O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole's mouth.

JEREMIAH 48:28KJV
Know the Bible

Jeremiah 48:28 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 48:28 mean?

Jeremiah 48:28 calls on the people living in Moab to leave their cities and seek safety in the mountains, comparing them to a dove that builds its nest in the sides of a cave for protection. The verse uses this image to urge Moab’s people to escape coming danger by finding refuge away from their usual homes.

The prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the nation of Moab, warning them about an approaching disaster. He tells them to abandon their cities (where they might feel secure) and instead hide in the rocky places, just as a dove finds a safe spot in the cliffs. This verse is part of a larger prophecy where Jeremiah announces judgment against Moab for its pride and actions.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 48:28

  • "Dwell" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This word means to live or settle somewhere. Here, it addresses those who make their home in Moab, emphasizing their settled life that is about to be disrupted.
  • "Leave" (עָזַב, azav): This verb means to abandon or forsake. Jeremiah is urging the people to actively abandon their cities, not just leave casually.
  • "Rock" (סֶלַע, sela): This word refers to a rocky cliff or crag, a place of natural protection. The image suggests seeking out the most secure and hidden places, not just any shelter.
  • "Dove" (יוֹנָה, yonah): The dove is known for seeking safe, hidden places to nest. The comparison highlights the need for caution and the instinct to find safety in times of danger.

Why Jeremiah 48:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the coming judgment on Moab will be so severe that even the cities—usually places of strength—will not be safe, and only remote, hidden places might offer protection.
  • The dove imagery emphasizes vulnerability and the need for humility, showing that Moab’s people must give up their pride and seek refuge like a timid bird.
  • Understanding this verse in its context helps explain the urgency and seriousness of Jeremiah’s warning, as well as the broader theme of God’s judgment on nations that trust in their own security.

Where else these words appear

“nest” Hebrew H7077 · used in 5 verses

  • Psalms 104:17 Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house.
  • Isaiah 34:15 There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.
  • Jeremiah 22:23 O inhabitant of Lebanon, that makest thy nest in the cedars, how gracious shalt thou be when pangs come upon thee, the pain as of a woman in travail!

“hole's” Hebrew H6354 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Samuel 17:9 Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.
  • Isaiah 24:17 Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth.
  • Jeremiah 48:43 Fear, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD.

“dove” Hebrew H3123 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 8:8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
  • Leviticus 14:22 And two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, such as he is able to get; and the one shall be a sin offering, and the other a burnt offering.
  • Song of Solomon 4:1 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.

“rock” Hebrew H5553 · used in 54 verses

  • Numbers 20:8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.
  • 1 Kings 19:11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
  • Isaiah 22:16 What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?