Jeremiah 48:38
On all the housetops of Moab and in the squares there is nothing but lamentation, for I have broken Moab like a vessel for which no one cares, declares the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that Moab is broken "like a vessel for which no one cares." This isn't just about being broken; it emphasizes a complete lack of value, a vessel so undesirable that its destruction brings no regret and no thought of repair, a stark contrast to how God cherishes His own.
This verse continues the prophecy against Moab, detailing the utter devastation that will fall upon the nation. Jeremiah describes a scene of widespread public mourning, echoing a common prophetic image of public outcry. The reason for this total ruin is God's direct action, likening Moab to a shattered, worthless pot that the potter discards, signifying their complete and irreversible destruction.
Imagine a silence so profound that the only sound is weeping. This verse paints a picture of total devastation, felt everywhere.
The prophet describes "lamentation on all the housetops of Moab and in its squares." This wasn't just a private sorrow; it was a public spectacle of grief.
This imagery emphasizes the totality of Moab's ruin – no corner of their land, no aspect of their lives, was untouched by this judgment.
God's judgment isn't always about punishment; sometimes it's about demonstrating ultimate worthlessness. What does it mean to be a vessel with "no pleasure"?
The core of God's judgment against Moab is this striking comparison: "I have broken Moab like a vessel for which no one cares." This isn't just about being broken; it's about being broken in a way that signifies utter worthlessness.
Understand the original words
misped · Hebrew Noun
A state of mourning, wailing, or expressing intense grief, typically for the dead or as a response to calamity. It serves as a public acknowledgment of judgment or irreparable loss.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the Creator God of Israel, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people. It is the name through which He reveals His holiness, justice, and mercy.
Jeremiah's prophecy against Moab unfolds against the backdrop of Judah's own devastating exile and the shifting powers in the ancient Near East, highlighting God's judgment on nations that oppose Him and His people.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah and begins deporting its elite, including Daniel, to Babylon. This event signals the rising power of Babylon in the region.
c. 597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Following a Judean revolt, Nebuchadnezzar deports more people from Jerusalem, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, further weakening Judah.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its temple, ending the Davidic kingdom and initiating the main Babylonian Exile for the Judean people. This is the ultimate judgment for Judah.
c. 582 BC
Third Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar conducts a final deportation from Judah after a rebellion, solidifying Babylonian control and scattering the remaining population.
barnesJeremiah 48:38: "There shall be lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, saith the LORD."
Generally - Rather, entirely.
calvinJeremiah 48:38: "There shall be lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, saith the LORD."
- Super omnia tecta Moab, et in compitis ejus omnino planctus (hoc est, ubique; klh sumitur adverbialiter,) quoniam confregi Moab tanquam vas quod non est in pretio (ad verbum, non desiderium in ipso, tanquam vas quod contemnitur, quod non appetitur,) dicit Jehova.
The Prophet at the beginning of the ve…
The verse highlights that Moab is broken "like a vessel for which no one cares." This isn't just about being broken; it emphasizes a complete lack of value, a vessel so undesirable that its destruction brings no regret and no thought of repair, a stark contrast to how God cherishes His own.
This verse continues the prophecy against Moab, detailing the utter devastation that will fall upon the nation. Jeremiah describes a scene of widespread public mourning, echoing a common prophetic image of public outcry. The reason for this total ruin is God's direct action, likening Moab to a shattered, worthless pot that the potter discards, signifying their complete and irreversible destruction.
This verse continues the prophecy against Moab, detailing the utter devastation that will fall upon the nation. Jeremiah describes a scene of widespread public mourning, echoing a common prophetic image of public outcry. The reason for this total ruin is God's direct action, likening Moab to a shattered, worthless pot that the potter discards, signifying their complete and irreversible destruction.
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c. 550-539 BC
Rise of the Medo-Persian Empire
The Median and Persian empires unite under Cyrus the Great, growing into a formidable power that would soon challenge and conquer Babylon.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, ending Babylonian rule and ushering in the Persian Empire. This shift in geopolitical power creates new possibilities for exiles.
c. 550-500 BC— this verse
Prophecies Against Moab
Jeremiah delivers prophecies against Moab, likely during the period of Babylonian dominance and the subsequent rise of Persia. These prophecies detail impending judgment and destruction due to Moab's arrogance and opposition to God's people.
"On all the housetops of Moab and in the squares there is nothing but lamentation, for I have broken Moab like a vessel for which no one cares, declares the LORD." — The verse highlights that Moab is broken "like a vessel for which no one cares." This isn't just about being broken; it emphasizes a complete lack of value, a vessel so undesirable that its destructi…
