Jeremiah 48:10
“Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD with slackness, and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from bloodshed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's striking here is that the "work of the LORD" isn't about gentle persuasion; it's about a thorough, even violent, execution of God's judgment. The curse falls not just on those who refuse to do God's work, but on those who do it slackly or hold back when divine command requires decisive action. This highlights that God sometimes calls His people to participate in His fierce justice, and doing so half-heartedly invites His condemnation.
Jeremiah is delivering a severe judgment against Moab for their pride and defiance, declaring their utter destruction. This verse acts as a stern charge to the Chaldeans, God's chosen instrument for this devastation, warning them against any half-heartedness or hesitation in carrying out the Lord's decree. The prophet emphasizes that this isn't just a human war, but a divine commission that demands full execution.
Ever feel like you're doing God's work, but something feels... off? This verse reminds us who's really in charge.
Jeremiah speaks to the Chaldeans, calling their mission to destroy Moab the "work of the LORD." This isn't just a human war; it's an instrument of God's justice. When we engage in service for God – whether it's sharing the Gospel, helping the needy, or confronting injustice – it's crucial to remember that it is His work we participate in.
This reframes our perspective. It’s not about our personal ambition or agenda, but about aligning with God’s purposes. When we understand we are co-laborers with the Almighty, it imbues our tasks with divine weight and significance.
What happens when we give God our 'B-game'? This verse issues a stern warning against holding back.
The verse curses those who do God's work "with slackness" or "deceitfully" (depending on translation, but the sense is negligence or lack of full commitment). This isn't a light rebuke; it's a curse.
Think about King Saul's disobedience when he spared parts of the Amalekites' livestock and people, despite God's direct command for utter destruction (1 Samuel 15). He held back, and it led to his rejection as king.
God desires our full devotion. Whether it's sharing truth with a friend, committing to a ministry, or standing up for righteousness, holding back – being lukewarm or negligent – is not acceptable. It dishonors God and can have serious consequences.
Understand the original words
arur · Hebrew Adjective
To be under divine judgment or condemnation; it signifies exclusion from God's blessing and the pronouncement of just punishment upon those who disobey or oppose His will.
remiyah · Hebrew Noun
Laziness, lethargy, or negligence in performing tasks, particularly when applied to spiritual duties or service to God; it implies a failure to act with the diligence or passion that God requires.
This passage parallels Jeremiah's warning by showing King Saul being cursed for failing to completely destroy the Amalekites, a task God had commanded. It highlights the severe consequences of not fully executing God's orders.
Matthew 28:19-20While Jeremiah speaks of a curse for incomplete military action, Jesus' command to make disciples involves a similar call for complete dedication and thoroughness in fulfilling God's mission, not holding back.
1 Corinthians 15:58This verse echoes the sentiment of Jeremiah by urging believers to be 'always abounding in the work of the Lord,' emphasizing that our service should never be done with 'slackness' but with full devotion.
Revelation 3:15-16The words spoken to the church in Laodicea about being 'neither cold nor hot' and God's intention to 'spit them out of his mouth' connect with the idea of lukewarmness or negligence in spiritual work, mirroring the curse in Jeremiah.
pulpitJeremiah 48:10: "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood."
Verse 10. - Deceitfully; rather, slackly, negligently.
gillJeremiah 48:10: "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood."
Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully,.... Which is said with respect to the Chaldeans, who were enjoined to destroy the Moabites; which is called the work of the Lord, because he had given them a commission to do it; and which was to be done by them, not by halves, or in a remiss and negligent manner, but fully and faithfully; they were not to…
What's striking here is that the "work of the LORD" isn't about gentle persuasion; it's about a thorough, even violent, execution of God's judgment. The curse falls not just on those who refuse to do God's work, but on those who do it slackly or hold back when divine command requires decisive action. This highlights that God sometimes calls His people to participate in His fierce justice, and doing so half-heartedly invites His condemnation.
Jeremiah is delivering a severe judgment against Moab for their pride and defiance, declaring their utter destruction. This verse acts as a stern charge to the Chaldeans, God's chosen instrument for this devastation, warning them against any half-heartedness or hesitation in carrying out the Lord's decree. The prophet emphasizes that this isn't just a human war, but a divine commission that demands full execution.
Jeremiah is delivering a severe judgment against Moab for their pride and defiance, declaring their utter destruction. This verse acts as a stern charge to the Chaldeans, God's chosen instrument for this devastation, warning them against any half-heartedness or hesitation in carrying out the Lord's decree. The prophet emphasizes that this isn't just a human war, but a divine commission that demands full execution.
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"“Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD with slackness, and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from bloodshed." — What's striking here is that the "work of the LORD" isn't about gentle persuasion; it's about a thorough, even violent, execution of God's judgment. The curse falls not just on those who refuse to do…
