Jeremiah 48

26–28 Moab will be drunk from drinking the cup of God’s wrath (see Jeremiah 25:15–16). Just as Israel had been ridiculed by Moab, so it was now Moab’s turn to be an object of ridicule (verse 26).

29–36 These verses are an expanded version of Isaiah 16:6–12. The Moabites’ chief sins were pride (verse 29) and idolatry (verse 35). Note that Jeremiah himself “wails” for Moab (verse 31). His words of judgment are never heartless or vindictive. His heart laments for Moab like a flute (verse 36)—like the flutes played by mourners at a funeral (Matthew 9:23–24).

37–39 The Moabites will indeed be in mourning:heads will be shaved, beards cut off, hands slashed—all signs of grief and mourning.

40–44 An eagle (Nebuchadnezzar) is swooping down on Moab. There will be no escape. The Lord’s judgment, once final, cannot be reversed.

45–46 These verses echo an ancient prophecy about King Sihon and his chief city Heshbon (see Numbers 21:28–29). Heshbon was north of Moab, and in Jeremiah’s time it was a major city of Ammon. The Ammonites may have allied themselves with Nebuchadnezzar as he attacked Moab from the north. It appears that that ancient prophecy was about to be fulfilled: a fire would soon be going out from Heshbon to consume the people of Moab.

47 But here note the mercy of God. In due time, God will restore the fortunes of Moab when its period of judgment is over (see Jeremiah 46:26). This will happen in days to come—that is, in the days of the Messiah. God will restore the fortunes not only of His chosen people Israel, but also of the Gentiles; He will shine His grace upon the Gentiles. That grace began to shine with the coming of Jesus Christ, who was full of grace and truth (John 1:14); and it will continue to shine forevermore.