Jeremiah 48: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Jeremiah 48 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The lament over Moab's cities highlights the destruction of places like Nebo and Kiriathaim (vv. 1-5). A call to flee arises, urging the Moabites to save their lives as the sword pursues them (vv. 6-10). Moab's complacency is examined; the people are told they will face judgment for their trust in treasures and deities like Chemosh (vv. 11-19). The desolation of Moab is declared, with wailing and mourning spreading across all cities in the land (vv. 20-29). Moab's pride is condemned; despite their claims of strength, they will be brought low and lament (vv. 30-39). Yahweh pronounces judgment, describing the deep despair that will encompass Moab, and the inhabitants will suffer greatly (vv. 40-46). Yet, a promise of restoration is offered for Moab in the latter days (v. 47).

Key verse

“We have heard of the pride of Moab. He is very proud in his loftiness, his pride, his arrogance, and the haughtiness of his heart.”
Jeremiah 48:29 (WEB)

Outline

Jeremiah 48:1–5 Lament over Moab's Cities
Jeremiah 48:6–10 Call to Flee and Warning
Jeremiah 48:11–19 Moab's Complacency and Fate
Jeremiah 48:20–29 Desolation Declared
Jeremiah 48:30–39 The Pride and Lament of Moab
Jeremiah 48:40–46 Judgment and Despair
Jeremiah 48:47 Hope for Moab's Restoration

Discussion questions

In v6, what does the juniper bush symbolize for those fleeing Moab?
What does Yahweh mean by saying 'Cursed is he who does the work of Yahweh negligently' in v10?
The phrase 'Moab has been at ease from his youth' in v11: what does this suggest about Moab's attitude toward God's judgment?
In v42, why does Yahweh declare that Moab will be destroyed from being a people?
When have you felt like 'the strong staff is broken' (v17) in your own life?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Jeremiah 48: Isaiah 15, Isaiah 16, Jeremiah 49.

Before next time: read Jeremiah 49.