - "O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, and say, What is done?"
Jeremiah 48:47 - "¶ Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far is the judgment of Moab."
Jeremiah 48:40 - "For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab."
Jeremiah 48:10 - "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood."
Jeremiah 48:41 - "Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs."
Jeremiah 48:37 - "For every head shall be bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands shall be cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth."
Jeremiah 48:27 - "For was not Israel a derision unto thee? was he found among thieves? for since thou spakest of him, thou skippedst for joy."
Jeremiah 48:46 - "Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives."
"Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness." - Jeremiah 48:6
"And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Beth-diblathaim," - Jeremiah 48:22
Jeremiah 48:5 - "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."
Jeremiah 48:28 - "O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth."
Jeremiah 48:31 - "Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; mine heart shall mourn for the men of Kir-heres."