Jeremiah 48:38

On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar," declares the LORD.

Study Bible

On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares
In ancient Near Eastern culture, rooftops were often used as places for social gatherings, prayer, and even mourning. The public squares were central locations in a city where people gathered for various activities, including commerce and public discourse. The mention of both rooftops and public squares indicates a widespread and public display of mourning throughout Moab. This suggests that the calamity affecting Moab is not confined to private spaces but is a national crisis affecting all levels of society. The rooftops and public squares symbolize the totality of Moab's distress, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the judgment.

everyone is mourning;
Mourning in the biblical context often involved wearing sackcloth, putting ashes on one's head, and loud lamentations. The universal mourning in Moab signifies the depth of the disaster that has befallen them. This mourning is not just for the loss of life but also for the loss of national pride and identity. The collective grief reflects the fulfillment of God's judgment against Moab, as prophesied by Jeremiah. Mourning is a common theme in prophetic literature, often associated with divine judgment and the call to repentance.

for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,”
The imagery of shattering a jar is significant in the prophetic literature. In ancient times, pottery was a common household item, and a broken jar was considered useless. This metaphor illustrates the complete destruction and humiliation of Moab. The shattering of Moab like an unwanted jar signifies that they are no longer of use or value, highlighting the totality of their downfall. This imagery is reminiscent of other prophetic passages where God uses the metaphor of pottery to describe His sovereign power over nations (e.g., Isaiah 30:14, Jeremiah 19:11).

declares the LORD.
The phrase "declares the LORD" underscores the authority and certainty of the prophecy. It is a reminder that the words spoken by the prophet are not his own but are divinely inspired. This declaration assures the reader of the inevitability of the prophecy's fulfillment. The use of the divine name emphasizes God's sovereignty and His active role in the affairs of nations. It serves as a reminder that the judgment on Moab is not a random act of history but a deliberate act of divine justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moab
An ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is the primary subject of God's judgment in this passage.

2. Jeremiah
A prophet of God who delivered messages of judgment and hope to the nations, including Moab. He is the author of the book bearing his name.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who declares judgment upon Moab for their pride and idolatry.

4. Housetops and Public Squares
These locations symbolize the public and communal nature of the mourning in Moab, indicating widespread devastation.

5. The Shattered Jar
A metaphor used by God to describe the complete destruction and worthlessness of Moab after His judgment.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Pride
Moab's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The passage underscores God's authority over nations. He raises them up and brings them down according to His will.

Public and Personal Repentance
The mourning on housetops and public squares suggests the need for both personal and communal repentance in the face of sin.

The Fragility of Human Security
Like a jar that can be easily shattered, human security is fragile without God. True security is found in Him alone.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While the passage focuses on judgment, it also points to the hope of restoration for those who turn back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the imagery of a "shattered jar" teach us about the nature of God's judgment on Moab, and how can this apply to our understanding of divine justice today?

2. How does the public mourning in Moab challenge us to consider the communal aspects of sin and repentance in our own communities?

3. In what ways does the pride of Moab reflect attitudes we might see in our own lives or society, and how can we guard against such pride?

4. How does the sovereignty of God, as demonstrated in His judgment of Moab, provide comfort and assurance in the face of global or personal uncertainties?

5. Reflecting on the broader biblical account, how can we find hope and restoration after experiencing God's discipline or judgment in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 15-16
These chapters also prophesy the destruction of Moab, providing a parallel account of Moab's downfall and the reasons behind it.

Jeremiah 19:10-11
Jeremiah uses the imagery of a shattered jar to symbolize the destruction of Jerusalem, similar to the imagery used for Moab.

Lamentations 2:11
This verse describes mourning and lamentation, akin to the mourning in Moab, highlighting the emotional response to God's judgment.

Psalm 2:9
The imagery of breaking with a rod of iron connects to the idea of God shattering nations like pottery, emphasizing His sovereign power.