Question 1

What is happening in this prophecy against Moab?

Accepted Answer

This chapter is a long message from God announcing what will happen to the nation of Moab. City after city is named as ruined. People flee in terror, cry out on the roads, and sit in mourning with shaved heads and sackcloth. God says this comes because Moab trusted in its own works, riches, and the god Chemosh, and because it mocked Israel and lifted itself up against the Lord. Invading armies are the tools God uses, and their attack reaches every part of the land.

Question 2

Why does God judge Moab so harshly in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Moab is judged for several clear reasons. They trusted in their own strength, wealth, and idols instead of the true God. They were proud, at ease, and unshaken “from youth,” like wine never poured off its dregs, so their sinful character never changed. They plotted against God’s people, rejoiced at Israel’s pain, and made Israel a joke. Above all, they “magnified themselves” against the Lord. Because of this long-standing pride and cruelty, God brings a complete and painful judgment on them.

Question 3

What does it mean that Chemosh goes into captivity with his priests and princes?

Accepted Answer

Chemosh was the main god of Moab. When God says Chemosh will go into captivity with his priests and princes, the picture is that the idol and its leaders are carried off like prisoners. This shows Chemosh cannot protect anyone, not even himself. The people who trusted this god will be ashamed, just as Israel was once ashamed of its own false worship at Bethel. The verse drives home that carved gods and man-made religion have no power when God decides to judge.

Question 4

What does the image of Moab ‘settled on his lees’ mean?

Accepted Answer

The picture comes from wine making. Wine left sitting on its dregs, never poured from one vessel to another, keeps its same taste and smell. God says Moab has been like that: at ease from youth, never shaken by exile or deep trouble, and so its character never changed. They stayed proud, self-confident, and idolatrous. This image warns that long, easy prosperity without turning to God can harden people, making them blind to their need to repent until judgment suddenly comes.

Question 5

Why is there so much weeping and lament in this chapter?

Accepted Answer

The chapter is full of cries, wailing, and mourning because the judgment touches every part of life in Moab. Children cry, cities fall, crops and vineyards are ruined, and joy disappears from the fields and winepresses. God himself speaks of his heart sounding like pipes for Moab and the men of Kir-heres. This shows that judgment is not cold or distant. The cost in human pain is real, and there is a deep sadness as a proud nation that refused to turn to God comes to ruin.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about God’s character and idols?

Accepted Answer

Here God shows that he rules over all nations, not just Israel. He sees pride, cruelty, and mockery, and he answers them in justice. He is patient, since Moab had been at ease for a long time, but he does not ignore sin forever. Idols like Chemosh are exposed as empty—they are taken captive along with their people. At the same time, God is not without compassion. He speaks of mourning over Moab and ends with a promise to one day bring back their captivity, showing both justice and mercy.

Question 7

How does the warning to ‘cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully’ fit here?

Accepted Answer

That line speaks first to the invading army God uses to judge Moab. They are doing the “work of the Lord” in the sense that God’s plan of judgment is carried out through them. They are warned not to hold back or do it half-heartedly. At the same time, it gives a wider principle. When God gives a task, he expects it to be done honestly and fully, not in a careless or deceitful way. It warns against treating God’s commands lightly or serving him only on the surface.

Question 8

Why is this passage difficult to read, and how can it apply today?

Accepted Answer

The chapter is hard to read because it is filled with images of war, loss, and shame. It shows a whole nation brought down, which can feel heavy and distant. Yet it speaks today by warning against the same things: pride, mocking others’ troubles, trusting wealth or success instead of God, and resting in long comfort without repentance. It also reminds us that God sees injustice among nations. Finally, the small word of future restoration hints that even in judgment, God’s plans can still include mercy.

Question 9

What is the meaning of God promising to restore Moab in the latter days?

Accepted Answer

After pages of warning and ruin, the last line says God will bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days. This shows that judgment is not his final word. Exactly how and when this happens is not spelled out here, and readers have understood it in more than one way. But at the very least, it tells us that God can both tear down and build up again. Even for a nation that long resisted him, there can be a future beyond punishment, held in God’s hands.

Jeremiah 48:1

Against Moab thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded and taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed.

Judgment on Moab

Judgment on Moab

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Jeremiah 48:1

Against Moab thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded and taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed.

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Judgment on Moab

Judgment on Moab

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