Jeremiah 48:23
upon Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon,
upon Kiriathaim
Kiriathaim is a town located in the territory of Moab, east of the Jordan River. It is mentioned in several biblical passages, including Genesis 14:5 and Numbers 32:37. Historically, Kiriathaim was a significant settlement in the region of Moab, which was often in conflict with Israel. The name "Kiriathaim" means "two cities," suggesting it may have been a twin city or a city with two main parts. The mention of Kiriathaim in Jeremiah 48:23 is part of a prophecy against Moab, indicating the impending judgment and destruction that would come upon the Moabite cities. This reflects the broader theme of divine retribution against nations that opposed Israel and God's purposes.

Beth-gamul
Beth-gamul is another Moabite city mentioned in the context of Jeremiah's prophecy against Moab. The name "Beth-gamul" means "house of recompense" or "house of the camel," which may indicate its role as a trading or caravan city. The specific mention of Beth-gamul highlights the comprehensive nature of the judgment pronounced by Jeremiah, as it includes both major and minor cities within Moab. This reflects the thoroughness of God's judgment and serves as a warning to all who oppose His will. The destruction of Beth-gamul, along with other Moabite cities, underscores the theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of prophetic words.

and Beth-meon
Beth-meon, also known as Baal-meon, is another city in Moab, referenced in Numbers 32:38 and Ezekiel 25:9. The name "Beth-meon" means "house of habitation," and it was a significant location in the Moabite region. The city is associated with the worship of Baal, as indicated by its alternate name, Baal-meon. This connection to idolatry is significant in understanding the judgment pronounced by Jeremiah. The inclusion of Beth-meon in the prophecy against Moab highlights the consequences of idolatry and rebellion against God. The destruction of Beth-meon serves as a reminder of the futility of trusting in false gods and the ultimate sovereignty of the God of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Kiriathaim
An ancient city in Moab, often associated with the tribe of Reuben. It is mentioned in the context of judgment against Moab, indicating its significance in the region.

2. Beth-gamul
A town in Moab, whose name means "house of recompense." It is part of the list of cities facing judgment, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's pronouncement against Moab.

3. Beth-meon
Another Moabite city, also known as Baal-meon. It is included in the prophetic declaration of judgment, emphasizing the widespread impact of God's justice.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The inclusion of specific cities in Moab in Jeremiah 48:23 demonstrates God's intimate knowledge and control over nations. He is not a distant deity but one who is actively involved in the affairs of the world.

The Consequences of Pride and Idolatry
Moab's judgment serves as a warning against pride and idolatry. As believers, we must guard our hearts against these sins, recognizing that they lead to destruction.

The Certainty of God's Word
The fulfillment of prophecies concerning Moab assures us of the reliability of God's Word. We can trust that what God has spoken will come to pass.

The Call to Repentance
While the prophecy is one of judgment, it also serves as a call to repentance. We are reminded of the opportunity to turn back to God and seek His mercy.
Bible Study Questions
1. What historical significance do the cities of Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon hold in the context of Moab, and how does this enhance our understanding of Jeremiah 48:23?

2. How does the judgment pronounced on Moab in Jeremiah 48:23 relate to the broader biblical theme of God's justice against nations?

3. In what ways can the pride and idolatry of Moab serve as a warning for us today in our personal lives and communities?

4. How do the prophecies concerning Moab in Jeremiah and other books of the Bible reinforce the reliability and authority of Scripture?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in a way that honors God and avoids the pitfalls that led to Moab's downfall?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 32:37-38
These verses mention the rebuilding of cities in Moab by the tribe of Reuben, including Kiriathaim and Baal-meon, providing historical context to Jeremiah's prophecy.

Isaiah 15-16
These chapters also pronounce judgment on Moab, offering a parallel to Jeremiah's prophecy and underscoring the consistency of God's message through different prophets.

Ezekiel 25:8-11
This passage speaks of God's judgment on Moab, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution for Moab's pride and idolatry.
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
Beth, Bethgamul, Beth-gamul, Beth-ga'mul, Bethmeon, Beth-meon, Beth-me'on, Gamul, Kiriathaim, Kiriatha'im, Kirjathaim, Meon
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 48:20

     4260   rivers and streams

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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