◄ Jeremiah 48:19 ►
Stand by the road and watch, O dweller of Aroer! Ask the man fleeing or the woman escaping, 'What has happened?'
Study Bible
Stand by the road and watch, O dweller of Aroer!
This phrase addresses the inhabitants of Aroer, a city located on the northern bank of the Arnon River, which marked the boundary between Moab and the territory of the Reubenites. Aroer was a strategic location, often associated with the tribe of Gad in the Old Testament. The call to "stand by the road and watch" suggests a posture of anticipation and alertness, indicating that significant events are unfolding. This imagery is reminiscent of other biblical passages where watchfulness is urged, such as in Habakkuk 2:1, where the prophet stands at his watchpost to see what God will say. The call to watch may also imply a sense of impending judgment or disaster, consistent with the broader context of Jeremiah 48, which prophesies the downfall of Moab.

Ask the man fleeing or the woman escaping,
This phrase highlights the urgency and chaos of the situation, as both men and women are depicted as fleeing. The inclusion of both genders underscores the totality of the calamity affecting all inhabitants. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the flight of civilians was a common occurrence when cities were besieged or conquered. The act of asking those fleeing suggests a search for understanding or information about the unfolding events. This mirrors other biblical instances where individuals seek insight during times of crisis, such as in 2 Kings 7:3-9, where lepers discover the deserted Aramean camp and report the news to the city.

‘What has happened?’
This question reflects a desire to comprehend the cause of the distress and upheaval. It implies that the events are unexpected or shocking, prompting inquiry. In the context of Jeremiah 48, the calamity is the result of divine judgment against Moab for its pride and idolatry. The question also serves as a narrative device to engage the reader, inviting them to consider the reasons behind God's actions. This echoes the broader biblical theme of seeking understanding in the face of divine judgment, as seen in Job 28:12-28, where the search for wisdom and understanding is central. The inquiry may also point to the prophetic role of Jeremiah, who provides insight into the reasons for Moab's downfall.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aroer
A city located on the northern bank of the Arnon River, which was part of the territory of Moab. It was strategically positioned and often mentioned in the context of Moab's judgment.

2. The Dweller of Aroer
Represents the inhabitants of Aroer who are called to witness the calamity befalling Moab. They are instructed to observe and inquire about the events unfolding.

3. The Man Fleeing and the Woman Escaping
Symbolic of the Moabites who are fleeing from the impending disaster. Their flight signifies the fulfillment of God's judgment against Moab.

4. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's message of judgment against Moab. His role was to deliver God's warnings and call for repentance.

5. Moab
A nation east of Israel, often in conflict with Israel. In this context, Moab is under divine judgment for its pride and idolatry.
Teaching Points
Witnessing God's Judgment
Just as the inhabitants of Aroer were called to witness Moab's downfall, believers are reminded to be observant of God's workings in the world, recognizing His justice and sovereignty.

The Consequences of Pride
Moab's judgment serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Believers are encouraged to cultivate humility and dependence on God.

The Urgency of Repentance
The fleeing Moabites illustrate the urgency of turning to God before judgment comes. This calls believers to examine their lives and repent of any sin.

Compassion for the Lost
Observing the plight of those under judgment should stir compassion in believers, motivating them to share the gospel with urgency.

The Certainty of God's Promises
The fulfillment of prophecy against Moab assures believers of the reliability of God's Word and His promises, both of judgment and salvation.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the role of the "dweller of Aroer" teach us about being vigilant and aware of God's actions in the world today?

2. How can the downfall of Moab serve as a personal warning against pride and self-reliance in our own lives?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate compassion and urgency in sharing the gospel with those who are spiritually "fleeing" or "escaping"?

4. How does the certainty of God's judgment against Moab reinforce our trust in His promises and His Word?

5. What parallels can we draw between the historical context of Moab's judgment and the spiritual challenges faced by believers today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 15-16
These chapters also pronounce judgment on Moab, providing a parallel account of Moab's downfall and the lament over its destruction.

Numbers 21:28-30
Describes the historical context of Moab's conflicts and the prophetic declarations against it, highlighting the longstanding enmity between Moab and Israel.

Psalm 83:6-8
Lists Moab among the nations conspiring against Israel, emphasizing the theme of divine retribution against those who oppose God's people.
Sermons
The Strong Staff and the Beautiful RodW. R. Williams.
People
Chemosh, Gamul, Jeremiah, Sihon, Zoar
Places
Arnon, Aroer, Beth-diblathaim, Bethel, Beth-gamul, Beth-meon, Bozrah, Dibon, Elealeh, Heshbon, Holon, Horonaim, Jahaz, Jahzah, Jazer, Kerioth, Kir-hareseth, Kiriathaim, Luhith, Madmen, Mephaath, Moab, Nebo, Nimrim, Sea of Jazer, Sibmah, Zoar
Topics
Aroer, Aro'er, Daughter, Escaped, Escapes, Escapeth, Escaping, Espy, Fleeing, Flees, Fleeth, Flight, Fugitive, Got, Inhabitant, Inhabitress, O, Questioning, Road, Safe, Stand, Station, Watch
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 48:19

     5319   fugitives
     5505   roads

Library
August 8. "Be Like the Dove" (Jer. Xlviii. 28).
"Be like the dove" (Jer. xlviii. 28). Harmless as a dove, is Christ's interpretation of the beautiful emblem. And so the Spirit of God is purity itself. He cannot dwell in an unclean heart. He cannot abide in the natural mind. It was said of the anointing of old, "On man's flesh it shall not be poured." The purity which the Holy Spirit brings is like the white and spotless little plant which grows up out of the heap of manure, or the black soil, without one grain of impurity adhering to its crystalline …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

How those are to be Admonished who Decline the Office of Preaching Out of Too Great Humility, and those who Seize on it with Precipitate Haste.
(Admonition 26.) Differently to be admonished are those who, though able to preach worthily, are afraid by reason of excessive humility, and those whom imperfection or age forbids to preach, and yet precipitancy impells. For those who, though able to preach with profit, still shrink back through excessive humility are to be admonished to gather from consideration of a lesser matter how faulty they are in a greater one. For, if they were to hide from their indigent neighbours money which they possessed …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. )
Carried by the Spirit into the far distant future, Balaam sees here how a star goeth out of Jacob and a sceptre riseth out of Israel, and how this sceptre smiteth Moab, by whose enmity the Seer had been brought from a distant region for the destruction of Israel. And not Moab only shall be smitten, but its southern neighbour, Edom, too shall be subdued, whose hatred against Israel had already been prefigured in its ancestor, and had now begun to display Itself; and In general, all the enemies of …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Meditations for the Sick.
Whilst thy sickness remains, use often, for thy comfort, these few meditations, taken from the ends wherefore God sendeth afflictions to his children. Those are ten. 1. That by afflictions God may not only correct our sins past, but also work in us a deeper loathing of our natural corruptions, and so prevent us from falling into many other sins, which otherwise we would commit; like a good father, who suffers his tender babe to scorch his finger in a candle, that he may the rather learn to beware …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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