Jeremiah 48 · Grade 5

Judgment with Tears

Name Date

Read and Think

Jeremiah 48 draws heavily on Isaiah 15 and 16 and Numbers 21, weaving older prophecies into a new lament. Moab, descended from Lot, had a long history of hostility toward Israel, from hiring Balaam to curse Israel to joining raids in Jeremiah's own day. Its national god Chemosh would go into captivity, his priests and his princes together, showing that idols cannot protect their worshipers.

The central sin is pride. Moab will be destroyed from being a people, because he has magnified himself against Yahweh. The image of wine left undisturbed on its dregs describes a nation that had grown complacent because it had never been shaken by exile. Moab mocked Israel and shook its head at Israel's misfortune.

What is striking is God's grief. Therefore I will wail for Moab. Yes, I will cry out for all Moab. God does not delight in judgment. The chapter closes with a promise that God would reverse the captivity of Moab in the latter days. Ruth, a Moabite, had already become part of David's family line, a sign that God's mercy could reach even Moab.

Show What You Know

What older passages does the chapter draw on?
What does Chemosh going into captivity show?
What is Moab's central sin?
Which Moabite became part of David's family line?

Crossword

Across

We have heard of the pride of ____.
And they will empty his ____.

Down

We have heard of the ____ of Moab.
You also will be ____.

Think About It

Why do you think God grieves even when his judgment is just?
How does Ruth's story show that God's mercy could reach even Moab?

Memory Verse

“Yet I will reverse the captivity of Moab in the latter days,” says Yahweh. Thus far is the judgment of Moab.

Jeremiah 48:47 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for bringing people back to You. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

When is it hard to be humble?
How can you show a humble heart?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?