Definition: Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 48:46. It’s a really serious and impactful warning. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a devastating attack on Moab – a region of southern Israel – by the powerful god Chemosh. It describes a situation where people are being taken captive, meaning they're being held as prisoners. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 48:46” : This is a specific passage from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. “Woe be unto thee…” : This is a very strong phrase meaning “be sad,” “be sorry,” or "it will be a terrible fate for you." It's a lament. “O Moab!” : This calls attention to a specific group of people – the Moabites. They are the ones being targeted. “the people of Chemosh perisheth” : This is the core of the warning. “Perisheth” means “goes away” or “disappears.” It’s saying that the Moabites have left, or disappeared from the area. “…for thy sons are taken captives…” This highlights a specific tragedy: the boys and girls of Moab were taken as prisoners. This is a huge loss for them. "...and thy daughters captives." : Similarly, this emphasizes that women were also taken captive, adding to the suffering. What’s the message? The verse essentially warns about a terrible attack on Moab. It's a message of profound sadness and sorrow because it speaks of: Loss: The loss of children is a huge tragedy. Disruption: The disruption of community and families due to this captivity. Divine Judgment: Jeremiah is warning that God will judge those who engage in such wickedness. It suggests a consequence for the actions of the Moabites. Important Context (Briefly): Jeremiah was writing about a period of political instability and rebellion in southern Israel, and this verse reflects a specific event – the Moabite revolt. It’s often interpreted as a sign that God is angry with their behavior and will bring judgment upon them. In short, it's a powerful warning about a devastating attack and the suffering it causes. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific historical event or figure? Talk about its symbolic meaning (e.g., representing sin and judgment)?