Concerning Moab. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “Woe to Nebo, for it is laid waste! Kiriathaim is put to shame, it is taken; the fortress is put to shame and broken down;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "Misgab is confounded and dismayed" is a bit of a puzzle, as scholars aren't sure if "Misgab" refers to a specific city or is a general term for "fortress" or "high place." This ambiguity highlights how the Lord's judgment encompasses not just prominent cities, but any place of perceived security that ultimately fails.
Concerning Moab. Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “Woe to Nebo, for it is laid waste! Kiriathaim is put to shame, it is taken; the fortress is put to shame and broken down;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This chapter begins a powerful prophecy against Moab, detailing their impending destruction by foreign invaders. Jeremiah, speaking for God, calls out specific Moabite cities like Nebo and Kiriathaim, describing their ruin, capture, and shame. This judgment is a consequence of Moab's arrogance and their historical hostility towards God's people, Israel, even though they were related by blood.
Before judgment is pronounced, the authority behind it is established. Who is speaking, and why does it matter?
The prophecy against Moab doesn't start with Moab itself, but with a declaration of God's identity and authority.
The LORD of Hosts
This title, "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth), emphasizes God's supreme power and His command over all heavenly armies. It signals that this judgment isn't a local squabble but a cosmic decree.
The God of Israel
Calling Himself "the God of Israel" connects His power to His covenant people. This means the judgment on Moab is intertwined with God's faithfulness to His promises and His plan for Israel, even when Israel is suffering.
Cities, fortresses, and strongholds were symbols of power and safety. What happens when these are judged?
Jeremiah calls out specific cities – Nebo, Kiriathaim, and Misgab – to illustrate the totality of Moab's impending destruction.
Nebo: The Idol's Name
Nebo was likely a city named after a Moabite deity, suggesting it was a center of false worship. Its ruin signifies the demolition of Moabite idolatry.
Kiriathaim: The 'Double City'
This city's name means 'double town' or 'two towns.' Its shame and capture show that even their combined strength offers no defense.
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Misgab: The 'Fortress'
This is likely a descriptive term for a strong, fortified place. Its being 'put to shame and broken down' means even their ultimate defenses are rendered useless against God's judgment.
Understand the original words
tsebha'oth · Hebrew Noun
A designation of God emphasizing His absolute sovereignty over all angelic beings and the armies of heaven, and by extension, all earthly powers. It portrays Him as the Almighty Commander who directs history and executes judgment.
hoy · Hebrew Interjection
An expression of intense grief, sorrow, or a prophetic pronouncement of impending judgment and doom. It signals that the state of the person or entity addressed is one of irreversible calamity under divine wrath.
shadad · Hebrew Verb
A state of being devastated, ruined, or rendered empty and desolate. In a prophetic context, it often refers to the result of divine judgment on land or cities that have been stripped of life, protection, and prosperity.
bush · Hebrew Verb
The state of being humiliated or disgraced, often associated with the failure of idols, false confidence, or divine judgment that exposes one's powerlessness. To be put to shame is to be stripped of honor and left in a state of vulnerability.
misgab · Hebrew Noun
A place of refuge, strength, or security. Biblically, a fortress often represents human confidence or the physical defenses a nation relies upon; when broken down, it signifies the futility of trusting in man-made power rather than God.
This prophecy against Moab, delivered by Jeremiah, speaks of the devastation of key Moabite cities like Nebo and Kiriathaim. It underscores God's judgment not only on His own people when they stray but also on neighboring nations, especially those who acted with hostility and pride towards His chosen people, Israel.
c. 840 BC
Moabite Rebellion against Israel
Following the death of Ahab, king of Israel, Moab, led by King Mesha, rebelled against Israelite rule, asserting their independence. This event, detailed in 2 Kings 3, highlights the long-standing tensions and conflicts between Moab and Israel.
730s BC
Assyrian Conquests
The Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III expanded its influence into the region, conquering surrounding territories. This led to the deportation of populations, including Israelites from the Transjordanian tribes, potentially impacting Moab's borders and control over certain areas.
c. 580s BC— this verse
Nebuchadnezzar's Campaigns
King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon led military campaigns into the region following his conquest of Judah. While the specific details of his campaigns against Moab are not fully documented, it is believed that Nebuchadnezzar subdued Moab around this time.
c. 580s BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Jeremiah's prophecy against Moab is understood to have been delivered shortly after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The Moabites had previously sided with the Chaldeans against Judah and rejoiced in its downfall.
This passage offers an earlier prophecy against Moab, detailing the devastation of cities like Nebo and Ar, and setting a thematic precedent for Jeremiah's pronouncement.
Numbers 32:34-38This historical account shows that many of the cities mentioned in Jeremiah 48, such as Nebo and Kiriathaim, were originally allotted to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, highlighting the shifting territories and God's judgment on those who occupied them.
Jeremiah 49:16This verse, part of a larger oracle against various nations, echoes the theme of pride leading to downfall, specifically mentioning Moab's arrogance and their reliance on fortresses, mirroring the downfall of Nebo and other cities.
2 Kings 3:4-27This narrative describes a conflict between Moab and the allied kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom, illustrating the long-standing tension and warfare between Israel and Moab, which provides a historical backdrop for God's judgment.
pulpitJeremiah 48:1: "Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded and taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed."
Verses 1-8. - The prophet foresees the calamity of Moab, and the attendant confusion and dismay. Yes; flee, save your lives, if ye can; for your confidences have proved untrustworthy; there is no hope left. Verse 1. - Against Moab; rather, concerning Moab. Nebo! Not, of course, the mountain range referred to in De…
clarkeJeremiah 48:1: "Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded and taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed."
Against Moab - This was delivered some time after the destruction of Jerusalem. The Moabites were in the neighborhood of the Ammonites, and whatever evils fell on the one would naturally involve the other. See Isaiah 15:1-9 and Isaiah 16:1-14 on this same subject. Wo unto Nebo! for it is spoiled - This was a city…
The phrase "Misgab is confounded and dismayed" is a bit of a puzzle, as scholars aren't sure if "Misgab" refers to a specific city or is a general term for "fortress" or "high place." This ambiguity highlights how the Lord's judgment encompasses not just prominent cities, but any place of perceived security that ultimately fails.
This chapter begins a powerful prophecy against Moab, detailing their impending destruction by foreign invaders. Jeremiah, speaking for God, calls out specific Moabite cities like Nebo and Kiriathaim, describing their ruin, capture, and shame. This judgment is a consequence of Moab's arrogance and their historical hostility towards God's people, Israel, even though they were related by blood.
This chapter begins a powerful prophecy against Moab, detailing their impending destruction by foreign invaders. Jeremiah, speaking for God, calls out specific Moabite cities like Nebo and Kiriathaim, describing their ruin, capture, and shame. This judgment is a consequence of Moab's arrogance and their historical hostility towards God's people, Israel, even though they were related by blood.
"Concerning Moab.
Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel:
“Woe to Nebo, for it is laid waste!
Kiriathaim is put to shame, it is taken;
the fortress is put to shame and broken down;" — The phrase "Misgab is confounded and dismayed" is a bit of a puzzle, as scholars aren't sure if "Misgab" refers to a specific city or is a general term for "fortress" or "high place." This ambiguity…
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Last reviewed October 2026