Daily Devotions
Jeremiah
"Her cities shall be desolate"
Text: Jeremiah 48:9
A DESPERATE WISH
Moab knew that the Babylonians would destroy their cities. Their wish was to have wings to speed them away from destruction!
“Give wings to Moab,
That she may flee and get away;
For her cities shall be desolate,
Without any to dwell in them.
Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD deceitfully,
And cursed is he who keeps back his sword from blood.”
Jeremiah 48:9-10
1. “Give wings to Moab, that she may flee and get away;
for her cities shall be desolate, without any to dwell in them”
a) Wings to flee from destruction.
i) Destruction of their cities was inevitable.
ii) But lives may yet be saved, even if property is destroyed.
b) The cities of Moab:
i) The destruction would be severe.
ii) No Moabite would dare to risk staying in the country.
iii) Thus, the cities would be desolate.
2. “Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD deceitfully,
and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from blood”
a) The word “cursed” has to be carefully understood.
b) The Context:
i) The LORD had passed His judgment on Moab.
ii) It would be destroyed by the Babylonians.
iii) This decree must be carried out fully.
iv) A word of warning was given solemnly.
c) The LORD was aware that some might be tempted to spare Moab.
i) Some Moabites could attempt to bribe the Babylonians to spare their cities.
ii) They were well-known to employ all ways and means to avert disaster.
iii) They were prepared to give great treasures to those who would spare them.
d) The LORD warned the Babylonian invaders.
i) To avoid deceit.
ii) To thwart the plan of God to destroy Moab.
iii) If they did not carry out what the LORD had commanded,
they would be under a curse.