Abandon the towns and settle among the rocks, O dwellers of Moab! Be like a dove that nests at the mouth of a cave. Abandon your townsThe Hebrew word for "abandon" is "עזב" (azav), which conveys a sense of leaving behind or forsaking. In the context of Jeremiah's prophecy, this command to the Moabites is a call to leave their established places of security and comfort. Historically, Moab was a region east of the Dead Sea, known for its fortified cities. The call to abandon these towns signifies an impending judgment and the futility of relying on human-made defenses against divine retribution. This serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly security and the importance of seeking refuge in God. dwell among the rocks
The phrase "dwell among the rocks" suggests a retreat to natural fortifications, which were often seen as places of last resort. The Hebrew word "סלע" (sela) refers to rocky crags or cliffs, which were common in the rugged terrain of Moab. This imagery evokes a sense of vulnerability and survival, as the Moabites are urged to seek shelter in the wilderness. Spiritually, it can be seen as a metaphor for finding refuge in God, the Rock of Ages, when all else fails. O residents of Moab!
The term "residents" (Hebrew: "יושבי" - yoshevei) indicates the inhabitants or dwellers of Moab. Moabites were descendants of Lot, and their history is intertwined with Israel's, often marked by conflict and enmity. By addressing them directly, Jeremiah personalizes the prophecy, emphasizing that the message is for all who live in Moab. This highlights the universal nature of God's judgment and the call for repentance. Be like a dove
The dove is a symbol of peace, innocence, and vulnerability. In Hebrew, "יונה" (yonah) is the word for dove, and it often represents purity and the Spirit of God. Here, the Moabites are compared to a dove, suggesting a state of defenselessness and the need for divine protection. The imagery of a dove also calls to mind the account of Noah, where the dove signified hope and new beginnings. This can inspire believers to seek peace and purity in times of trial. that nests at the mouth of a cave
The image of a dove nesting at the mouth of a cave conveys a sense of temporary refuge and precarious safety. Caves were natural shelters in ancient times, offering protection from predators and the elements. The Hebrew word "מערה" (me'arah) for cave suggests a hidden place, a sanctuary. This imagery encourages believers to find solace in God's presence, even when circumstances seem unstable. It is a call to trust in God's provision and protection, much like the dove that finds rest at the cave's entrance. Persons / Places / Events 1. MoabAn ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew. 2. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of Israel and surrounding nations, including Moab. 3. DoveA symbol often used in the Bible to represent peace, innocence, and vulnerability. Here, it signifies the Moabites' need to seek refuge. 4. Rocks and CavesNatural fortifications and places of refuge. In the context of this verse, they symbolize safety and protection amidst impending judgment. 5. Judgment of MoabThe broader context of Jeremiah 48 is a prophecy of judgment against Moab for their pride and idolatry. Teaching Points Seek Refuge in GodJust as the Moabites were urged to find safety among the rocks, believers are called to seek refuge in God during times of trouble. Humility Before GodMoab's judgment was due to pride. We must remain humble and recognize our dependence on God. Symbolism of the DoveEmbrace the qualities of peace and innocence in our walk with Christ, even when facing adversity. God's Sovereignty in JudgmentUnderstand that God's judgments are just and serve a purpose in His divine plan. Repentance and RestorationLike Moab, we are given opportunities to repent and find restoration through God's mercy. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the imagery of the dove and the rocks teach us about finding refuge in God during difficult times? 2. How can we apply the lesson of humility from Moab's judgment to our own lives today? 3. In what ways does the call to "abandon your towns" challenge us to leave behind worldly securities and trust in God's provision? 4. How does the theme of judgment and mercy in Jeremiah 48 relate to the broader account of redemption in the Bible? 5. Reflect on a time when you sought refuge in God. How did that experience strengthen your faith and reliance on Him? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 16:1-4This passage also addresses Moab, urging them to seek refuge and offering a glimpse of hope amidst judgment. Psalm 55:6-8The psalmist expresses a desire to escape trouble and find refuge, similar to the imagery of the dove in Jeremiah 48:28. Matthew 10:16Jesus instructs His disciples to be "as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves," highlighting the need for wisdom and innocence in times of trial. People Chemosh, Gamul, Jeremiah, Sihon, ZoarPlaces 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, ZoarTopics Abyss, Arabah, Beyond, Cave, Cave's, Chasm, Cities, Cover, Crags, Dove, Dwell, Forsake, Gorge, Holes, Hole's, Inhabitants, Leave, Living-place, Makes, Maketh, Making, Moab, Mouth, Nest, Nests, O, Passages, Pit's, Rock, Rocks, Sides, TownsDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 48:28 4218 cave
4354 rock
4636 dove
4675 nest
5167 mouth 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 Links Jeremiah 48:28 NIVJeremiah 48:28 NLTJeremiah 48:28 ESVJeremiah 48:28 NASBJeremiah 48:28 KJV
Jeremiah 48:28 Commentaries
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