King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 48:18 Mean?

Jeremiah 48:18 in the King James Version says “Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come u... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Jeremiah 48:18 · KJV


Context

16

The calamity of Moab is 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, and the beautiful rod!

18

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.

19

O inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and espy; ask him that fleeth, and her that escapeth, and say, What is done? inhabitant: Heb. inhabitress

20

Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from thy glory (יֹשֶׁבֶת בַּת־דִּיבוֹן רְדִי מִכָּבוֹד)—Dibon, Moab's capital where the Mesha Stele was discovered, must descend (redi) from kavod (glory/honor). And sit in thirst (וּשְׁבִי בַּצָּמָא)—The besieged city will lack water, a devastating reversal for the well-watered plateau. For the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, and he shall destroy thy strong holds (כִּי־שֹׁדֵד מוֹאָב עָלָה בָךְ שִׁחֵת מִבְצָרָיִךְ).

The command to 'sit in thirst' reverses Psalm 23's 'green pastures' and 'still waters'—those who reject the Shepherd experience desolation. Dibon's fortifications (mivtsarayikh, strongholds) prove worthless. This foreshadows Jesus's warning about building on sand versus rock (Matthew 7:24-27): human defenses collapse without divine foundation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Dibon (modern Dhiban, Jordan) was Moab's administrative capital, strategically located on the King's Highway. The Mesha Stele (c. 840 BC), found there in 1868, boasts of Moabite building projects and victories. Archaeological excavations show massive fortifications and a thriving Iron Age city—exactly the 'glory' and 'strongholds' Jeremiah addresses. Nebuchadnezzar's forces devastated the site around 582 BC.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'strongholds' (wealth, reputation, education, relationships) provide false security that God might require you to abandon?
  2. How does the image of descending from glory to sit in thirst illustrate the consequences of pride and self-sufficiency?
  3. In what ways does Jesus offer 'living water' (John 4:10) that makes earthly securities and glories pale by comparison?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
רְדִ֤י1 of 14

come down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מִכָּבוֹד֙2 of 14

from thy glory

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יֹשֶׁ֖בֶת3 of 14

and sit

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בַצָּמָ֔א4 of 14

in thirst

H6772

thirst (literally or figuratively)

יֹשֶׁ֖בֶת5 of 14

and sit

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בַּת6 of 14

Thou daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

דִּיב֑וֹן7 of 14

Dibon

H1769

dibon, the name of three places in palestine

כִּֽי8 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שֹׁדֵ֤ד9 of 14

for the spoiler

H7703

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

מוֹאָב֙10 of 14

of Moab

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

עָ֣לָה11 of 14

shall come

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בָ֔ךְ12 of 14
H0
שִׁחֵ֖ת13 of 14

upon thee and he shall destroy

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

מִבְצָרָֽיִךְ׃14 of 14

thy strong holds

H4013

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender


Study Guide

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 48:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 48:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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