Jer 48: "The prophet Jeremiah reviews the neighbouring nations
to Judah, and pronounces divine judgment. Jer 48 is against Moab, because they
did not wisely benefit from their long period of peace (v 11). They thought they
did, by fortifying their cities, establishing their worship, building up their
wealth. But these were the very grounds of complaint against the nation (v 7).
So the prophet declares that [1] they will be invaded by Babylon: vv 1-5. [2]
Therefore they were urged to flee: vv 6-10. [3] Consequently Moab would become
desolate: vv 11-25. [4] The reasons for divine judgment are given: vv 26-30. [5]
A lamentation for Moab is expressed: vv 31-39. [6] The Babylonian invasion is
pronounced: vv 40-46. [7] There is a restoration for Moab: v 47.
Moab and Ammon were closely related to Israel, being born of
the incestuous union between Lot and his two daughters (Gen 19:31-38). Moab
signifies 'from a father', and Ammon 'son of my people'. In his treatment of
Moab, Jeremiah reproduces some of the language of Isaiah 140 years earlier (cp
Isa 15;16), and applies them to the Babylonian invasion as Isaiah did to the
Assyrian. Though closely related to Israel, even in language, the Moabites
showed hostility to them on Israel's original approach to the Land, and refused
them hospitality, on account of which they were denied entrance into the
congregation of Yahweh to the tenth generation (Deu 23:4). They hired Balaam
against Israel, and used their women to entice Israel from their allegiance (Num
25:1). But a latter-day restoration of Moab is seen in the redemption of natural
Israel (Jer 48:47), who have acted as did Moab formerly" (GEM).
Jer 48:28
DWELL AMONG THE ROCKS: "Coneys are creatures of little
power, yet they make their home in the crags" (Pro 30:26).