Jeremiah 48:24
upon Kerioth, Bozrah, and all the towns of Moab, those far and near.
upon Kerioth
Kerioth is mentioned as a city in Moab, a region east of the Dead Sea. The name "Kerioth" means "cities" or "towns," suggesting it may have been a significant urban center. In the context of Jeremiah 48, Kerioth represents the pride and strength of Moab, which is being judged by God. The destruction of Kerioth symbolizes the broader judgment against Moab for its arrogance and idolatry. This city is also mentioned in Amos 2:2, where it is prophesied that it will be destroyed by fire, indicating its importance in Moabite society.

Bozrah
Bozrah is another city in Moab, though it is more commonly associated with Edom in other biblical references. The mention of Bozrah here highlights the comprehensive nature of the judgment against Moab. Bozrah was known for its fortifications and wealth, making its inclusion in the prophecy a statement of the totality of Moab's downfall. The name Bozrah means "sheepfold," which may imply a place of security that will be overturned. In Isaiah 63:1, Bozrah is depicted as a place of divine vengeance, further emphasizing the theme of judgment.

and all the towns of Moab
This phrase underscores the extensive scope of the prophecy, indicating that no part of Moab will escape God's judgment. Moab was a nation descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew, and had a history of conflict with Israel. The judgment against Moab is part of a larger narrative of God's justice against nations that opposed His people. The comprehensive nature of the prophecy serves as a warning to all nations about the consequences of pride and idolatry.

those far and near
This phrase emphasizes the totality of the judgment, reaching every corner of Moab, regardless of distance. It signifies that God's reach and authority extend over all geographical and political boundaries. The inclusion of both "far and near" towns suggests that no place is too remote to escape divine justice. This can be seen as a reflection of God's omnipresence and omnipotence, themes that are consistent throughout Scripture. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the universal nature of God's sovereignty and the inevitability of His judgment against sin.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Kerioth
A city in Moab, possibly the birthplace of Judas Iscariot, though this is debated. It represents one of the key locations in Moab that faced judgment.

2. Bozrah
Another significant city in Moab, often associated with strength and fortification. It symbolizes the pride and self-reliance of Moab.

3. Moab
A nation descended from Lot, often in conflict with Israel. Moab's judgment is a central theme in this chapter, representing God's justice against pride and idolatry.

4. Jeremiah
The prophet who delivered God's message of judgment against Moab. His role as a prophet was to call nations, including Israel, to repentance.

5. Judgment
The event of divine retribution against Moab for its sins, illustrating God's sovereignty and justice.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God's judgment on Moab demonstrates His control over all nations, not just Israel. He holds all accountable to His standards.

The Consequences of Pride
Moab's downfall is a warning against pride and self-reliance. Believers are called to humility and dependence on God.

The Certainty of God's Justice
God's pronouncements through Jeremiah assure us that His justice will prevail. This encourages believers to trust in God's righteous timing.

Repentance and Restoration
While judgment is pronounced, the broader biblical account offers hope for repentance and restoration, reminding us of God's mercy.

The Role of Prophets
Jeremiah's role highlights the importance of speaking truth and calling others to repentance, a task for believers today.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the judgment on Moab in Jeremiah 48:24 reflect God's sovereignty over all nations, and how should this influence our view of current world events?

2. In what ways can pride lead to downfall, as seen in Moab's example, and how can we guard against it in our personal lives?

3. How does the message of judgment in Jeremiah 48:24 relate to the broader theme of justice in the Bible, and what comfort can we find in God's justice?

4. Considering the role of prophets like Jeremiah, how can we, as modern believers, fulfill a similar role in our communities?

5. Reflecting on the connections between Jeremiah 48:24 and other scriptures, how can we find hope in God's promises of restoration despite His judgments?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 15-16
These chapters also pronounce judgment on Moab, providing a broader context for understanding God's dealings with this nation.

Amos 2:1-3
Amos prophesies against Moab, emphasizing God's judgment for their transgressions, similar to Jeremiah's message.

Genesis 19:30-38
The origin of Moab through Lot's descendants, providing background on the nation's relationship with Israel.

Psalm 60:8
Moab is referred to as a "washbasin," symbolizing its subjugation and the fulfillment of God's judgment.
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
Bozrah, Cities, Kerijoth, Kerioth, Ker'i-oth, Moab, Towns
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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