King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 48:23 Mean?
“And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Bethgamul, and upon Bethmeon,”
Context
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 Bethdiblathaim,
23
And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Bethgamul, and upon Bethmeon,
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 LORD.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(23) **Kiriathaim.**—See Jeremiah 48:1.**
Beth-gamul.**—The place is not named in the earlier lists of Numbers 32:34-38 and Joshua 13:16-20. The name (=house of the camel) has a parallel in Gamala, and appears in the modern *Um-el-Jemal, *south of Buzrah, in the Haûran. This, however, lies out of the range of the *Mishor, *or “plain country,” to which the cities here enumerated belonged.
**Beth-meon.**—The name appears in its full form as Beth-baal-meon in Joshua 13:17, as Baal-meon in Numbers 32:38; 1Chronicles 5:8; Ezekiel 25:8. The name *Meon *(= citadel of heaven) survives in the modern *Mi’un. *Its combination with Baal makes it probable that it was famous as a sanctuary where the Moabite Baal was worshipped.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). 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 48:23 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 48:23
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge