Jeremiah 48:46
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This verse highlights a striking irony: the people of Chemosh, their supposed god, are left to perish while their children are taken away. It's a powerful reminder that turning to idols for security leaves you vulnerable, not protected, in the face of divine judgment.
Woe to you, O Moab! The people of Chemosh are undone, for your sons have been taken captive, and your daughters into captivity.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah has just delivered a lengthy prophecy detailing God's judgment against Moab, highlighting their pride and idolatry, especially their worship of Chemosh. This final verse serves as a lament, a concluding woe that sums up the devastating outcome of that judgment: the destruction and scattering of Moab's people, with their children taken into exile by their conquerors. It echoes a passage from the Old Testament where Israel proclaimed judgment against Moab, now fulfilled by God's hand through Babylon.
Jeremiah doesn't just predict disaster for Moab; he pronounces a 'woe.' What makes this particular doom so devastating?
The finality of this prophecy hits hard. The 'woe' isn't just about military defeat; it's about the complete unraveling of Moab's future. The worst blow? The taking of their children, both sons and daughters. This wasn't just a loss of population; it was the silencing of their legacy, the end of their lineage, and the dissolution of their hope for continuity. The very fabric of their nation was torn apart, leaving them utterly vulnerable and undone.
Moab served Chemosh. What does this verse reveal about the power—or lack thereof—of their supreme deity?
The prophet calls Moab 'the people of Chemosh.' This highlights their identity and their ultimate trust placed in this idol. Yet, the prophecy declares that 'the people of Chemosh perish.' This is a direct indictment of their false god. While Israel was called the 'people of the Lord,' their God was their protector and deliverer. Chemosh, however, offers no salvation. When judgment falls, the idol and its worshippers face ruin together. It’s a stark reminder that trusting in anything other than the true God leads to ultimate despair and destruction.
Understand the original words
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'ôy · Hebrew Interjection
An interjection expressing deep grief, sorrow, or a pronouncement of impending divine judgment. It signifies that the object of the 'woe' is under the curse or wrath of God.
Kemôsh · Hebrew Noun
A primary pagan deity of the Moabites to whom children were sometimes sacrificed. In the Bible, he represents the idolatrous allegiance of the nation of Moab.
'ābad · Hebrew Verb
To perish, be destroyed, or brought to ruin. It often signifies a state of total collapse or being 'cut off' from God's favor or life.
šebî · Hebrew Noun/Verb
To be taken away by force, usually as a result of defeat in war. It carries the theological implication of divine judgment or removal from one's inheritance as a consequence of sin.
This prophecy against Moab, calling out their worship of Chemosh, directly addresses the devastating impact of the Babylonian conquests. The carrying away of sons and daughters into captivity was a stark reality for nations under Nebuchadnezzar's rule, just as it was for Judah.
c. 1400 BC
Israel's Sojourn and Conquest
During Israel's journey to the Promised Land, they passed by Moab. While conflict was avoided, the memory of this period, including a prophetic oracle against Moab, was preserved.
Late 9th century BC
Mesha Stele mentions Moabite strength
The Mesha Stele, a Moabite inscription, boasts of Moab's independence and victories over Israel, indicating Moab's significant regional presence.
c. 730 BC
Assyrian Campaigns affect Moab
The expanding Assyrian Empire conducted military campaigns that impacted the region, likely subjecting Moab to Assyrian influence or tribute.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, began deporting citizens from Judah, including some of noble birth. This marked the rising power of Babylon in the region.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, leading to a massive deportation of Judeans to Babylon. This event intensified fears and prophecies concerning other nations.
Post-586 BC
Moab experiences Babylonian subjugation
Following the fall of Jerusalem, the Babylonian Empire consolidated its control over the surrounding regions, including Moab, leading to the prophesied captivity of its people.
This verse is directly referenced, showing the long-standing prophetic judgment against Moab and their god Chemosh, highlighting a continuity of divine warning.
Isaiah 15:1Like Jeremiah 48, this prophecy details the coming destruction and lamentation over Moab, emphasizing the widespread devastation and suffering that judgment brings.
Zephaniah 2:8-10This passage echoes the judgment against Moab for their pride and mockery of God's people, illustrating that foreign nations who oppose God's covenant people will also face consequences.
Jeremiah 49:1Following the prophecy against Moab, this chapter addresses the Ammonites, demonstrating a pattern of judgment against the surrounding nations who had mistreated Israel.
clarkeJeremiah 48:46: "Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives."
The people of Chemosh - The Moabites, who worshipped Chemosh as their supreme god.
pooleJeremiah 48:46: "Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives."
The prophet, closing the threatening part of his prophecy against Moab, repeateth the same thing which he had often said, that the Moabites should be carried into captivity by the king of Babylon, and denounceth a woe unto them upon that account.
This verse highlights a striking irony: the people of Chemosh, their supposed god, are left to perish while their children are taken away. It's a powerful reminder that turning to idols for security leaves you vulnerable, not protected, in the face of divine judgment.
Jeremiah has just delivered a lengthy prophecy detailing God's judgment against Moab, highlighting their pride and idolatry, especially their worship of Chemosh. This final verse serves as a lament, a concluding woe that sums up the devastating outcome of that judgment: the destruction and scattering of Moab's people, with their children taken into exile by their conquerors. It echoes a passage from the Old Testament where Israel proclaimed judgment against Moab, now fulfilled by God's hand through Babylon.
Jeremiah has just delivered a lengthy prophecy detailing God's judgment against Moab, highlighting their pride and idolatry, especially their worship of Chemosh. This final verse serves as a lament, a concluding woe that sums up the devastating outcome of that judgment: the destruction and scattering of Moab's people, with their children taken into exile by their conquerors. It echoes a passage from the Old Testament where Israel proclaimed judgment against Moab, now fulfilled by God's hand through Babylon.
"Woe to you, O Moab! The people of Chemosh are undone, for your sons have been taken captive, and your daughters into captivity." — This verse highlights a striking irony: the people of Chemosh, their supposed god, are left to perish while their children are taken away. It's a powerful reminder that turning to idols for security…
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Last reviewed October 2026
