Jeremiah 48:27
Was not Israel a derision to you? Was he found among thieves, that whenever you spoke of him you wagged your head?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that Moab's derision of Israel wasn't just about schadenfreude; it was a deep-seated mockery as if Israel were caught red-handed in some shameful act, like thieves. This implies that Moab saw Israel's downfall as proof of their inherent worthlessness, a common tactic to elevate oneself by demeaning others.
Jeremiah is directly addressing Moab, recounting their gloating and mockery over Israel's misfortunes, particularly their exiles. The prophet questions why Moab felt entitled to such scorn, as if Israel had been caught as common criminals. This scornful exultation, both historically towards the northern kingdom and more recently towards Judah, will ultimately bring judgment upon Moab itself.
Why does the Bible get so upset when people find joy in the suffering of others? It’s more than just being a jerk; it strikes at the heart of how we reflect God’s character.
Jeremiah calls out Moab for its gleeful reaction to Israel's downfall. The question, 'Was not Israel a derision unto thee?' isn't just rhetorical. It highlights the shamefulness of Moab's behavior.
A Callous Heart
Moab scorned Israel, treating them like common criminals. But was Israel really like a thief? This question digs into how we judge others and the true nature of their offense.
The phrase 'Was he found among thieves?' is a powerful metaphor. Moab treated Israel as if they deserved utter contempt, like a thief caught red-handed. But Jeremiah implies this judgment was unjust.
The Offense of Israel
This verse speaks to the painful reality of nations gloating over the downfall of others. The Moabites' scorn for Israel, even in its times of weakness and exile, was seen by God as an act against His people and would not go unpunished.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel
The Assyrian Empire conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel and deported many of its citizens, a disaster that Moab, a neighboring kingdom, likely observed with glee.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
The Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded the southern Kingdom of Judah. While Jerusalem survived, the surrounding areas were devastated, a time of great distress for the people of God.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Judah and began deporting its people, including some from the royal family and prominent citizens, to Babylon. This marked the start of Judah's exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar returned, destroyed Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, and deported the majority of the remaining population to Babylon. This was the nadir of Israel's national existence.
This passage describes God's judgment on Ammon for their malicious joy over Judah's calamity, echoing Moab's sin in Jeremiah 48:27. Both instances highlight God's displeasure with nations who mock His people in their distress.
Zephaniah 2:8This verse directly condemns Moab for their 'insolent reproach' against Israel, mirroring the sentiment of derision in Jeremiah 48:27. It shows a consistent historical pattern of Moab's hostility towards God's people.
Psalm 22:7This psalm describes the suffering servant being mocked and scorned by onlookers who 'wag their heads' in derision. This ancient expression of contempt, seen in the psalm and in Jeremiah 48:27, illustrates the depth of humiliation inflicted upon the afflicted.
Obadiah 1:10-16This prophecy against Edom for their violence against Jacob (Israel) shows God holding nations accountable for rejoicing over their neighbor's downfall. Like Moab in Jeremiah 48, Edom's malicious joy and participation in plunder led to divine judgment.
barnesJeremiah 48:27: "For was not Israel a derision unto thee? was he found among thieves? for since thou spakest of him, thou skippedst for joy."
Was he found ... - Or, "was he found among thieves that so often as thou speakest of him" thou waggest thy head? - in contempt for a fallen enemy.
gillJeremiah 48:27: "For was not Israel a derision unto thee? was he found among thieves? for since thou spakest of him, thou skippedst for joy."
For was not Israel a derision unto thee?.... In the time of his calamity, when the ten tribes were carried captive by the Assyrians some years ago; and of late the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin by the Chaldeans; the Moabites rejoiced at this, which they ought not to have done, upon the common principles of humanity; and especially since they were not o…
The verse highlights that Moab's derision of Israel wasn't just about schadenfreude; it was a deep-seated mockery as if Israel were caught red-handed in some shameful act, like thieves. This implies that Moab saw Israel's downfall as proof of their inherent worthlessness, a common tactic to elevate oneself by demeaning others.
Jeremiah is directly addressing Moab, recounting their gloating and mockery over Israel's misfortunes, particularly their exiles. The prophet questions why Moab felt entitled to such scorn, as if Israel had been caught as common criminals. This scornful exultation, both historically towards the northern kingdom and more recently towards Judah, will ultimately bring judgment upon Moab itself.
Jeremiah is directly addressing Moab, recounting their gloating and mockery over Israel's misfortunes, particularly their exiles. The prophet questions why Moab felt entitled to such scorn, as if Israel had been caught as common criminals. This scornful exultation, both historically towards the northern kingdom and more recently towards Judah, will ultimately bring judgment upon Moab itself.
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c. 582 BC— this verse
Final Deportations from Judah
Nebuchadnezzar conducted further deportations from Judah, completing the exile of its population. Jeremiah prophesied during and after these devastating events.
"Was not Israel a derision to you? Was he found among thieves, that whenever you spoke of him you wagged your head?" — The verse highlights that Moab's derision of Israel wasn't just about schadenfreude; it was a deep-seated mockery as if Israel were caught red-handed in some shameful act, like thieves. This implies…
