What does Jeremiah 48:7 mean?
"¶ For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity with his priests and his princes together." - Jeremiah 48:7
In Jeremiah 48:7, the King James Version reads, "For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity with his priests and his princes together." This verse is part of a larger prophecy against Moab, a neighboring nation of Israel at the time.
The context of this verse is essential for understanding its meaning and significance. The nation of Moab had a long and complicated history with Israel, often engaging in conflicts and forming alliances with Israel's enemies. In this particular chapter of Jeremiah, God is pronouncing judgment on Moab for their pride, arrogance, and idolatry.
The verse begins by addressing Moab's misplaced trust in their own works and treasures. Instead of relying on God for protection and provision, they put their confidence in their own abilities and resources. This reflects a broader theme found throughout the Bible: the folly of relying on human strength and resources rather than God. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Moab's trust in their own works and treasures ultimately leads to their downfall and capture.
The mention of Chemosh, the god of the Moabites, is significant in this verse. Chemosh was a pagan deity to whom the Moabites offered sacrifices, including human sacrifices. By mentioning Chemosh going into captivity along with his priests and princes, the verse highlights the futility of relying on false gods and idols. Throughout the Bible, God consistently condemns the worship of idols and false gods and warns of the consequences of such worship. Psalm 115:4-8 speaks to this, saying, "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them; so is everyone that trusteth in them." The ultimate fate of Chemosh being taken into captivity serves as a reminder that there is only one true and living God, and all other gods are powerless and will ultimately be brought to nothing.
The verse also serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency. Moab's reliance on their own strength and resources led to their downfall, a fate that could have been avoided if they had humbly turned to God for help and guidance. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." Moab's pride and self-reliance ultimately led to their capture and exile.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 48:7 serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of misplaced trust, idolatry, and pride. It highlights the futility of relying on human strength and false gods and emphasizes the importance of trusting in God alone. The verse also serves as a warning to all who trust in their own abilities and resources, instead of humbly acknowledging their dependence on God. This timeless message continues to be relevant today, serving as a cautionary tale and a call to true faith and dependence on the one true God.
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Jeremiah 48:7 - "¶ For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity with his priests and his princes together."
"¶ For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity with his priests and his princes together." - Jeremiah 48:7
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 48:20 - "Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,"
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."
Nehemiah 7:48 - "The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai,"
John 7:48 - "Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?"
Psalms 48:7 - "Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind."
Luke 7:48 - "And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven."
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."
Acts 7:48 - "Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,"