King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:16 Mean?

“The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast.”

Context

How say ye, We are mighty and strong men for the war?

Moab is spoiled, and gone up out of her cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts. his: Heb. the choice of

The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast.

All ye that are about him, bemoan him; and all ye that know his name, say, How is the strong staff broken, and the beautiful rod!

Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, and he shall destroy thy strong holds.

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Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18. go about--**that is, shall have to migrate into a land of exile. Horsley translates, "go trafficking about the land (see Jr 5:31, Margin; 2Co 4:2; 2Pe 2:3), and take no knowledge" (that is, pay no regard to the miseries before their eyes) (Is 1:3; 58:3). If the literal sense of the Hebrew verb be retained, I would with English Version understand the words as referring to the exile to Babylon; thus, "the prophet and the priest shall have to go to a strange land to practise their religious traffic (Is 56:11; Eze 34:2, 3; Mi 3:11).

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 48:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.