Jeremiah 48. Moab (the territory E. of the Dead Sea, from Wady Kerak in the S. to the neighbourhood of Heshbon in the N.). Many of the numerous places named in this prophecy will be found on G. A. Smith's map, though some of his identifications are disputable; others such as Misgah (Jeremiah 48:1) are quite unknown. Much of this chapter is almost certainly later than Jeremiah, as it incorporates parts of Isaiah 15 f. (note mgg.), an elegy apparently of the fifth century.
Jeremiah 48:1-10. The spoiling of the cities of Moab, and the end of her glory (praise, Jeremiah 48:2), are declared. The lamentation of the Moabites is described (Jeremiah 48:5); they are told to flee like the wild ass (hard to capture; so with LXX, instead of heath, Jeremiah 48:6). Moab's confidence in her strongholds (so LXX for treasures; omit in thy works and) is misplaced; Chemosh (the national god, identified with his people; cf. Isaiah 46:1 f.) is exiled. The destruction shall be general, both in the valley (where the Jordan widens out above the Dead Sea) and on the table-land (Deuteronomy 3:10, mg.) ; Moab would need wings to escape it (Jeremiah 48:9). The prophet incites to the slaughter with a curse.
Jeremiah 48:2. Heshbon. Madmen: the Hebrew plays on these names.
Jeremiah 48:4. her little ones: read with LXX and Isaiah 15:5, etc.; to Zoar SE. corner of the Dead Sea (they make a cry to be heard).
Jeremiah 48:5. Omit continual, as in the parallel of mg., and the distress of with LXX.
Jeremiah 48:9. Render with Driver, for she would fain fly away.