Jeremiah 48:32
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The prophet here reveals a deep sorrow for Sibmah, not just for its destruction, but for the extent of its loss, lamenting that its flourishing influence, symbolized by its vines, had spread far and wide, even across the sea, only to be completely ravaged by the destroyer. This emphasizes that Sibmah was not an isolated or small place, but a place of significant prosperity and reach, making its downfall all the more tragic.
More than for Jazer I weep for you, O vine of Sibmah! Your branches passed over the sea, reached to the Sea of Jazer; on your summer fruits and your grapes the destroyer has fallen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues the prophecy against Moab, focusing on two of its cities, Jazer and Sibmah, which were known for their fertile lands and vineyards. The prophet laments that Sibmah, a city famous for its vines, will suffer destruction even more intensely than Jazer did. The metaphor of the vine and its spreading branches signifies the city's former prosperity and influence, now devastated by an invading enemy.
Jeremiah cries out for Sibmah, but his grief is immense. Why does this city, symbolized as a vine, warrant such profound sorrow?
The verse opens with Jeremiah declaring, 'More than for Jazer I weep for you, O vine of Sibmah!' This isn't just sadness; it's an amplified lament. Jazer, another Moabite city, has already faced destruction, and its sorrow is a benchmark. But Sibmah's fate will be even more devastating, prompting a greater outpouring of grief. The comparison highlights the severity of the coming judgment and the profound loss that Moab will suffer. Sibmah wasn't just any city; it was renowned for its vineyards, symbolizing its wealth, prosperity, and the fruitfulness of its people.
Sibmah's 'plants' and 'branches' spread far and wide, reaching across waters. Yet, this vastness becomes a target for destruction. How does this imagery paint a picture of judgment?
The imagery of Sibmah's 'plants' and 'branches' extending 'over the sea' and reaching 'to the sea of Jazer' speaks of its immense prosperity and influence. These were not just local vines but represented the city's reach, perhaps its trade routes, its population spread, or its fertile territories extending far and wide. However, this very abundance makes it a prime target. The 'spoiler' – often understood as the invading Babylonian army – 'has fallen upon' its summer fruits and grapes. This signifies a sudden, brutal end to all its flourishing. The season of harvest and vintage, meant for celebration and sustenance, becomes the moment of utter devastation and loss, leaving nothing to enjoy.
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gepen · Hebrew Noun
A common biblical metaphor for a nation or a people, representing their fruitfulness, growth, and dependence on God's cultivation.
qayits · Hebrew Noun
A reference to harvest products, used metaphorically to represent the prosperity, sustenance, and abundance of a land that God has provided.
šōdēd · Hebrew Noun
One who brings ruin or devastation, often acting as an instrument of divine judgment against a rebellious nation or people.
The prophecy against Moab, including the lament for the vine of Sibmah, is deeply rooted in the context of the Babylonian exile. The 'spoiler' is most likely Nebuchadnezzar's army, whose conquests brought devastation to the fertile lands and cities of Moab, mirroring the fate of Judah.
c. 840 BC
Moabite Stone inscription
King Mesha of Moab records his rebellion against Israel and recounts his conquests, including retaking cities like Ataroth and Nebo from Israel, and possibly referencing Sibmah.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian campaigns in the region
Assyrian armies under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II campaigned in the Levant, subjugating various kingdoms, including likely impacting Moabite territories.
c. 700 BC
Assyrian subjugation of Moab
Moab likely came under Assyrian dominance during this period, with tribute exacted and local rulers potentially installed or influenced by Assyrian authorities.
605 BC
First Babylonian deportation
Nebuchadnezzar, after his victory over Egypt, initiates deportations from Judah, marking the beginning of Babylonian influence and control over the region.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, carrying away a significant portion of the population. This event profoundly impacted all surrounding nations, including Moab.
Mid-6th century BC
Continued Babylonian and Persian influence
Following the fall of Jerusalem, Moab remained under Babylonian control, and later fell under the dominion of the rising Persian Empire.
This passage directly echoes Jeremiah's lament, highlighting the widespread destruction of vineyards and the ensuing sorrow.
Jeremiah 49:3This chapter, focused on the judgment of Ammon, also uses agricultural imagery and the idea of a 'spoiler' to describe divine retribution.
Hosea 10:1-2Hosea similarly uses the metaphor of a fruitful vine that has become corrupt, leading to its judgment and destruction by a 'spoiler' or 'destroyer'.
Joel 1:10-12Joel describes the devastating impact of a locust plague that acts as a 'spoiler,' laying waste to the land's bounty, including grapes and summer fruits, causing widespread mourning.
clarkeJeremiah 48:32: "O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer: thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach even to the sea of Jazer: the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage."
O vine of Sibmah - See on Isaiah 16:8 (note).
calvinJeremiah 48:32: "O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer: thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach even to the sea of Jazer: the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage."
O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer: thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach even to the sea of Jazer: the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer-fruits and upon thy vintage.
A fletu Jaezer flebo (vel, a planctu plangam) tibi (id est, supe…
The prophet here reveals a deep sorrow for Sibmah, not just for its destruction, but for the extent of its loss, lamenting that its flourishing influence, symbolized by its vines, had spread far and wide, even across the sea, only to be completely ravaged by the destroyer. This emphasizes that Sibmah was not an isolated or small place, but a place of significant prosperity and reach, making its downfall all the more tragic.
This passage continues the prophecy against Moab, focusing on two of its cities, Jazer and Sibmah, which were known for their fertile lands and vineyards. The prophet laments that Sibmah, a city famous for its vines, will suffer destruction even more intensely than Jazer did. The metaphor of the vine and its spreading branches signifies the city's former prosperity and influence, now devastated by an invading enemy.
This passage continues the prophecy against Moab, focusing on two of its cities, Jazer and Sibmah, which were known for their fertile lands and vineyards. The prophet laments that Sibmah, a city famous for its vines, will suffer destruction even more intensely than Jazer did. The metaphor of the vine and its spreading branches signifies the city's former prosperity and influence, now devastated by an invading enemy.
"More than for Jazer I weep for you, O vine of Sibmah! Your branches passed over the sea, reached to the Sea of Jazer; on your summer fruits and your grapes the destroyer has fallen." — The prophet here reveals a deep sorrow for Sibmah, not just for its destruction, but for the extent of its loss, lamenting that its flourishing influence, symbolized by its vines, had spread far an…
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Last reviewed October 2026
