Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Jeremiah 48:47
Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far [is] the judgment of Moab.
47. bring again ] See on Jer 46:26 for possible genuineness.
Thus far Moab ] an editor’s insertion.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Bring again the captivity – (Or, restore the prosperity.) A similar promise is given to Egypt, Ammon, and Elam Jer 46:26; Jer 49:6.
Thus far … Moab – An editorial note by the same hand as the last words of Jer 51:64.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 47. Will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days] I have already expressed doubts (see Jer 48:42) whether the Moabites were ever restored to their national distinction. The expressions in this chapter, relative to their total destruction as a people, are so strong and so frequent, that they leave little room for a limited interpretation. That many of them returned on the edict of Cyrus, by virtue of which the Jews were restored, I doubt not; but neither the Ammonites, Moabites, Philistines, nor even the Jews themselves, were ever restored to their national consequence. Perhaps the restoration spoken of here, which was to take place in the latter days, may mean the conversion of these people, in their existing remnants, to the faith of the Gospel. Several judicious interpreters are of this opinion. The Moabites were partially restored; but never, as far as I have been able to learn, to their national consequence. Their conversion to the Christian faith must be the main end designed by this prophecy.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Some think this prophecy was fulfilled upon the return of the Jews out of Babylon, when the Jews inhabited the land of Moab, Zep 2:9; but this doth not seem to be the bringing again the captivity of Moab, but of Judah; besides, in that place it is said that Moab should be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and salt-pits, and a perpetual desolation. It is therefore rather to be understood of a spiritual reduction of them, by calling some of them under the kingdom of the Messiah, as the Jewish doctors themselves interpret it. Some think this a promise rather respecting the Jews than the Moabites; it is said, Jer 48:9, that the remnant of the Lords people should possess Moab; and, Jer 48:11, that all the isles of the heathen should worship God.
Thus far is the judgment of Moab: these last words are doubtless to be interpreted rather as a conclusion of this prophecy against Moab, than (as some would have it) as a limitation of the time how long this judgment on Moab should endure, as if thus far were as much as thus long.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
47. Restoration promised toMoab, for the sake of righteous Lot, their progenitor (Gen 19:37;Exo 20:6; Psa 89:30-33).Compare as to Egypt, Jer 46:26;Ammon, Jer 49:6; Elam, Jer49:39. Gospel blessings, temporal and spiritual, to the Gentilesin the last days, are intended.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter day, saith the Lord,…. Some think this is added, not so much for the sake of Moab as of the Jews, to assure them of their return from captivity, as had been promised them, since this would be the case even of Moab. It had a literal accomplishment under Cyrus, as is thought, when they were restored to their land; and certain it is they were a people in the times of Alexander, or King Jannaeus, who subdued them, as Josephus t relates: and it had a spiritual one in the times of the Messiah, in the conversion of some of these people, as very probably in the first times of the Gospel; so it will have in the latter day; see
Isa 11:14. Kimchi interprets it of the days of the Messiah. For though that people are no more, yet there are a people which inhabit their country, who will, at least many of them, be converted, when the fulness of the Gentiles is brought in; and it is no unusual thing in Scripture for the present inhabitants of many countries to be called after those who formerly inhabited them, as the Turks are often called Assyrians;
thus far [is] the judgment of Moab; that is, either so long, unto the latter days, will the judgment of Moab continue. So the Targum,
“hitherto to execute vengeance of judgment on Moab;”
or rather, thus far is the prophecy concerning the destruction of Moab; this is the conclusion of it; here it ends, being a long one.
t Antiqu. l. 13. c. 13. sect 5.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Here, as we see, God gives place to his mercy, so that the Moabites should not wholly perish. At the same time, things which seem to be contrary agree together, even that destruction was nigh the people of Moab, and yet that some would remain alive, who would afterwards renew the name of the nation, as it was God’s purpose to restore the Moabites to their former state. These things, as I have said, seem inconsistent, and yet they may be easily reconciled; for it was God’s will so to destroy the Moabites, that those who died might not be without hope; and then, those who remained alive were not deemed to be among the living, but in exile they were like the dead. God, indeed, ever supported the godly with hope, even when they were driven into Babylon: but as to the Moabites, the living as well as the dead, had no hope. Why, then, was this promise given? not for the sake of the Moabites; but that the Jews might feel assured that God would at length be propitious to them; he promises pardon to the Moabites as it were accidentally, so to speak, and thus unavowedly stretches forth his hand to them, but with a design through this mercy to give to the Israelites a taste of his paternal favor. What remains we must reserve for the lecture tomorrow.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
H. Ultimate Salvation Jer. 48:47
TRANSLATION
(47) But I will reverse the fortunes of Moab in the latter days (oracle of the LORD). Thus far is the judgment of Moab.
COMMENTS
A note of hope is appended to the prophecy of doom against Moab. In the latter days, the New Testament age, God, because of His infinite grace, will turn the captivity, i.e., reverse the fortunes of the Moabite people. This is not a prediction of the restoration of Moabs national existence; rather it concerns the descendants of Moab who will hear the gospel and will become heirs to eternal life through Christ. The same prediction is made concerning Ammon (Jer. 49:6) and Elam (Jer. 49:39) and the nations which have harassed the people of God (Jer. 12:14-17). Perhaps the fulfillment of the prophecy is the numerous Arab Christians of the countries of Syria and Jordan.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(47) Yet will I bring again . . .This intermingling of the hope of a far-off return is specially characteristic of these later chapters, as in the case of the Ammonites (Jer. 49:6) and Elam (Jer. 49:39).
Thus far is the judgment of Moab.This is very probably originally a note made by editor or transcriber to indicate the close of one section and the beginning of another. A like conclusion meets us in Jer. 51:64.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
Jer 48:47. Yet will I bring again, &c. The Moabites were afterwards restored to their country, as appears from Josephus. Antiq. lib. 13: cap. 17. But these and similar promises of mercy, after judgment, are chiefly to be understood of the conversion of the Gentiles under the Gospel, and at last the bringing in the fulness of them, called in the prophets the latter days. The conversion of idolaters is expressed by returning from their captivity. Eze 16:53. See Lowth, and Calmet.
REFLECTIONS.1st, We have here,
1. The destruction of Moab. The Lord of Hosts, who hath all the armies of heaven and earth at his beck, sends forth spoilers, whose sword shall devour around, and pursue the fugitives. Desolation shall be spread on every side, every city be destroyed; there shall be no more praise of Moab, the place and people utterly ruined, every fruitful valley wasted, the land left without inhabitant, the princes and priests shall go into captivity; and, with confusion, they shall behold their idol Chemosh, their confidence, share their fate, unable as the calf of Bethel to defend his votaries. In vain they cry, Flee, when flight is impossible, or perhaps this is the call of the prophet, ironically deriding their attempt to escape from city to city, when all must fall, and no city shall escape. The cry of ‘Horonaim taken,’ echoes; and, while the fugitives go weeping up the ascent to Luhith, the enemies hear their cry, and follow at their heels. Swift the destruction passes through, as the bird cuts the air; and as on eagles’ wings they are hurried into captivity. Moab throughout is destroyed, and desolate, like the heath in the wilderness, not even the infants are spared; nor can their cries avail. The charge is given, and sealed with an anathema; Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood, and no pleas of pity must be heard, when vengeance from God is to be executed. Note; (1.) When God’s work is given us to do, of whatever kind, to act hypocritically or negligently will bring his curse upon our heads. (2.) The vain confidence of sinners will as much disappoint their hopes in the day of trial, as Chemosh shamed his foolish votaries.
2. The cause of this destruction is their pride and carnal security. Like wine which has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, Moab had been at ease from the days when they were formed into a people, and had never known such captivities as Israel had undergone. Strong as wine settled on its lees, filled with wealth, and confident with long prosperity, they defied danger, trusting in their works, their fortifications, or their idol-deities, the work of their own hands, and in their treasures, as if these were a sure defence; though the event must so fearfully disappoint their expectations, their works be demolished, their treasures and their gods together spoiled and carried off by the conquerors. Note; (1.) Worldly prosperity is a dangerous snare to the soul. (2.) God’s enemies often enjoy here below that worldly ease and affluence to which his own people are strangers. They have their good things here, and have nothing to hope for in eternity. (3.) Creature confidence in the day of evil proves utter vanity and vexation of spirit. (4.) The sinner’s presumption is the prelude to his ruin.
2nd, The destruction of Moab is more largely painted, with the sins, the cause of her calamities.
1. The destruction is terrible, sudden, universal, near, irreparable, drawn in the strongest colours, if so be it might awaken a sense of danger, and be the means of leading to repentance any of that devoted people. They thought themselves secure in warlike hosts, able to repel any invader; but Moab is spoiled, her cities universally taken, her people captives, the flower of her youth fallen by the sword, sent by that Lord of Hosts whose power none can resist, and from whose arm none can fly: near, even at the door, is the fearful judgment, and time it is for all around her to begin the lamentation over her, How is the strong staff broken? on which they trusted for support, or had been lifted up with terror: and the beautiful rod, the kingdom once so splendid, is overturned; so poor and perishing are all human excellencies. Hurled from the summit of glory, her strongest holds shall be laid, in the dust by the Chaldean spoiler, and the people reduced to the greatest extremities; while they who dwell in the utmost border, shall with solicitous eagerness inquire of the fugitives What is done? and shall in answer hear, that all is in confusion, their case desperate, their fortresses destroyed, their country wasted, their power broken; and for this are called upon to howl and cry. Drunk with the cup of God’s fury, Moab is become weak and sick, wallowing in his vomit; a loathsome spectacle, a derision to the beholders. Like a dove that flies to the cleft of the rock, the prophet calls on the inhabitants to quit their cities, and take refuge in some solitary cave, where they may be hid. With deepest signs of most expressive woe, the people are enjoined to lament their desolations, and with sympathetic tenderness the prophet mingles his tears with theirs, affected deeply with the terrible scene that he beheld. All gladness is banished, their harvest and vintage a prey to the spoiler, and nothing heard around but shrieks and groans, the universal ruin spreading an universal lamentation. They can neither fly nor fight; for, swift as an eagle darteth on his prey, the Babylonian conqueror advances. Their fortresses are scaled, their mighty men sunk under panic fear, every effort to escape fruitless: they who attempt to avoid one evil, shall plunge into another; and, since the judgment is from God, and the appointed time come, it is vain to hope for deliverance. Even under the shadow of Heshbon, where they hoped at least to find some protection, the fire of the Chaldeans shall devour them, and the crown of the head of the tumultuous ones, their nobles and great men, who boasted of their wealth and strength, be laid low. Woe, therefore, to miserable Moab, the people of Chemosh perisheth, finding no protection from their God. Thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives, and the land left desolate without inhabitant.
2. Their sins are many and exceedingly aggravated, and in these his judgments God is altogether righteous. [1.] Insufferable pride, where a variety of expressions are used to intimate in how many instances and how deeply it appeared; and wherever this spirit is found, there for ever the curse of God will rest. [2.] Contempt of God, as if they were above his arm, and defied his threatenings. [3.] Unkindness to God’s people; they mocked at their calamities, derided them when led captive, as if they had been thieves taken in the fact, and expressed a malicious pleasure in their miseries. Note; Nothing is more hateful to God than such a diabolical temper; and those who mock at the sufferings of God’s people, God will mock at when their fear cometh. [4.] Wrath and slander. They instigated, probably, the Chaldeans to extirpate the Jewish people, and by their lies sought to exasperate them; but, saith God, I know it, and it shall not be so: he sees the devices of the crafty, will disappoint the enemies of his church, and reckon with them for their malignity. [5.] Their idolatry: because they burnt incense to their false gods, and preferred Chemosh before the living Jehovah. For these things God will visit them, and be avenged of such a nation as this.
3. A gracious promise concludes the whole, and gives one ray of hope to prevent utter despair. Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the Lord; which had a temporal accomplishment, when, with the other captive nations, they were released by Cyrus; and has respect to those more blessed days, when Moab should, with other Gentiles, submit to the Messiah’s kingdom, be delivered from the bondage of Satan, sin, and death, and rejoice in that liberty wherewith Christ makes his people free.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
I have reserved this sweet verse to be read by itself, as containing much mercy in the midst of judgment. Those who read it in reference only to temporal blessings, must own that God is gracious. And those who read it through the medium of spiritual blessings in Christ, may and will discover wonderful events, which may be supposed to be folded up in it, in relation to the Gentile Church. Isa 49:6 .
REFLECTIONS
READER! who, but must be struck with holy awe and reverence, that contemplates the Lord’s judgments in the earth! And though from a conscious sense of being made a partaker of grace, cannot but find cause to be humbled, under a sense of sin and undeservings, and to rejoice with trembling.
It would be a blessed and sanctified use of all afflictions, judgments, and visitations, that we behold, or hear of, among nations, or families, or individuals: if, while we view the sorrows of others, we duly considered our deserts also. The Lord hath caused it, to be recorded, for the solemn admonition of his Church and people, that a fruitful land is turned into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. And when we see, as that we do now see, nations, like Moab, convulsed and shaken to their very centre, for the wickedness and impiety of the people; surely our British Israel hath reason to humble herself before God, lest she should see also an enemy in her habitation. It will be blessed to him that writes and to him that reads, if Moab’s sorrows here threatened, lead the hearts of both in prayer to God in Christ, that our minds may be always deeply affected with the sense, of national sins, and the just apprehension of national judgments. Oh Lord! I would say with the Prophet, spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach! Oh! grant that this our British Zion may never see the Golden Candlestick of the Gospel removed out of its place: neither the going down of the sun among our Prophets: but, oh! that the Lord, with whom alone is the residue of the Spirit, would turn to the people a pure language, that they might all call upon the name of the Lord to serve him with one consent. Amen.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Jer 48:47 Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far [is] the judgment of Moab.
Ver. 47. Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab. ] Laetiora demum annuntiat. But because this was never that we find fulfilled in the letter, therefore it was a presage of the calling of the Gentiles to an interest in Christ, and benefit by him.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
bring again the captivity. Note the Figure of speech Paronomasia
the latter days = in the end, or afterpart of the days.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Yet will I bring: Many of the Moabites were afterwards restored to their country by Cyrus, as we learn from Josephus; but they never were restored to their national consequence; and perhaps their restoration in the latter days refers to the conversion of their scattered remnants to the gospel. Jer 46:26, Jer 49:6, Jer 49:39, Isa 18:7, Isa 19:18-23, Isa 23:18, Eze 16:53-55
in the latter: Jer 23:20, Jer 30:24, Num 24:14, Deu 4:30, Deu 31:29, Job 19:25, Eze 38:8, Dan 2:28, Dan 10:14, Hos 3:5
Reciprocal: Isa 2:2 – in the last Isa 16:14 – and the remnant Isa 30:8 – the time to come Jer 12:15 – after Dan 11:41 – even Mic 4:1 – in the last Zec 9:7 – he that 1Ti 4:1 – the latter 2Ti 3:1 – in Heb 1:2 – these
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Jer 48:47, Moab never did go bodily into national captivity as we understand that term regarding the captivity of Israel. It rather indicated a state of domination under some other people in which its national progress was checked. The original for captivity is defined by Strong, a former state of prosperity, Thus the prediction In the phrase bring again the captivity means that after having suffered punishment according to God’s purpose, He would restore to the land of Moah its previous state of national prosperity and the liberty of enjoyment therein.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Jer 48:47. Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab The Moabites were afterward restored to their country, as appears from Josephus, Antiq. lib. 13. c. 17. But these and similar promises of mercy after judgment are chiefly to be understood of the conversion of the Gentiles under the gospel, called the latter days in the prophets. The conversion of idolaters is expressed by returning from their captivity, Eze 16:53. Lowth. See also Calmets Dissertation upon the return of the Moabites, &c.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
48:47 Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the {c} latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far [is] the judgment of Moab.
(c) That is, they will be restored by the Messiah.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Yet Yahweh promised to restore the fortunes of Moab in the distant future (cf. Jer 46:26; Jer 49:6; Jer 49:39). This happened after the Exile, and it will happen in the eschaton when modern residents of Moab’s territory will stream to Jerusalem to worship Messiah in the Millennium. [Note: Feinberg, "Jeremiah," p. 663; Dyer, "Jeremiah," p. 1197.]
The reasons for Moab’s judgment were not its treatment of Israel or Judah, but hubris (overweening pride) against Yahweh (Jer 48:26; Jer 48:42), complacency (Jer 48:11-12), and self-sufficiency (Jer 48:14; Jer 48:29-30). She had not bowed in submission to the Lord of all the earth.
The fulfillment of Moab’s judgment evidently came when Nebuchadnezzar returned to Canaan, in 581 B.C., to quell a rebellion by Moab and Ammon. [Note: Josephus, 10:9:7.] He also took more Judahites back to Babylon with him when he returned home (Jer 52:30).
"The Moabites were conquered by Nebuchadnezzar and disappeared as a nation." [Note: Feinberg, "Jeremiah," p. 656.]