I have heard the reproach of Moab.
The persecution of the good
I. That good men are often subject to annoyances from the ungodly world. “I have heard the reproach [abuse] of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached My people [abused My nation], and magnified themselves against their border.” These people, the Moabites and the Ammonites, were constantly annoying and abusing the chosen people. In the time of Moses, Balak, the king of the Moabites, sought to destroy the Israelites by means of Balaam’s curses (Numbers 22:1-41.). And in the time of the Judges, both peoples endeavoured to oppress Israel (Judges 3:12; Judges 10:7). The charge here probably refers to the hostile attitude assumed by both tribes at all times towards the people of God. Both Isaiah and Jeremiah charged them with annoying them (Isaiah 16:6; Jeremiah 48:29). The hostile conduct of Moab and Ammon towards Israel is only a specimen and an illustration of the antagonism of wicked men towards the truly pious. They “reproach” them, they charge them with superstition, fanaticism, cant, hypocrisy, etc. The best men, the men of whom the world is not worthy, are always persecuted.
II. That these annoyances escape not the notice of God. “I have heard the reproach.”
1. God’s attention to the minute concerns of human life.
2. God’s special interest in His people (Jeremiah 23:23).
III. That God will not fail to chastise the authors of such annoyances. “Therefore as I live, saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation.” Mark--
1. The doom of those reproachers. They shall be as Sodom and Gomorrah.
2. The cause of their doom. “This they shall have for their pride.” (Homilist.)