and Kiriathaim, and Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jeremiah 48:23
What does Jeremiah 48:23 mean?
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Jeremiah 48:23
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Here, the prophet lists specific cities being judged. Notice that "Beth-meon" is listed here, but its fuller, more telling name—"Beth-baal-meon" (house of Baal-Meon)—reveals that this was a significant place of worship for Moab's chief deity. The judgment falling on these cities isn't just a political or military defeat; it's a divine indictment against their idolatry.
and Kiriathaim, and Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah is delivering a sweeping oracle of judgment against Moab, listing specific cities and regions that will be devastated. This passage continues the enumeration of these locations, highlighting their ultimate fate under God's wrath for their pride and opposition to Israel. The chapter moves from naming these conquered cities to declaring the utter ruin and scattering of the Moabite people, emphasizing the finality of their downfall.
Ever notice how place names can tell a story? The names of these Moabite cities aren't just labels – they reveal something about their culture and beliefs.
Jeremiah calls out specific cities in Moab, and their names are loaded with meaning.
Worship of Baal
Cultural Significance
Why does the prophet list these particular cities? It wasn't just a random geographical survey – these were important centers, and their naming signifies their impending doom.
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The prophecy against Moab in Jeremiah 48 is comprehensive, targeting its cities and its very existence as a nation. The inclusion of specific, named cities like Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon emphasizes the thoroughness of the judgment.
Undoing of Identity
A Prophetic Pattern
The cities named in Jeremiah 48:23 were significant centers in Moab, some with names tied to pagan worship like Beth-meon (Beth-baal-meon). Their mention in Jeremiah's prophecy signifies their destruction during Nebuchadnezzar II's campaigns against Moab, a consequence of Moab's historical pride and actions against God's people.
c. 830 BC
Moabite Stone records Mesha's rebellion
The Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone) details King Mesha of Moab's successful revolt against Israel, celebrating Moab's independence and territorial gains.
Late 8th Century BC
Assyrian campaigns impact Moab
Assyrian kings like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II conducted campaigns in the region, bringing various smaller states, including Moab, under Assyrian suzerainty or influence.
c. 715–700 BC
Assyrian records list Moab among tributaries
Assyrian inscriptions mention Moab paying tribute, indicating it was under Assyrian control or heavy influence during this period.
605 BC
First Babylonian deportation of Judah
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon deports a portion of the Jewish population and treasures to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
582 BC— this verse
Final Babylonian destruction and deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II conducts a final, devastating campaign against Jerusalem and surrounding nations, including Moab, leading to further destruction and displacement.
c. 580 BC
Jeremiah prophesies Moab's fall
Jeremiah delivers oracles detailing the destruction of Moabite cities like Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon, attributing their downfall to divine judgment.
This passage also lists cities of Moab facing destruction, emphasizing the widespread devastation that is coming upon the land, mirroring the specific judgments announced in Jeremiah.
Ezekiel 25:8-9Ezekiel prophesies against Moab, specifically mentioning Beth-Meon as a place that will be given over to the enemy, aligning with Jeremiah's pronouncements against these cities.
Numbers 32:38This earlier text mentions Beth-Meon (as Baal-Meon) and Kiriathaim as cities that were rebuilt or occupied by the Israelites, providing a historical context for God's judgment on these once familiar places.
Jeremiah 48:41This verse specifically mentions Kerioth being taken and its strongholds surprised, directly illustrating the kind of military defeat prophesied against these cities in the preceding verses.
barnesJeremiah 48:23: "And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Bethgamul, and upon Bethmeon,"
Beth-meon - Meon is probably the Moabite Olympus, and thus Beth-Baal-Meon, the full name of this town Joshua 13:17 , would signify the place where the heavenly Baal was worshipped.
gillJeremiah 48:23: "And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Bethgamul, and upon Bethmeon,"
And upon Kirjathaim,.... Of which see Jeremiah 48:1 ; and upon Bethgamul; this is nowhere else mentioned in Scripture; supposed by Grotius to be the Maccala of Ptolemy, put for Camala: and upon Bethmeon: of which see Isaiah 15:2.
Here, the prophet lists specific cities being judged. Notice that "Beth-meon" is listed here, but its fuller, more telling name—"Beth-baal-meon" (house of Baal-Meon)—reveals that this was a significant place of worship for Moab's chief deity. The judgment falling on these cities isn't just a political or military defeat; it's a divine indictment against their idolatry.
Jeremiah is delivering a sweeping oracle of judgment against Moab, listing specific cities and regions that will be devastated. This passage continues the enumeration of these locations, highlighting their ultimate fate under God's wrath for their pride and opposition to Israel. The chapter moves from naming these conquered cities to declaring the utter ruin and scattering of the Moabite people, emphasizing the finality of their downfall.
Jeremiah is delivering a sweeping oracle of judgment against Moab, listing specific cities and regions that will be devastated. This passage continues the enumeration of these locations, highlighting their ultimate fate under God's wrath for their pride and opposition to Israel. The chapter moves from naming these conquered cities to declaring the utter ruin and scattering of the Moabite people, emphasizing the finality of their downfall.
"and Kiriathaim, and Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon," — Here, the prophet lists specific cities being judged. Notice that "Beth-meon" is listed here, but its fuller, more telling name—"Beth-baal-meon" (house of Baal-Meon)—reveals that this was a significa…
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Last reviewed October 2026