Moab is spoiled, and gone up out of her cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.

JEREMIAH 48:15KJV
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Jeremiah 48:15 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 48:15 mean?

Jeremiah 48:15 announces that Moab, a neighboring nation to Israel, has been devastated and its cities overtaken, with its strongest young men killed in battle, as declared by the LORD, who is described as the King and commander of heavenly armies. This verse is a pronouncement of judgment, making clear that Moab’s downfall is certain and comes by God’s authority.

In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking a message from God to the people of Moab, warning them of coming destruction. The verse uses strong language to show that even Moab’s best warriors will not escape, and it emphasizes that this is not just a human event but a judgment spoken by the LORD of hosts (meaning the LORD who commands all heavenly armies). The wider chapter contains a series of warnings and judgments against Moab for its pride and actions.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 48:15

  • "spoiled" (שָׁדַד, shadad): This word means to be devastated, ruined, or destroyed. It highlights the total loss and ruin that Moab faces, not just a minor defeat.
  • "chosen" (מִבְחַר, mivchar): This refers to the select or best young men, showing that even the most promising and strongest among Moab’s people are not spared.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) and "hosts" (צְבָאוֹת, tsevaot): The title "LORD of hosts" stresses God’s supreme authority and power, reminding the reader that this is not just a political event but an act of divine judgment.

Why Jeremiah 48:15 matters

  • This verse makes it clear that Moab’s defeat is not accidental or merely the result of human warfare, but is specifically decreed by God, highlighting His control over nations.
  • The mention of the "chosen young men" going down to slaughter shows that no amount of human strength or preparation can stand against God’s declared judgment.
  • By calling God the "King" and "LORD of hosts," the verse ties the fate of Moab to the larger biblical theme of God’s sovereignty over all peoples, not just Israel.