King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 48:35 Mean?
“Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.”
Jeremiah 48:35 · KJV
Context
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; their shouting shall be no shouting.
34
From the cry of Heshbon even unto Elealeh, and even unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice, from Zoar even unto Horonaim, as an heifer of three years old: for the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate. desolate: Heb. desolations
35
Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, 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 that he hath gotten are perished.
37
For every head shall be bald, and every beard clipped: upon all the hands shall be cuttings, and upon the loins sackcloth. clipped: Heb. diminished
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryMoreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places (וְהִשְׁבַּתִּי לְמוֹאָב נְאֻם־יְהוָה מַעֲלֶה בָּמָה)—God will stop (shavat, שָׁבַת) Moab's worship at bamot (בָּמוֹת, high places)—elevated shrines for pagan worship, often to Chemosh (Moab's national deity, 1 Kings 11:7). And him that burneth incense to his gods (וּמַקְטִיר לֵאלֹהָיו). The word qatar (קָטַר) means to burn incense, to make sacrifices smoke—the central act of pagan worship.
This verse reveals judgment's spiritual dimension. God doesn't merely destroy Moab's political and economic structures—He ends their false worship. Their gods cannot save them; their high places will fall silent. This demonstrates Yahweh's sovereignty over all nations and the impotence of idols. When the true God acts in judgment, false gods are exposed as powerless. Moab's relationship with Chemosh (to whom they even sacrificed children, 2 Kings 3:27) made them particularly abominable. God's judgment includes religious purging.
This verse reveals judgment's spiritual dimension. God doesn't merely destroy Moab's political and economic structures—He ends their false worship. Their gods cannot save them; their high places will fall silent. This demonstrates Yahweh's sovereignty over all nations and the impotence of idols. When the true God acts in judgment, false gods are exposed as powerless. Moab's relationship with Chemosh (to whom they even sacrificed children, 2 Kings 3:27) made them particularly abominable. God's judgment includes religious purging.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Chemosh was Moab's primary deity, mentioned in the Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone, 840 BC). Worship at high places involved sacrifices, incense, and sometimes child sacrifice. Solomon built a high place for Chemosh near Jerusalem (1 Kings 11:7), which Josiah later destroyed (2 Kings 23:13). Moab's religion was deeply integrated with national identity; destroying their high places meant destroying their spiritual and cultural foundations. After Babylon's conquest, Moabite religion effectively ceased, fulfilling this prophecy. No more sacrifices to Chemosh are recorded in history.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's judgment on false worship demonstrate that He is Lord over all nations, not just Israel?
- What does the cessation of Moab's religious practices teach about the impotence of idols when confronted by the true God?
- In what ways might we practice 'high place' worship—religious activities not directed to the one true God?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsוְהִשְׁבַּתִּ֥י1 of 8
“Moreover I will cause to cease”
H7673to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
מַעֲלֶ֣ה5 of 8
“him that offereth”
H5927to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
וּמַקְטִ֖יר7 of 8
“and him that burneth incense”
H6999to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
לֵאלֹהָֽיו׃8 of 8
“to his gods”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
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 48:35 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 48:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge