mh_parser/vol_split/24 - Jeremiah/Chapter 48.xml

<div2 id="Jer.xlix" n="xlix" next="Jer.l" prev="Jer.xlviii" progress="45.15%" title="Chapter XLVIII">
<h2 id="Jer.xlix-p0.1">J E R E M I A H.</h2>
<h3 id="Jer.xlix-p0.2">CHAP. XLVIII.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Jer.xlix-p1" shownumber="no">Moab is next set to the bar before Jeremiah the
prophet, whom God has constituted judge over nations and kingdoms,
from his mouth to receive its doom. Isaiah's predictions concerning
Moab had had their accomplishment (we had the predictions <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Isa.15.1-Isa.16.14" parsed="|Isa|15|1|16|14" passage="Isa 15:1-16:14">Isa. xv. and xvi.</scripRef> and the like
<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Amos.2.1" parsed="|Amos|2|1|0|0" passage="Am 2:1">Amos ii. 1</scripRef>), and they were
fulfilled when the Assyrians, under Salmanassar, invaded and
distressed Moab. But this is a prophecy of the desolations of Moab
by the Chaldeans, which were accomplished under Nebuzaradan, about
five years after he had destroyed Jerusalem. Here is, I. The
destruction foretold, that it should be great and general, should
extend itself to all parts of the country (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.1-Jer.48.6 Bible:Jer.48.8" parsed="|Jer|48|1|48|6;|Jer|48|8|0|0" passage="Jer 48:1-6,8">ver. 1-6, 8</scripRef>, and again <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.21-Jer.48.25 Bible:Jer.48.34" parsed="|Jer|48|21|48|25;|Jer|48|34|0|0" passage="Jer 48:21-25,34">ver. 21-25, 34</scripRef>), that spoilers should
come upon them and force some to flee (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.9" parsed="|Jer|48|9|0|0" passage="Jer 48:9">ver. 9</scripRef>), should carry many into captivity
(<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.12 Bible:Jer.48.46" parsed="|Jer|48|12|0|0;|Jer|48|46|0|0" passage="Jer 48:12,46">ver. 12, 46</scripRef>), that the
enemy should come shortly (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.16" parsed="|Jer|48|16|0|0" passage="Jer 48:16">ver.
16</scripRef>), come swiftly and surprise them (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.40-Jer.48.41" parsed="|Jer|48|40|48|41" passage="Jer 48:40,41">ver. 40, 41</scripRef>), that he should make
thorough work (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.9" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.10" parsed="|Jer|48|10|0|0" passage="Jer 48:10">ver. 10</scripRef>)
and lay the country quite waste, though it was very strong
(<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.10" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.14-Jer.48.15" parsed="|Jer|48|14|48|15" passage="Jer 48:14,15">ver. 14, 15</scripRef>), that
there should be no escaping (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.11" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.42 Bible:Jer.48.45" parsed="|Jer|48|42|0|0;|Jer|48|45|0|0" passage="Jer 48:42,45">ver.
42, 45</scripRef>), that this should force them to quit their idols
(<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.12" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.13 Bible:Jer.48.35" parsed="|Jer|48|13|0|0;|Jer|48|35|0|0" passage="Jer 48:13,35">ver. 13, 35</scripRef>) and put
an end to all their joy (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.13" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.33-Jer.48.34" parsed="|Jer|48|33|48|34" passage="Jer 48:33,34">ver. 33,
34</scripRef>), that their neighbours shall lament them (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.14" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.17-Jer.48.19" parsed="|Jer|48|17|48|19" passage="Jer 48:17-19">ver. 17-19</scripRef>) and the prophet
himself does (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.15" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.31 Bible:Jer.48.36" parsed="|Jer|48|31|0|0;|Jer|48|36|0|0" passage="Jer 48:31,36">ver. 31,
36</scripRef>, &amp;c.). II. The causes of this destruction
assigned; it was sin that brought this ruin upon them, their pride,
and security, and carnal confidence (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.16" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.7 Bible:Jer.48.11 Bible:Jer.48.14 Bible:Jer.48.29" parsed="|Jer|48|7|0|0;|Jer|48|11|0|0;|Jer|48|14|0|0;|Jer|48|29|0|0" passage="Jer 48:7,11,14,29">ver. 7, 11, 14, 29</scripRef>), and their
contempt of and enmity to God and his people, <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.17" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.26-Jer.48.27 Bible:Jer.48.30" parsed="|Jer|48|26|48|27;|Jer|48|30|0|0" passage="Jer 48:26,27,30">ver. 26, 27, 30</scripRef>. III. A promise of the
restoration of Moab, <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p1.18" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.48" parsed="|Jer|48|48|0|0" passage="Jer 48:48">ver.
48</scripRef>).</p>
<scripCom id="Jer.xlix-p1.19" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48" parsed="|Jer|48|0|0|0" passage="Jer 48" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Jer.xlix-p1.20" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.1-Jer.48.13" parsed="|Jer|48|1|48|13" passage="Jer 48:1-13" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Jer.xlix-p1.21">
<h4 id="Jer.xlix-p1.22">The Judgment of Moab. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p1.23">b. c.</span> 605.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Jer.xlix-p2" shownumber="no">1 Against Moab thus saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p2.1">Lord</span> of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo!
for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded <i>and</i> taken:
Misgab is confounded and dismayed.   2 <i>There shall be</i>
no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against
it; come, and let us cut it off from <i>being</i> a nation. Also
thou shalt be cut down, O Madmen; the sword shall pursue thee.
  3 A voice of crying <i>shall be</i> from Horonaim, spoiling
and great destruction.   4 Moab is destroyed; her little ones
have caused a cry to be heard.   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.   6
Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness.
  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 <i>with</i> his priests and his princes together.
  8 And the spoiler shall come upon every city, and no city
shall escape: the valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be
destroyed, as the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p2.2">Lord</span> hath spoken.
  9 Give wings unto Moab, that it may flee and get away: for
the cities thereof shall be desolate, without any to dwell therein.
  10 Cursed <i>be</i> he that doeth the work of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p2.3">Lord</span> deceitfully, and cursed <i>be</i> he
that keepeth back his sword from blood.   11 Moab hath been at
ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not
been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into
captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is
not changed.   12 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p2.4">Lord</span>, that I will send unto him
wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his
vessels, and break their bottles.   13 And Moab shall be
ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Beth-el
their confidence.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p3" shownumber="no">We may observe in these verses,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p4" shownumber="no">I. The author of Moab's destruction; it is
<i>the Lord of hosts,</i> that has armies, all armies, at his
command, and <i>the God of Israel</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.1" parsed="|Jer|48|1|0|0" passage="Jer 48:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>), who will herein plead the cause
of his Israel against a people that have always been vexatious to
them, and will punish them now for the injuries done to Israel of
old, though Israel was forbidden to meddle with them (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Deut.2.9" parsed="|Deut|2|9|0|0" passage="De 2:9">Deut. ii. 9</scripRef>), therefore the destruction
of Moab is called <i>the work of the Lord</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.10" parsed="|Jer|48|10|0|0" passage="Jer 48:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>), for it is he that pleads for
Israel; and his work will exactly agree with his word, <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.8" parsed="|Jer|48|8|0|0" passage="Jer 48:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p5" shownumber="no">II. The instruments of it: <i>Spoilers
shall come</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.8" parsed="|Jer|48|8|0|0" passage="Jer 48:8"><i>v.</i>
8</scripRef>), shall come with a sword, a sword that shall
<i>pursue them,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.2" parsed="|Jer|48|2|0|0" passage="Jer 48:2"><i>v.</i>
2</scripRef>. "<i>I will send unto him wanderers,</i> such as come
from afar, as if they were vagrants, or had missed their way, but
they shall <i>cause him to wander;</i> they seem as wanderers
themselves, but they shall make the Moabites to be really
wanderers, some to flee and others to be carried into captivity."
These destroyers stir up themselves to do execution; they <i>have
devised evil against Heshbon,</i> one of the principal cities of
Moab, and they aim at no less than the ruin of the kingdom:
<i>Come, and let us cut it off from being a nation</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.2" parsed="|Jer|48|2|0|0" passage="Jer 48:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>); nothing less will serve
the turn of the invaders; they come, not to plunder it, but to ruin
it. The prophet, in God's name, engages them to make thorough work
of it (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p5.4" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.10" parsed="|Jer|48|10|0|0" passage="Jer 48:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>):
<i>Cursed be he that does the work of the Lord deceitfully,</i>
this bloody work, this destroying work; though it goes against the
grain with men of compassion, yet it is <i>the work of the
Lord,</i> and must not be done by the halves. The Chaldeans have it
in charge, by a secret instinct (says Mr. Gataker), to destroy the
Moabites, and therefore they must not spare, must not, out of
foolish pity, <i>keep back their sword from blood;</i> they would
thereby bring a sword, and a curse with it, upon themselves, as
Saul did by sparing the Amalekites and Ahab by letting Benhadad go.
<i>Thy life shall go for his life.</i> To this work is applied that
general rule given to all that are employed in any service for God,
<i>Cursed by he that does the work of the Lord deceitfully</i> or
negligently, that pretends to do it, but does it not to purpose,
makes a show of serving God's glory, but is really serving his own
ends and carries on the work of the Lord no further than will suit
his own purposes, or that is slothful in business for God and takes
neither care nor pains to do it as it should be done, <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p5.5" osisRef="Bible:Mal.1.14" parsed="|Mal|1|14|0|0" passage="Mal 1:14">Mal. i. 14</scripRef>. Let not such deceive
themselves, for God will not thus be mocked.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p6" shownumber="no">III. The woeful instances and effects of
this destruction. The cities shall be laid in ruins; they shall be
<i>spoiled</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.1" parsed="|Jer|48|1|0|0" passage="Jer 48:1"><i>v.</i>
1</scripRef>) and cut down (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.2" parsed="|Jer|48|2|0|0" passage="Jer 48:2"><i>v.</i>
2</scripRef>); they shall be <i>desolate</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.9" parsed="|Jer|48|9|0|0" passage="Jer 48:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>), <i>without any to dwell
therein;</i> there shall be no houses to dwell in, or no people to
dwell in them, or no safety and ease to those that would dwell in
them. <i>Every city shall be spoiled and no city shall escape.</i>
The strongest city shall not be able to secure itself against the
enemies' power, nor shall the finest city be able to recommend
itself to the enemies' pity and favour. The <i>country</i> also
shall be wasted, the <i>valley shall perish,</i> and the <i>plain
be destroyed,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p6.4" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.8" parsed="|Jer|48|8|0|0" passage="Jer 48:8"><i>v.</i>
8</scripRef>. The corn and the flocks, which used to cover the
plains and make the valleys rejoice, shall all be destroyed, eaten
up, trodden down, or carried off. The most sacred persons shall not
escape: The <i>priests and princes shall go together into
captivity.</i> Nay, Chemosh, the god they worship, who, they hope,
will protect them, shall share with them in the ruin; his temples
shall be laid in ashes and his image carried away with the rest of
the spoil. Now the consequence of all this will be, 1. Great shame
and confusion: <i>Kirjathaim is confounded,</i> and Misgah is so.
They shall be ashamed of the mighty boasts they have sometimes made
of their cities: <i>There shall be no more vaunting in Moab
concerning Heshbon</i> (so it might be read, <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p6.5" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.2" parsed="|Jer|48|2|0|0" passage="Jer 48:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>); they shall no more boast of the
strength of that city when the evil which is designed against it is
brought upon it. Nor shall they any more boast of their gods
(<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p6.6" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.13" parsed="|Jer|48|13|0|0" passage="Jer 48:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>); they
<i>shall be ashamed of Chemosh</i> (ashamed of all the prayers they
have made to and all the confidence they put in that dunghill
deity), <i>as Israel was ashamed of Beth-el,</i> of the golden calf
they had at Beth-el, which they confided in as their protector, but
were deceived in, for it was not able to save them from the
Assyrians; nor shall Chemosh be able to save the Moabites from the
Chaldeans. Note, Those that will not be convinced and made ashamed
of the folly of their idolatry by the word of God shall be
convinced and made ashamed of it by the judgments of God, when they
shall find by woeful experience the utter inability of the gods
they have served to do them any service. 2. There will be great
sorrow; there is a <i>voice of crying</i> heard (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p6.7" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.3" parsed="|Jer|48|3|0|0" passage="Jer 48:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>) and the cry is nothing but
<i>spoiling and great destruction.</i> Alas! alas! <i>Moab is
destroyed,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p6.8" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.4" parsed="|Jer|48|4|0|0" passage="Jer 48:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>.
The great ones having quitted the cities to shift for their own
safety, even the <i>little ones have caused a cry to be heard,</i>
the meaner sort of people, or the little children, the innocent
harmless ones, whose cries at such a time are the most piteous. Go
up to the hills, go down to the valleys, and you meet with
<i>continual weeping (weeping with weeping</i>); all are in tears;
you meet none with dry eyes. Even the enemies have heard the cry,
from whom it would have been policy to conceal it, for they will be
animated and encouraged by it; but it is so great that it cannot be
hid, 3. There will be great hurry; they will cry to one another,
"Away, away! <i>flee; save your lives</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p6.9" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.6" parsed="|Jer|48|6|0|0" passage="Jer 48:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>); shift for your own safety with
all imaginable speed, though you escape as bare and naked as the
<i>heath,</i> or grig, or dry shrub, <i>in the wilderness;</i>
think not of carrying away any thing you have, for it may cost you
your life to attempt it, <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p6.10" osisRef="Bible:Matt.24.16-Matt.24.18" parsed="|Matt|24|16|24|18" passage="Mt 24:16-18">Matt.
xxiv. 16-18</scripRef>. Take shelter, though it be in a barren
wilderness, that you may have your lives for a prey. The danger
will come suddenly and swiftly; and therefore <i>give wings unto
Moab</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p6.11" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.9" parsed="|Jer|48|9|0|0" passage="Jer 48:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>);
that would be the greatest kindness you could do them; that is what
they will call for, <i>O that we had wings like a dove!</i> for
unless they have wings, and can fly, there will be no
escaping."</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p7" shownumber="no">IV. The sins for which God will now reckon
with Moab, and which justify God in these severe proceedings
against them. 1. It is because they have been secure, and have
trusted in their wealth and strength, <i>in their works</i> and
<i>in their treasures,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.7" parsed="|Jer|48|7|0|0" passage="Jer 48:7"><i>v.</i>
7</scripRef>. They had taken a great deal of pains to fortify their
cities and make large works about them, and to fill their exchequer
and private coffers, so that they thought themselves in as good a
posture for war as any people could be and that none durst invade
them, and therefore set danger at defiance. They trusted <i>in the
abundance of their riches and strengthened themselves in their
wickedness,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.52.7" parsed="|Ps|52|7|0|0" passage="Ps 52:7">Ps. lii. 7</scripRef>.
Now, for this reason, that they may have a sensible conviction of
the vanity and folly of their carnal confidences, God will send an
enemy that will master their works and rifle their treasures. Note,
We forfeit the comfort of that creature which we repose that
confidence in which should be reposed in God only. The reed will
break that is leaned upon. 2. It is because they have not made a
right improvement of the days of the peace and prosperity,
<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.11" parsed="|Jer|48|11|0|0" passage="Jer 48:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>. (1.) They
had been long undisturbed: <i>Moab has been at ease from his
youth.</i> It was an ancient kingdom before Israel was, and had
enjoyed great tranquillity, though a small country and surrounded
with potent neighbours. God's Israel were afflicted from their
youth (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p7.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.129.1-Ps.129.2" parsed="|Ps|129|1|129|2" passage="Ps 129:1,2">Ps. cxxix. 1, 2</scripRef>),
but <i>Moab at ease from his youth.</i> He has <i>not been emptied
from vessel to vessel,</i> has not known any troublesome weakening
changes, but is as wine kept on the lees, and not racked or drawn
off, by which it retains its strength and body. He has not been
unsettled, nor any way made uneasy; he has not <i>gone into
captivity,</i> as Israel have often done, and yet Moab is a wicked
idolatrous nation, and one of the confederates against <i>God's
hidden ones,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p7.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.83.3 Bible:Ps.83.6" parsed="|Ps|83|3|0|0;|Ps|83|6|0|0" passage="Ps 83:3,6">Ps. lxxxiii. 3,
6</scripRef>. Note, There are many that persist in unrepented
iniquity and yet enjoy uninterrupted prosperity. (2.) They had been
as long corrupt and unreformed: He <i>has settled on his lees;</i>
he has been secure and sensual in his prosperity, has rested in it,
and fetched all the strength and life of the soul from it, as the
wine from the lees. <i>His taste remained in him, and his scent is
not changed;</i> he is still the same, as bad as ever he was. Note,
While bad people are as happy as they used to be in the world it is
no marvel if they are bad as they used to be. They have no changes
of their peace and prosperity, <i>therefore fear not God,</i> their
hearts and lives are unchanged, <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p7.6" osisRef="Bible:Ps.55.19" parsed="|Ps|55|19|0|0" passage="Ps 55:19">Ps.
lv. 19</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Jer.xlix-p7.7" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.14-Jer.48.47" parsed="|Jer|48|14|48|47" passage="Jer 48:14-47" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Jer.xlix-p7.8">
<h4 id="Jer.xlix-p7.9">The Judgment of Moab. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p7.10">b. c.</span> 605.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Jer.xlix-p8" shownumber="no">14 How say ye, We <i>are</i> mighty and strong
men for the war?   15 Moab is spoiled, and gone up <i>out
of</i> her cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the
slaughter, saith the King, whose name <i>is</i> the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p8.1">Lord</span> of hosts.   16 The calamity of Moab
<i>is</i> near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast.   17
All ye that are about him, bemoan him; and all ye that know his
name, say, How is the strong staff broken, <i>and</i> the beautiful
rod!   18 Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down
from <i>thy</i> glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab
shall come upon thee, <i>and</i> he shall destroy thy strong holds.
  19 O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask
him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, <i>and</i> say, What is
done?   20 Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and
cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,   21 And
judgment is come upon the plain country; upon Holon, and upon
Jahazah, and upon Mephaath,   22 And upon Dibon, and upon
Nebo, and upon Beth-diblathaim,   23 And upon Kiriathaim, and
upon Beth-gamul, and upon Beth-meon,   24 And upon Kerioth,
and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far
or near.   25 The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is
broken, saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p8.2">Lord</span>.   26
Make ye him drunken: for he magnified <i>himself</i> against the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p8.3">Lord</span>: Moab also shall wallow in his
vomit, and he also shall be in derision.   27 For was not
Israel a derision unto thee? was he found among thieves? for since
thou spakest of him, thou skippedst for joy.   28 O ye that
dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like
the dove <i>that</i> maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's
mouth.   29 We have heard the pride of Moab, (he is exceeding
proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the
haughtiness of his heart.   30 I know his wrath, saith the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p8.4">Lord</span>; but <i>it shall</i> not
<i>be</i> so; his lies shall not so effect <i>it.</i>   31
Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab;
<i>mine heart</i> shall mourn for the men of Kirheres.   32 O
vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer: thy
plants are gone over the sea, they reach <i>even</i> to the sea of
Jazer: the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy
vintage.   33 And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful
field, and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to fail
from the winepresses: none shall tread with shouting; <i>their</i>
shouting <i>shall be</i> no shouting.   34 From the cry of
Heshbon <i>even</i> unto Elealeh, <i>and even</i> unto Jahaz, have
they uttered their voice, from Zoar <i>even</i> unto Horonaim,
<i>as</i> a heifer of three years old: for the waters also of
Nimrim shall be desolate.   35 Moreover I will cause to cease
in Moab, saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p8.5">Lord</span>, him that
offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his
gods.   36 Therefore mine heart shall sound for Moab like
pipes, and mine heart shall sound like pipes for the men of
Kirheres: because the riches <i>that</i> he hath gotten are
perished.   37 For every head <i>shall be</i> bald, and every
beard clipped: upon all the hands <i>shall be</i> cuttings, and
upon the loins sackcloth.   38 <i>There shall be</i>
lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the
streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein
<i>is</i> no pleasure, saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p8.6">Lord</span>.   39 They shall howl, <i>saying,</i>
How is it broken down! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so
shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him.
  40 For thus saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p8.7">Lord</span>;
Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over
Moab.   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.   42 And Moab shall be
destroyed from <i>being</i> a people, because he hath magnified
<i>himself</i> against the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p8.8">Lord</span>.
  43 Fear, and the pit, and the snare, <i>shall be</i> upon
thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p8.9">Lord</span>.   44 He that fleeth from the fear
shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit
shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, <i>even</i>
upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p8.10">Lord</span>.   45 They that fled stood under the
shadow of Heshbon because of the force: but a fire shall come forth
out of Heshbon, and a flame from the midst of Sihon, and shall
devour the corner of Moab, and the crown of the head of the
tumultuous ones.   46 Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of
Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy
daughters captives.   47 Yet will I bring again the captivity
of Moab in the latter days, saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Jer.xlix-p8.11">Lord</span>. Thus far <i>is</i> the judgment of
Moab.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p9" shownumber="no">The destruction is here further prophesied
of very largely and with a great copiousness and variety of
expression, and very pathetically and in moving language, designed
not only to awaken them by a national repentance and reformation to
prevent the trouble, or by a personal repentance and reformation to
prepare for it, but to affect us with the calamitous state of human
life, which is liable to such lamentable occurrences, and with the
power of God's anger and the terror of his judgments, when he comes
forth to contend with a provoking people. In reading this long roll
of threatenings, and meditating on the terror of them, it will be
of more use to us to keep this in our eye, and to get our hearts
thereby possessed with a holy awe of God and of his wrath, than to
enquire critically into all the lively figures and metaphors here
used.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p10" shownumber="no">I. It is a surprising destruction, and very
sudden, that is here threatened. They were very secure, thought
themselves <i>strong for war</i> and able to deal with the most
powerful enemy (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.14" parsed="|Jer|48|14|0|0" passage="Jer 48:14"><i>v.</i>
14</scripRef>), and yet the calamity is near, and he is not able to
keep it off, nor so much as to keep the enemy long in parley, for
the <i>affliction hastens fast</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.16" parsed="|Jer|48|16|0|0" passage="Jer 48:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>) and will soon come to a
crisis. The enemy shall <i>fly as an eagle,</i> so swiftly, so
strongly shall he come (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p10.3" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.40" parsed="|Jer|48|40|0|0" passage="Jer 48:40"><i>v.</i>
40</scripRef>), as an eagle flies upon his prey, and <i>he shall
spread his wings,</i> the wings of his army, <i>over Moab;</i> he
shall surround it, that none may escape. <i>The strong-holds</i> of
Moab are taken by <i>surprise</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p10.4" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.41" parsed="|Jer|48|41|0|0" passage="Jer 48:41"><i>v.</i> 41</scripRef>), so that all their strength
stood them in no stead; and this made <i>the hearts</i> even of
<i>their mighty men to fail,</i> for they had not time to recollect
the considerations that might have animated them. It requires a
more than ordinary degree of courage not to be <i>afraid of sudden
fear.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p11" shownumber="no">II. It is an utter destruction, and such as
lays Moab all in ruins: <i>Moab is spoiled</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.15" parsed="|Jer|48|15|0|0" passage="Jer 48:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>), quite spoiled, is
<i>confounded and broken down</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.20" parsed="|Jer|48|20|0|0" passage="Jer 48:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>); their cities are laid in
ashes, or seized by the enemy so that they are forced to quit them,
<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.15" parsed="|Jer|48|15|0|0" passage="Jer 48:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>. Divers
cities are here named, upon which judgment has come, and the list
concludes with an <i>et cetera—and such like.</i> What occasion
was there for him to mention more particulars when it comes <i>upon
all the cities of Moab</i> in general, <i>far and near?</i>
<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.21-Jer.48.24" parsed="|Jer|48|21|48|24" passage="Jer 48:21-24"><i>v.</i> 21-24</scripRef>. Note,
When iniquity is universal we have reason to expect that calamity
should be so too. The kingdom is deprived of its dignity and
authority: <i>The horn of Moab is cut off,</i> the horn of its
strength and power, both offensive and defensive; <i>his arm is
broken,</i> that he can neither give a blow nor prevent a blow,
<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p11.5" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.25" parsed="|Jer|48|25|0|0" passage="Jer 48:25"><i>v.</i> 25</scripRef>. Is the youth
of the kingdom the strength and beauty of it? <i>His chosen young
men have gone down to the slaughter,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p11.6" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.15" parsed="|Jer|48|15|0|0" passage="Jer 48:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>. They went down to the battle
promising themselves that they should return victorious; but God
told them that they went <i>down to the slaughter;</i> so sure are
those to fall against whom God fights. In a word, <i>Moab shall be
destroyed from being a people,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p11.7" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.42" parsed="|Jer|48|42|0|0" passage="Jer 48:42"><i>v.</i> 42</scripRef>. Those that are enemies to
God's people will soon be made no people.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p12" shownumber="no">III. It is a lamentable destruction; it
will be just matter of mourning and will turn joy into heaviness.
1. The prophet that foretels it does himself lament it, and mourns
at the very foresight of it, from a principle of compassion to his
fellow-creatures and concern for human nature. The prophet will
himself <i>howl for Moab;</i> his very <i>heart shall mourn for</i>
them (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.31" parsed="|Jer|48|31|0|0" passage="Jer 48:31"><i>v.</i> 31</scripRef>); he
will <i>weep for the vine of Sibmah</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.32" parsed="|Jer|48|32|0|0" passage="Jer 48:32"><i>v.</i> 32</scripRef>); his <i>heart shall sound like
pipes for Moab,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.36" parsed="|Jer|48|36|0|0" passage="Jer 48:36"><i>v.</i>
36</scripRef>. Though the destruction of Moab would prove him a
true prophet, yet he could not think of it without trouble. The
ruin of sinners is no pleasure to God, and therefore should be a
pain to us; even those that give warning of it should lay it to
heart. These passages, and many others in this chapter, are much
the same with what Isaiah had used in his prophecies against Moab
(<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:Isa.15.16" parsed="|Isa|15|16|0|0" passage="Isa 15:16">Isa. xv. 16</scripRef>); for, though
there was a long distance of time between that prophecy and this,
yet they were both dictated by one and the same Spirit, and it
becomes God's prophets to speak the language of those that went
before them. It is no plagiarism sometimes to make use of old
expressions, provided it be with new affections and applications.
2. The Moabites themselves shall lament it; it will be the greatest
mortification and grief imaginable to them. Those that sat in
<i>glory,</i> in the midst of wealth, and mirth, and all manner of
pleasure, shall <i>sit in thirst,</i> in a dry and thirsty land,
where no water, no comfort is, <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.5" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.18" parsed="|Jer|48|18|0|0" passage="Jer 48:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>. It is time for them to <i>sit
in thirst,</i> and inure themselves to hardship, when <i>the
spoiler has come,</i> who will strip them of all, and empty them.
The Moabites in the remote corners of the country, that are
furthest from the danger, will be inquisitive to know how the
matter goes, what news from the army, will ask every one <i>that
escapes, What is done?</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.6" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.19" parsed="|Jer|48|19|0|0" passage="Jer 48:19"><i>v.</i>
19</scripRef>. And when they are told that all is gone, that the
invader is the conqueror, they will <i>howl and cry,</i> in
bitterness and anguish of spirit (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.7" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.20" parsed="|Jer|48|20|0|0" passage="Jer 48:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>); they will abandon themselves
to solitude, to lament the desolations of their country; they will
<i>leave the cities</i> that used to be full of mirth, <i>and dwell
in the rock</i> where they may have their full of melancholy; they
shall no more be singing birds, but mourning birds, <i>like the
dove</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.8" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.28" parsed="|Jer|48|28|0|0" passage="Jer 48:28"><i>v.</i> 28</scripRef>);
<i>the doves of the valley,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.9" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.7.16" parsed="|Ezek|7|16|0|0" passage="Eze 7:16">Ezek.
vii. 16</scripRef>. Let those that give themselves up to mirth know
that God can soon change their note. Their sorrow shall be so very
extreme that they shall make themselves <i>bald and cut</i>
themselves (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.10" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.37" parsed="|Jer|48|37|0|0" passage="Jer 48:37"><i>v.</i> 37</scripRef>),
which were expressions of a desperate grief, such as tempted men to
be even their own destroyers. <i>Job</i> indeed <i>rent his mantle
and shaved his head,</i> but he did not cut himself. When the flood
of passion rises ever so high wisdom and grace must set bounds to
it, set banks to it, to restrain it from such barbarities. The
sorrow shall be universal (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.11" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.38" parsed="|Jer|48|38|0|0" passage="Jer 48:38"><i>v.</i>
38</scripRef>): <i>There shall be a general lamentation upon all
the house-tops of Moab,</i> where they worshipped their idols, to
whom they shall in vain bemoan themselves, <i>and in</i> all <i>the
streets,</i> where they conversed with one another, for they shall
be free in communicating their grief and fears and in propagating
them; for they see all lost: "<i>I have broken Moab like a vessel
wherein is no pleasure,</i> which shall not be regarded and cannot
be pieced again." That which Moab used to rejoice in was their
pleasant fruits and the abundance of their rich wines. The delights
of sense were all the matter of their joy. Take away these, destroy
their gardens and vineyards, and you make <i>all their mirth to
cease,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.12" osisRef="Bible:Hos.2.11-Hos.2.12" parsed="|Hos|2|11|2|12" passage="Ho 2:11,12">Hos. ii. 11,
12</scripRef>. There is great weeping when their plants are
transplanted, <i>have gone over the sea</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.13" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.32" parsed="|Jer|48|32|0|0" passage="Jer 48:32"><i>v.</i> 32</scripRef>), are carried into other
countries, to be planted there. <i>The spoiler has fallen upon thy
summer-fruits and upon thy vintage,</i> and it is this that makes
<i>the cry of Heshbon</i> to reach <i>even to Elealeh,</i>
<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.14" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.34" parsed="|Jer|48|34|0|0" passage="Jer 48:34"><i>v.</i> 34</scripRef>. <i>Take joy
and gladness from the plentiful field, and</i> you take it <i>from
the land of Moab,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.15" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.33" parsed="|Jer|48|33|0|0" passage="Jer 48:33"><i>v.</i>
33</scripRef>. If <i>the wine fail from the wine-presses,</i> that
used to be trodden with acclamations of joy, all their gladness is
cut off. Take away that shouting, and there shall be no shouting.
Note, Those who make the delights of sense their chief joy, their
exceeding joy, since these are things they may easily be deprived
of in a little time subject themselves to the tyranny of the
greatest grief; whereas those who rejoice in God may do that even
when <i>the fig-tree does not blossom and there is no fruit in the
vine.</i> These Moabites lost not only their wine, but their water
too: Even <i>the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.16" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.34" parsed="|Jer|48|34|0|0" passage="Jer 48:34"><i>v.</i> 34</scripRef>), and therefore their
grief grew extravagantly loud and noisy, and their lamentations
were heard in all placed like the lowing of <i>a heifer of three
years old.</i> The expressions here are borrowed from <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.17" osisRef="Bible:Isa.15.5-Isa.15.6" parsed="|Isa|15|5|15|6" passage="Isa 15:5,6">Isa. xv. 5, 6</scripRef>. 3. All their
neighbours are called to mourn with them, and to condole with them
on their ruin (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p12.18" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.17" parsed="|Jer|48|17|0|0" passage="Jer 48:17"><i>v.</i>
17</scripRef>): <i>All you that are about him bemoan him,</i> Let
him have that allay to his grief, let him see himself pities by the
adjoining countries. Nay, let those at a distance, who do but
<i>know his name</i> and have heard of his reputation, take notice
of his fall, and say, <i>How is the strong staff broken,</i> whose
strength was the terror of its enemies, <i>and the beautiful
rod,</i> whose beauty was the pride of its friends! Let the nations
take notice of this and receive instruction. Let none be puffed up
with or put confidence in their strength or beauty, for neither
will be a security against the judgments of God.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p13" shownumber="no">IV. It is a shameful destruction and such
as shall expose them to contempt: <i>Moab is made drunk</i>
(<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.26" parsed="|Jer|48|26|0|0" passage="Jer 48:26"><i>v.</i> 26</scripRef>), and he
that is made drunk is made vile; he <i>shall wallow in his
vomit,</i> and become an odious spectacle, <i>and shall</i>justly
<i>be in derision.</i> Let the Moabites be intoxicated with the cup
of God's wrath till they stagger and fall, and be brought to
<i>their wits' end,</i> and make themselves ridiculous by the
wildness not only of their passions but of their counsels. And
again (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.39" parsed="|Jer|48|39|0|0" passage="Jer 48:39"><i>v.</i> 39</scripRef>):
<i>Moab shall be a derision and a dismaying to all about him;</i>
they shall laugh at the fall of the pomp and power he was so proud
of. Note, Those that are haughty are preparing reproach and
ignominy for themselves.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p14" shownumber="no">V. It is the destruction of that which is
dear to them, not only of their summer fruits and their vintage,
but of their wealth (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.36" parsed="|Jer|48|36|0|0" passage="Jer 48:36"><i>v.</i>
36</scripRef>): <i>The riches that he has gotten have perished,</i>
though he thought he had laid them up very safely, and promised
himself a long enjoyment of them, yet they are gone. Note, The
money that is hoarded in the chest is as liable to perishing as the
summer-fruits that lie exposed in the open field. Riches are
shedding things, and, like dust as they are, slip through our
fingers even when we are in most care to hold them fast and gripe
them hard. Yet this is not the worst; even those whose religion was
false and foolish were fond of it above any thing, and, such as it
was, would not part with it; and therefore, though it was really a
promise, yet to them it was a threatening (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.35" parsed="|Jer|48|35|0|0" passage="Jer 48:35"><i>v.</i> 35</scripRef>), that God <i>will cause to
cease him that offers in the high places,</i> for the high places
shall be destroyed, and the fields of offerings shall be laid
waste, and the priests themselves, <i>who burnt incense to their
gods,</i> shall be slain or carried into captivity, <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.7" parsed="|Jer|48|7|0|0" passage="Jer 48:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. Note, It is only the
true religion, and the worship and service of the true God, that
will stand us in stead in a day of trouble.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p15" shownumber="no">VI. It is a just and righteous destruction,
and that which they have deserved and brought upon themselves by
sin.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p16" shownumber="no">1. The sin which they had been most
notoriously guilty of, and for which God now reckoned with them,
was pride. It is mentioned six times, <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.29" parsed="|Jer|48|29|0|0" passage="Jer 48:29"><i>v.</i> 29</scripRef>. <i>We have</i> all <i>heard of
the pride of Moab;</i> his neighbours took notice of it; it has
testified to his face, as Israel's did; <i>he is exceedingly
proud,</i> and grows worse and worse. Observe <i>his loftiness, his
arrogancy, his pride, his haughtiness;</i> the multiplying of words
to the same purport intimates in how many instances he discovered
his pride, and how offensive it was both to God and man. It was
charged upon them <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:Isa.16.6" parsed="|Isa|16|6|0|0" passage="Isa 16:6">Isa. xvi.
6</scripRef>, but here it is expressed more largely that there.
Since then they had been under humbling providences, and yet were
unhumbled; nay, they grew more arrogant and haughty, which plainly
marked them for that utter destruction of which pride is the
forerunner. Two instances are here given of the pride of Moab:—
(1.) He had conducted himself insolently towards God. He must be
brought down with shame (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.26" parsed="|Jer|48|26|0|0" passage="Jer 48:26"><i>v.</i>
26</scripRef>), for <i>he</i> has <i>magnified himself against the
Lord;</i> and again (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p16.4" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.42" parsed="|Jer|48|42|0|0" passage="Jer 48:42"><i>v.</i>
42</scripRef>), he <i>shall be destroyed from being a people,</i>
for this very reason. The Moabites preferred Chemosh before
Jehovah, and thought themselves a match for the God of Israel, whom
they set at defiance. (2.) He had conducted himself scornfully
towards Israel, particularly in their late troubles; therefore Moab
shall fall into the same troubles; into the same hands, and be a
derision, for Israel was <i>a derision to him,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p16.5" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.26-Jer.48.27" parsed="|Jer|48|26|48|27" passage="Jer 48:26,27"><i>v.</i> 26, 27</scripRef>. The generality
of the Moabites, when they heard of the calamities and desolations
of their neighbours the Jews, instead of lamenting them, rejoiced
in them, they <i>skipped for joy.</i> Many, in such a case,
entertain in their minds a secret pleasure at the fall of those
they had a dislike to, who yet have so much discretion as to
conceal it; it is so invidious a thing. But the Moabites
industriously proclaimed their joy, and avowed the enmity they had
to Israel, triumphing over every Israelite they met with in
distress and laughing at him, which was as inhuman as it was
impious and an impudent affront both to man, whose nature they were
of, and to God, whose name they were called by. Note, Those that
deride others in distress will justly and certainly, sooner or
later, come into distress themselves, and be had in derision. Those
that are <i>glad at calamities,</i> especially the calamities of
God's church, <i>shall not</i> long <i>go unpunished.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p17" shownumber="no">2. Besides this they had been guilty of
malice against God's people, and treachery in their dealings with
them, <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.30" parsed="|Jer|48|30|0|0" passage="Jer 48:30"><i>v.</i> 30</scripRef>. They
made a jest of the desolations of Judah and Jerusalem, and
pretended, when they laughed at them, that it was but in sport and
to make themselves merry; but, says God, "<i>I know his wrath;</i>
I know it comes from the old enmity he has to the seed of Abraham
and the worshippers of the true God. <i>I know</i> he thinks these
calamities of the Jewish nation will end in their utter
extirpation. He now tells the Chaldeans what bad people the Jews
are, and irritates them against them; <i>but it shall not be so</i>
as he expects; <i>his lies shall not so effect it.</i> The nation,
whose fall they triumph in, shall recover itself." Some read it,
<i>I know his rage. Is it not so?</i> Is he not very furious
against the people of God? And <i>his lies I know</i> also. <i>Do
they not do so?</i> Do they not belie them? Note, All the fury and
all the falsehood of the church's enemies are perfectly known to
God, whatever the pretenses are with which they think to cover
them, <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:Isa.37.28" parsed="|Isa|37|28|0|0" passage="Isa 37:28">Isa. xxxvii. 28</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p18" shownumber="no">VII. It is a complicated destruction, and
by one instance after another will at length be completed; for
those that make their escape from one judgment shall perish by
another: <i>Fear, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon
them,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.43" parsed="|Jer|48|43|0|0" passage="Jer 48:43"><i>v.</i> 43</scripRef>.
There shall be fear to drive them into the pit, and a snare to hold
them fast in it when they are in it; so that they shall neither
escape from the destruction nor escape out of it. What was said of
sinners in general (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:Isa.24.17-Isa.24.18" parsed="|Isa|24|17|24|18" passage="Isa 24:17,18">Isa. xxiv. 17,
18</scripRef>), that those who <i>flee from the fear shall fall
into the pit</i> and those who come <i>up out of the pit shall be
taken in the snare,</i> is here particularly foretold concerning
the sinners of Moab (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p18.3" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.44" parsed="|Jer|48|44|0|0" passage="Jer 48:44"><i>v.</i>
44</scripRef>); for it is <i>the year of their visitation,</i> when
God comes to reckon with them, and will be <i>known by the
judgments which he executes,</i> for he is <i>the King whose name
is the Lord of hosts</i> (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p18.4" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.15" parsed="|Jer|48|15|0|0" passage="Jer 48:15"><i>v.</i>
15</scripRef>); he is not only <i>the King</i> who has authority to
give judgment, but he is <i>the Lord of hosts,</i> who is able to
do what he has determined. The figurative expressions used
<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p18.5" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.44" parsed="|Jer|48|44|0|0" passage="Jer 48:44"><i>v.</i> 44</scripRef> are explained
in one instance (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p18.6" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.45" parsed="|Jer|48|45|0|0" passage="Jer 48:45"><i>v.</i>
45</scripRef>): <i>Those that fled</i> out of the villages for fear
of the enemy's forces put themselves <i>under the shadow of
Heshbon,</i> stood there, and supposed they stood safely, as now
armies sometimes retire under the cannon of a fortified city, and
it is their protection; but here they should be disappointed, for,
when <i>they flee out of the pit, they fall into the snare;</i>
Heshbon, which they thought would shelter them, devours them as
Moses had foretold long since (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p18.7" osisRef="Bible:Num.21.28" parsed="|Num|21|28|0|0" passage="Nu 21:28">Num.
xxi. 28</scripRef>): <i>A fire has gone out of Heshbon,</i> and
<i>a flame from the city of Sihon,</i> and devours those that come
from all <i>the corners of Moab,</i> and fastens upon <i>the crown
of the head of the tumultuous</i> noisy <i>ones,</i> or of the
revellers, or children of noise, not meant of the rude clamorous
multitude, but of the great men, who bluster, and hector, and make
a noise; the judgments of God shall light on them. Shall we hear
the conclusion of this whole matter? We have it (<scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p18.8" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.46" parsed="|Jer|48|46|0|0" passage="Jer 48:46"><i>v.</i> 46</scripRef>): "<i>Woe be to thee, O
Moab!</i> thou art undone; <i>the people</i> that worship
<i>Chemosh perish,</i> and are gone; farewell, Moab. <i>Thy
sons</i> and <i>daughters,</i> the hopes of the next generation,
have gone into captivity after the Jews, whose calamities they
rejoiced in."</p>
<p class="indent" id="Jer.xlix-p19" shownumber="no">VIII. Yet it is not a perpetual
destruction. The chapter concludes with a short promise of their
return out of <i>captivity in the latter days.</i> God, who brings
them into captivity, <i>will bring again</i> their
<i>captivity,</i> <scripRef id="Jer.xlix-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:Jer.48.47" parsed="|Jer|48|47|0|0" passage="Jer 48:47"><i>v.</i>
47</scripRef>. Thus tenderly does God deal with Moabites, much more
with his own people! Even with Moabites he <i>will not contend for
ever, nor be always wrath.</i> When Israel returned, Moab did; and
perhaps the prophecy was intended chiefly for the encouragement of
God's people to hope for that salvation which even Moabites shall
share in. Yet it looks further, to gospel times; the Jews
themselves refer it to the days of the Messiah; then the captivity
of the Gentiles, under the yoke of sin and Satan, shall be brought
back by divine grace, which shall <i>make them free, free
indeed.</i> This prophecy concerning Moab is long, but here it
ends; it ends comfortably: <i>Thus far is the judgment of
Moab.</i></p>
</div></div2>