Jeremiah 48 24

Jeremiah 48:24 kjv

And upon Kerioth, and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near.

Jeremiah 48:24 nkjv

On Kerioth and Bozrah, On all the cities of the land of Moab, Far or near.

Jeremiah 48:24 niv

to Kerioth and Bozrah? to all the towns of Moab, far and near.

Jeremiah 48:24 esv

and Kerioth, and Bozrah, and all the cities of the land of Moab, far and near.

Jeremiah 48:24 nlt

on Kerioth and Bozrah ?
all the towns of Moab, far and near.

Jeremiah 48 verses

Jeremiah 48 24 meaning

Jeremiah 48:24 foretells the coming divine judgment upon several significant cities within Moabite territory: Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon. This verse, embedded within a larger prophecy against Moab, specifically names these urban centers as targets of God's wrath, indicating that the devastation will be comprehensive, affecting not just the general region but striking at the heart of Moab's populated and historically important areas. It signifies the inescapable reach of divine justice, proclaiming ruin over key aspects of Moabite life, identity, and strength.

Jeremiah 48 24 Context

Jeremiah chapter 48 is an extended prophecy of lament and judgment against Moab, a nation located east of the Dead Sea, historically known for its pride, wealth, and persistent antagonism towards Israel. The chapter vividly details the impending ruin and desolation that will befall Moab, caused by an unnamed foreign conqueror, understood to be Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar. Verses 21-28 constitute a specific enumeration of Moabite towns and cities slated for destruction, creating a comprehensive list that underscores the totality of the coming calamity. These verses function as a litany, emphasizing that no part of Moab's territory, from its high plateau to its valleys, will be spared. The specific cities named in verse 24—Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon—were significant population centers or strategic locations, further highlighting the widespread nature of the judgment. Historically, some of these cities were once part of the inheritance of the Israelite tribes of Reuben and Gad, making their current status as Moabite strongholds a point of contention and illustrating the fluidity of ancient national boundaries. The prophecy thus addresses not only Moab's present pride and idolatry but also implicitly asserts God's ultimate authority over territorial claims and the destinies of nations.

Jeremiah 48 24 Word analysis

• And upon (וְעַל - wəʿal): The Hebrew prefix וְ (wə) means "and," serving as a conjunction to connect this verse to the preceding list of cities in Jer 48:21-23, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the judgment. עַל (ʿal) is a preposition meaning "upon" or "against." Its repetition (wəʿal... wəʿal... wəʿal) creates a rhythmic emphasis, like a judicial decree being laid specifically "upon" each target. This stresses that each named city is individually singled out for the pronounced judgment.
• Kiriathaim (קִרְיָתַיִם - Qiryāṯayim): Literally "Double City" or "Two Cities." This suggests a prominent city, possibly formed by two conjoined settlements or possessing a double fortification. It was a very ancient site (Gen 14:5), later allocated to Reuben (Num 32:37) but reclaimed by Moab. Its significance points to a well-established and powerful Moabite center. Its destruction signifies the overthrow of ancient strongholds and established power.
• Beth-gamul (בֵּית גָּמוּל - Bêṯ Gāmûl): Meaning "House of Recompense" or "House of the Camel." Often identified with modern Khirbet Jemal. It likely derived its name from either camel breeding/trading or perhaps a place associated with receiving or rendering compensation. As a named city in the heart of Moab, its inclusion emphasizes the thoroughness of the judgment, extending to all forms of Moabite activity and settlement.
• Beth-meon (בֵּית מְעוֹן - Bêṯ Məʿôn): Meaning "House of Habitation" or "House of Dwelling." It is also known as Baal-meon (Num 32:38; Ezek 25:9), suggesting a connection to the Canaanite god Baal. Its name implies it was a significant population center, and its connection to Baal suggests a center of Moabite idolatry. Its downfall thus represents the destruction of both the people and their false worship.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Beth-gamul, and upon Beth-meon": The repetitive use of "and upon" before each city creates a somber, dirge-like rhythm. This stylistic choice emphasizes the meticulous and exhaustive nature of God's judgment; no significant center is overlooked. It communicates that the judgment is not a general calamity but a precise, divinely orchestrated ruin descending sequentially upon each identified stronghold. The list encapsulates the diverse nature of Moabite centers targeted: an ancient twin-city, a commercial/pastoral hub, and a populous, perhaps idolatrous, dwelling place. This selection points to the comprehensive dismantling of Moabite national life—its history, economy, and religious structures.

Jeremiah 48 24 Bonus section

The cities listed in Jer 48:24, like many in Moab, illustrate a complex history of ownership. Kiriathaim and Beth-meon (as Baal-meon) were originally part of the tribal inheritance of Reuben in the Transjordan region (Num 32:37-38; Josh 13:19). Their subsequent occupation by Moab indicates the shifting political landscape and frequent territorial disputes in the ancient Near East. The prophecy's targeting of these specific cities, once belonging to Israel, implicitly reinforces God's judgment not only on Moab's intrinsic sins (pride, idolatry, hostility toward Israel) but also possibly on their unlawful re-appropriation of Israelite land. This underlines a broader theme of divine oversight regarding the historical and territorial claims of nations, often bringing judgment when boundaries are crossed and covetousness prevails.

Jeremiah 48 24 Commentary

Jeremiah 48:24 forms a specific detail within the grand pronouncement of judgment against Moab, illuminating God's intimate knowledge and sovereign control over nations. The meticulous listing of cities like Kiriathaim, Beth-gamul, and Beth-meon serves to underline the specificity and comprehensive scope of the divine decree. This is not an abstract or vague threat; rather, it names the very heart of Moabite identity and strength, from ancient settlements to populous dwellings. The enumeration functions as a stark contrast to Moab's pride and self-reliance (Jer 48:7, 29), demonstrating that what they deemed their security and prosperity would be dismantled by the sovereign God of Israel. It showcases a principle recurring throughout prophetic literature: human strongholds, built on arrogance and idolatry, are fragile before divine justice. The downfall of these specific places signifies the destruction of Moabite material wealth, national pride, and their false worship, revealing that ultimate power resides not in fortresses or populations, but with the LORD.