Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Jeremiah 48:40
For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.
40. he shall fly as an eagle ] Cp. on Jer 4:13. The simile seems taken from Deu 28:49, but is used elsewhere (see Isa 46:11; Eze 17:3). It well represented the Babylonian empire, which “seemed to those who witnessed it like the rising of a mighty eagle, spreading out his vast wings, feathered with the innumerable colours of the variegated masses which composed the Chaldean host, sweeping over the different countries, and striking fear in his rapid flight:” Stanley, J. Ch. II. 451.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
40, 41. The LXX omit “Behold Moab” ( Jer 48:40) and “and the heart pangs” ( Jer 48:41). Both are probably glosses in MT. supplied from Jer 49:22, with change of names.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The rapid and irresistible attack of Nebuchadnezzar is compared to the impetuous dash of the eagle on its prey Deu 28:49.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 40. He shall fly as an eagle] The enemy will pounce upon him, carry him off, and tear him to pieces.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Nebuchadnezzar shall come upon Moab swiftly; and as an eagle covereth the prey which he hath taken with his wings, so Nebuchadnezzar shall spread himself over Moab.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
40. heNebuzara-dan, thecaptain of Nebuchadnezzar.
as . . . eaglenot tobear them “on eagles’ wings” (Exo 19:4;Deu 32:11; Deu 32:12),as God does His people, but to pounce on them as a prey (Jer 49:22;Deu 28:49; Hab 1:8).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
For thus saith the Lord, behold, he shall fly as an eagle,…. 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.”
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Va. 40-47: THE CAPTIVITY AND RESTORATION OF MOAB
1. The Lord calls for observation: like an eagle, Nebuchadnezzar is about to swoop and spread his wings against Moab – taking Kerioth and seizing her fortresses, (vs. 40-41 a; comp. Jer 49:22).
2. This will so demoralize the mighty men of Moab that they will be terrified – as the heart of a woman suddenly seized with birth-pangs, (vs. 41 b; comp. Isa 30:6; Mic 4:9-10).
3. Because he has magnified himself against the Lord, Moab will cease to be a nation, (vs. 42; 26; comp. Isa 37:23).
4. There is no escape from the terrors of divine judgment; the year of Moab’s punishment has come (vs. 43-44; comp. 1Ki 19:17; Amo 5:19; Jer 46:21).
5. The ancient prophecy of Baalam is coming to fulfillment, (vs. 45-46; comp. Num 21:28; Num 24:17).
6. Yet, even in His wrath, God is merciful toward Moab; in the latter days his fortunes will be restored, (vs. 47; comp. Jer 12:14-17; Jer 49:6; Jer 49:39).
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
Here again he introduces God’s name, for it was necessary to confirm an incredible prophecy by his authority. “God is he,” he says, “who declares that enemies will come, who will fly through all the land of Moab.” He now compares the Chaldeans to eagles; and there is here a name understood which is not expressed. Fly will he like an eagle, that is, the king of Babylon with his army.
The sum of what is said then is, that however widely extended might be the country of Moab, yet there would be no corner into which the Chaldeans would not penetrate, because they would nearly equal the eagles in swiftness. Hence he adds, They will extend their wings, not to cherish, as eagles spread their wings over their young ones; but by extension he means, that they would seize on all the land of Moab; so that hiding places would be sought in vain, because the Chaldeans would from one part to another take possession of every place, however remote the Moabites might think it to be, and however they might hope its distance would render it safe. He afterwards adds, —
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(40) He shall fly as an eagle . . .The image, as in Deu. 28:49; Isa. 46:11; Eze. 17:3, was the natural symbol of a fierce invader, probably, in this case, of Nebuchadnezzar. Here it receives a fresh vividness from the previous comparison of Moab to the dove that had its nest in the clefts of the rock. The verse is reproduced in Jer. 49:22, in reference to Edom.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
40. He (Nebuchadrezzar) shall fly as an eagle So strong and swift shall be his coming.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Jer 48:40 For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.
Ver. 40. Behold, he shall fly as an eagle. ] To an eagle Nebuchadnezzar is compared, for his strength, swiftness, and ravenousness.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Jer 48:40-44
40For thus says the LORD:
Behold, one will fly swiftly like an eagle
And spread out his wings against Moab.
41Kerioth has been capturedv
And the strongholds have been seized,
So the hearts of the mighty men of Moab in that day
Will be like the heart of a woman in labor.
42Moab will be destroyed from being a people
Because he has become arrogant toward the LORD.
43Terror, pit and snare are coming upon you,
O inhabitant of Moab, declares the LORD.
44The one who flees from the terror
Will fall into the pit,
And the one who climbs up out of the pit
Will be caught in the snare;
For I shall bring upon her, even upon Moab,
The year of their punishment, declares the LORD.
Jer 48:40 This refers to Nebuchadnezzar’s army (cf. Jer 4:13; Jer 49:22; Eze 17:3; Hos 8:1).
Jer 48:41
NASB, NKJV,
LXX, JPSOA,
PESHITTAKerioth
NRSV, TEV,
NJB, REBthe towns
The Hebrew root, (BDB 900) means city. The form in the text, , is used of a proper name in Amo 2:2 (but a different Hebrew word for strongholds) and also on the Moabite Stone.
like. . .a woman in labor See note at Jer 30:6.
Jer 48:43-44 This same terminology is used in Isa 24:17-18, possibly a well known proverbial saying because it is a sound play on the three words (BDB 808, 809, 809 I). Imagery from hunting techniques are used of YHWH’s judgment (cf. Amo 5:19). There is no escape, no help, no hope!
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
he = one (not named): Nebuchadnezzar understood.
shall fly. Codex Oriental, 2091 (British Museum), reads “shall ascend”; but the Massorah (App-30) has a note, saying “according to other codices, it is fly” (vol, 167a).
as an eagle. Reference to Pentateuch (Deu 28:49). App-92.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Jer 48:40-47
Jer 48:40-44
DESTRUCTION AND RESTORATION
For thus saith Jehovah: Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread out his wings against Moab. Kerioth is taken, and the strongholds are seized, and the heart of the mighty men of Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs. And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against Jehovah. Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith Jehovah. He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon him, even upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith Jehovah.
He shall fly as an eagle…
(Jer 48:40). The eagle here was Nebuchadnezzar’s terrible army. This writer, as a child, witnessed a bald eagle’s attack upon a coyote. The helplessness of the doomed animal was pitiful; and the swift, ferocious attack can never be forgotten. Moab was helpless before such a destroyer.
The fear, and the pit, and the snare…
(Jer 48:43-44). These verses are almost identical with Isa 24:17-18; but if this expression was a popular proverb of that day, which it most probably was, there could be nothing surprising about its being found in Jeremiah as well as in Isaiah. In fact we have the same proverb with different elements in Amo 5:19, As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him, or went into the house and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him!
Jer 48:45-47
They that fled stand without strength under the shadow of Heshbon; for a fire is gone forth out of Heshbon, and a flame from the midst of Sihon, and hath devoured the corner of Moab, and the crown of the head of the tumultuous ones. Woe unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh is undone; for thy sons are taken away captive, and thy daughters into captivity. Yet will I bring back the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith Jehovah. Thus far is the judgment of Moab.
The first two of these verses record the fulfillment of Balaam’s prophecy against Moab in Num 21:28-30; Num 24:17, some of the very language of the Book of Numbers being here repeated, indicating once again that all of the Pentateuch (not merely Deuteronomy) was, even at this date, in the hands of Israel. As we have repeatedly noted, every line of the Old Testament lies under the shadow of the first five books of the Old Testament.
Yet will I bring back the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith Jehovah…
(Jer 48:47). How could this be, when God had announced that Moab should be destroyed from being a people? Halley noted that, This was probably fulfilled when the Moabites, absorbed into the race of the Arabs, many of whom were present at Pentecost when the Gospel was proclaimed unto all men (Act 2:11), F24 were evidently among those converted to Christ. Certainly the restoration promised here was definitely stated to be scheduled for the latter days, the times of the Messiah.
“A similar promise is given to Egypt, Ammon, and Elam (Jer 46:26; Jer 49:6; Jer 49:39).”
Thus far is the judgment of Moab…
(Jer 48:47 b). This is not a critical comment, but is most likely a note by some scribe, similar to the one in Jer 51:54.
Inescapable Destruction Jer 48:39-46
Surrounding nations will observe the fate of once proud Moab and will themselves take up a mocking lamentation: Moab has turned the back with shame i.e., fled before the enemy. But Moab will not only be an object of derision to neighboring nations, she will also be an object of terror or dismay. If Moab falls to the enemy, what chances do the less powerful nations have for survival? (Jer 48:39). The reason for their terror is completely justified. The conqueror of Moab will swoop down like an eagle and spread his wings over the whole land (Jer 48:40). No doubt Jeremiah is here referring to Nebuchadnezzar who is reported to have conquered Moab, Ammon and the neighboring peoples in 582-581 B.C. Josephus, Antiquities X. 9. 7. The figure of an eagle is a favorite description of a victorious conqueror. See Jer 49:22; Isa 46:11; Eze 17:3. Victoriously the conqueror sweeps through the land. Kerioth (already mentioned in Jer 48:24) and the strongholds of the land fall before him. The defenders of the land will be as terrified as a woman experiencing the pangs of childbirth (Jer 48:41). When the conquest is complete Moab will be destroyed and eventually will cease to be a nation. All of this must happen because Moab has magnified himself against the Lord, the God of Israel (Jer 48:42). The meaning of this expression, which was used previously in this oracle (Jer 48:26), is perhaps clarified by a verse in Zephaniah. I have heard the reproach of Moab and the revilings of the children of Ammon, wherewith they have reproached My people, and magnified themselves against their border (Zep 2:8). The phrase magnify themselves against seems to mean that Moab and Ammon sought to dominate Israel, sought to regain possession of land which the Lord had taken from them and given to Israel. By so harassing Israel they were challenging the Lord himself.
The judgment coming upon Moab will be inescapable. To make this point Jeremiah again borrows from Isaiah (Isa 24:17-18). In that day of divine visitation the Moabites will be confronted by fear, the pit and the snare (Jer 48:43). The one who flees from the terror will fall into the pit; the one who climbs up out of the pit will be captured by the snare (Jer 48:44). These verses seem to reflect a popular proverb meaning that men would go from one danger into another until they are finally, inescapably trapped, Some fugitives of Moab will attempt to seek safety in Heshbon, the neighboring city of the Ammonites. But Heshbon can offer no refuge. In the words of an ancient-proverb. The proverb quoted in Num 21:28 is here given a new application. A fire shall come forth out of Heshbon which will consume the corner or side of Moab and the crown of his head (Jer 48:45). Far from being a place of safety, Heshbon will be the spot from which the Chaldean flame will spread southward through Moab (cf. Jer 48:2) just as centuries earlier the Amorite king Sihon launched his attack against Moab from the city of Heshbon (Num 21:28-30). The Moabites are called tumultuous ones because of their noisy and boastful opposition to the people of Israel and their God. The prophecy ends as it began with a woe against Moab. Those who worship the god Chemosh will go into exile. Their deity would not be able to save them from this fate (Jer 48:46).
Prophecies about Foreign Nations – Jer 46:1 to Jer 51:64
Open It
1. What, in your mind, is a good example of a situation in which justice was served?
2. In what strategic defense or weapon would you have the most confidence during a personal attack?
Explore It
3. Why did Jeremiah say that the mighty warriors of Egypt would cower before Nebuchadnezzar? (Jer 46:13-17)
4. Despite the judgment coming on Egypt, what did God promise them eventually? (Jer 46:25-26)
5. What promises did God make to Israel with honesty, justice, and hope? (Jer 46:27-28)
6. To what terrifying natural disaster did God compare the Egyptian conquest of Philistia? (Jer 47:2-5)
7. Where did the people of Moab misplace their trust, sending themselves and their idols into captivity? (Jer 48:6-9)
8. In the context of judging the nations, what curse did Jeremiah pronounce on the lax or merciful? (Jer 48:10)
9. Why would it be particularly appropriate when Moab became an object of scorn and ridicule? (Jer 48:26-27)
10. What brought about Moabs destruction as a nation? (Jer 48:42)
11. What was the source of Ammons false sense of security? (Jer 49:4)
12. What did God promise to the Ammonites when their punishment was complete? (Jer 49:6)
13. How did God say He would treat the helpless, even within the borders of His enemy, Edom? (Jer 49:11)
14. Why did Edom think its location made it invincible? (Jer 49:15-16)
15. How would Damascus along with Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor also fall under Gods judgment? (Jer 49:23-33)
16. What would eventually happen to the nation of Elam after it was defeated and taken into exile? (Jer 49:37-39)
17. With their enemies facing Gods wrath, what did Jeremiah predict Israel and Judah would do? (Jer 50:4-5)
18. What attitude of the Babylonians in relation to Gods people convinced God to leave them desolate? (Jer 50:11-13)
19. Since the Babylonians had exiled many of the peoples they conquered from their own land, what would happen when God punished them? (Jer 50:16)
20. When Babylon was made accountable to God, what would become of Israels guilt? (Jer 50:20)
21. What did Jeremiah tell us about Israels Redeemer? (Jer 50:34)
22. To what historic event did God compare the coming destruction of Babylon? (Jer 50:39-40)
23. What were the Babylonians failing to take into account about Gods relationship to Israel? (Jer 51:5)
24. What nation was to become Gods instrument of justice against Babylon? (Jer 51:11-14)
25. How did Jeremiah contrast the God of Israel with the idols of the other nations? (Jer 51:17-19)
26. What religious disgrace of the people of Israel would be remedied by God Himself? (Jer 51:51-53)
27. What message about Babylon was Seraiah to deliver to the exiles in Babylon? (Jer 51:59-64)
Get It
28. Why was it important for the Jews exiled in Babylon to know that Babylons great power would soon fall?
29. Why was it important that each instrument of Gods wrath not be lax?
30. In what ways does modern society practice some of the same evil and rebellious attitudes that brought on Gods punishments for these nations?
31. What will become of those who rejoice when one of Gods servants stumbles morally?
32. How does our worship become acceptable to God?
Apply It
33. In what situation can you demonstrate a new attitude toward a Christian who has stumbled?
34. Through what difficult circumstance will you ask God to give you perspective, patience, and (eventually) freedom?
Questions On Jeremiah Chapters Forty-Seven thru Forty-Nine
By Brent Kercheville
1 What is Gods message to the Philistines (Jer 47:1-7)?
2 What do we learn about God (cf. Jer 47:7)?
3 What is Gods message to Moab (Jer 48:1-47)?
4 What sin does God condemn the people of Moab for (Jer 48:7)?
5 What lessons do we learn about ourselves and about God?
6 What sin does God condemn the people of Moab for (Jer 48:26)?
7 What lessons do we learn about ourselves and about God?
8 What sin does God condemn the people of Moab for (Jer 48:29-30)?
9 What lessons do we learn about ourselves and about God?
10 What hope is given to Moab (Jer 48:47)? Explain how this would be fulfilled.
11 What is Gods message to Ammon (Jer 49:1-6)? Explain how verse 2 and verse 6 would be fulfilled.
12 What is Gods message to Edom (Jer 49:7-22)?
13. Explain the imagery of Jer 49:9-10.
14 Explain the imagery of Jer 49:15-18.
15 What is Gods message to Damascus (Jer 49:23-27)?
16 What is Gods message to Kedar and Hazor (Jer 49:28-33)?
17 What is Gods message to Elam (Jer 49:34-39)?
What hope is given to Elam (Jer 49:39)? Explain how this would be fulfilled.
TRANSFORMATION:
How does this relationship change your relationship with God?
What did you learn about him?
What will you do differently in your life?
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
he shall: Jer 4:13, Deu 28:49, Lam 4:19, Eze 17:3, Dan 7:4, Hos 8:1
spread: Jer 49:22, Isa 8:8
Reciprocal: Lev 11:13 – the eagle
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Jer 48:40. He shall fly denotes that the Lord will come down upon Moab with his punishment, even as an eagle would swoop over a land.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Jer 48:40-44. Behold, he shall fly as an eagle Conquerors are often compared to eagles and other birds of prey; and the encamping of their armies is represented by the spreading of the wings of such fowls. The mighty mens hearts shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs They shall be dismayed at the apprehension of the evils that are coming upon them, and shall lose their wonted courage and resolution. Moab shall be destroyed from being a people From being a nation or government, as it was before. Fear, and the pit, and the snare, &c. These words, and those of the next verse, are taken from Isa 24:17-18, where see the notes.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Jeremiah 40-47. The foe swoops down vulture-like (Jer 4:13) on Moab, destroyed because of pride against Yahweh. One disaster succeeds another in this time of punishment (visitation, Jer 11:23, Jer 23:12), and there is no asylum to be found in Heshbon, for a destructive flame proceeds from the house of Sihon (so read; cf. Num 21:26; Num 21:28) to destroy the temples of Moabs head. Moab goes into exile, but Yahweh will ultimately change her fortunes. The closing sentence (Jer 48:47) is an editorial note.
Jer 48:40 f.: partly taken from Jer 49:22.
Jer 48:45. Heshbon: the capital of Sihon, who captured it from Moab.corner: i.e. of the head, Jer 9:26.
Fuente: Peake’s Commentary on the Bible
48:40 For thus saith the LORD; Behold, {x} he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.
(x) That is, Nebuchadnezzar, as in Jer 49:22 .
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
5. The end of Moab 48:40-47
The final section of the oracle stresses the full end of Moab.
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
Yahweh affirmed that, like a swift eagle (or vulture), Moab’s destroyer would descend on her. This was a fit figure for Nebuchadnezzar (cf. Jer 49:22; Deu 28:49).