Jeremiah 48:40

40 For thus hath the LORD said: Behold, he shall fly as an eagle and shall spread his wings over Moab.

Jeremiah 48:40 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 48:40

For thus saith the Lord, behold, he shall fly as an eagle,
&c.] The enemy, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, with his army; who is compared to an eagle for his strength, swiftness, and greediness after the prey: and shall spread his wings over Moab;
as an eagle spreads its wings, which are very large, over the little birds it seizes upon as its prey; so the king of Babylon would bring a numerous army against Moab, and spread it over his country. The Targum is,

``behold, as all eagle which flies, so a king shall come up with his army, and encamp against Moab.''

Jeremiah 48:40 In-Context

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 in which there is no pleasure, said the LORD.

39 They shall howl, saying, How is it broken down! how has Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all those about him.

40 For thus hath the LORD said: Behold, he shall fly as an eagle and shall spread his wings over Moab.

41 The cities are taken, and the strong holds are taken, and the mighty men’s hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

42 And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people because he has magnified himself against the LORD.