How can you say,This phrase introduces a rhetorical question, challenging the self-perception and claims of the Moabites. It reflects a common biblical theme where God questions the pride and self-reliance of nations or individuals. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God questions human arrogance, such as in
Job 38:4, where God asks Job, "Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?" It sets the tone for divine judgment and correction.
‘We are warriors,
The Moabites were known for their military prowess and had a history of conflict with Israel (Judges 3:12-30). This claim of being warriors is rooted in their past victories and their confidence in their military strength. However, this self-assessment is challenged by God, highlighting the futility of relying on human strength rather than divine support. This echoes the biblical principle found inPsalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."
mighty men
The term "mighty men" often refers to elite soldiers or heroes in ancient Near Eastern cultures. In the Bible, David's "mighty men" are celebrated for their valor and exploits (2 Samuel 23:8-39). The Moabites' self-identification as "mighty men" suggests a sense of invincibility and pride. However, this is contrasted with the reality of their impending defeat, as prophesied by Jeremiah. It serves as a reminder of the limitations of human might compared to God's power.
ready for battle’?
This phrase indicates preparedness and confidence in facing conflict. The Moabites' readiness for battle reflects their strategic and military planning. However, Jeremiah's prophecy reveals that their confidence is misplaced, as God has decreed their downfall. This is reminiscent ofProverbs 21:31, "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD." It underscores the biblical truth that ultimate victory and security come from God, not human preparation or strength.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MoabAn ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is the subject of God's judgment in
Jeremiah 48.
2.
JeremiahA prophet of God who delivered messages of judgment and hope to the nations, including Moab.
3.
Mighty WarriorsRefers to the self-perception of Moab's military strength and valor, which God challenges through Jeremiah.
4.
Valiant MenHighlights the pride and confidence Moab had in their warriors, which is contrasted with their impending defeat.
5.
Judgment of MoabThe broader context of
Jeremiah 48, where God pronounces judgment on Moab for their pride and idolatry.
Teaching Points
The Danger of PrideMoab's self-assuredness in their military might serves as a warning against pride. Believers should examine areas where they might be relying on their own strength rather than God's.
False SecurityTrusting in worldly power or status can lead to downfall. Christians are encouraged to place their security in God alone.
God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod's pronouncement against Moab reminds us that He is sovereign over all nations and will judge pride and idolatry.
The Call to HumilityThe passage calls believers to humility, recognizing that true strength and valor come from God.
Repentance and RestorationWhile the focus is on judgment, the broader biblical account offers hope for restoration through repentance, applicable to both individuals and nations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 48:14?
2.How does Jeremiah 48:14 challenge our understanding of self-reliance versus God's strength?
3.What does "We are mighty men of valor" reveal about Moab's misplaced confidence?
4.How can we avoid the prideful attitude seen in Jeremiah 48:14 today?
5.Which other scriptures warn against boasting in one's own strength?
6.How can we cultivate humility and reliance on God in our daily lives?
7.What does Jeremiah 48:14 reveal about Moab's false sense of security and strength?
8.How does Jeremiah 48:14 challenge our understanding of pride and self-reliance?
9.Why does God condemn Moab's warriors in Jeremiah 48:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 48?
11.Who or what were the Rephaim?
12.Who was Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, in the Bible?
13.Why does Psalm 83:1 depict God as silent in the face of a dire threat, despite other scriptures portraying Him as actively intervening?
14.Who are the Cushites mentioned in the Bible?What Does Jeremiah 48:14 Mean
How can you say• Jeremiah frames the opening as a rhetorical challenge, exposing Moab’s self-deception.
• The Lord is asking, “On what grounds do you dare make this claim?” (Jeremiah 17:5 echoes the folly of trusting in flesh).
• Whenever Scripture uses this kind of question—think of God’s “Where are you?” inGenesis 3:9 or Paul’s “Who are you, O man, to answer back to God?” inRomans 9:20—the goal is to uncover hidden pride.
•Psalm 20:7 reminds us that boasting in chariots or horses, rather than in the name of the Lord, is misplaced confidence.
We are warriors• Moab boasted in its military heritage. Mesha, king of Moab, had recorded victories on the famous Moabite Stone; national pride ran deep.
• Yet their self-portrait clashes with God’s verdict in verse 15: “Moab has been destroyed, and her towns have gone up in smoke”.
• The Lord often dismantles man-made identities: Gideon’s 32,000 were trimmed to 300 so that victory would be clearly from God (Judges 7:2).
• True valor is defined in2 Chronicles 32:8—“With us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.”
mighty men• “Mighty men” (gibborim) brings to mind David’s elite warriors (2 Samuel 23:8-39). Those men relied on the Lord; Moab’s relied on self.
•Proverbs 21:30-31 cautions, “There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD”.
• The irony: Moab considers itself heroic while standing on the brink of total collapse (Jeremiah 48:20).
ready for battle• “Ready” suggests preparedness, yet verse 16 says, “The calamity of Moab is near at hand.”
• Being battle-ready without God’s favor is an illusion;Isaiah 31:1 warns against those who “rely on horses” and “trust in chariots.”
• God’s approach is certain:Jeremiah 48:40 depicts the enemy swooping down “like an eagle.” Moab’s readiness will evaporate in a moment (compare toObadiah 1:4).
•Psalm 33:16-18 clarifies that a king is not saved by a large army; the Lord’s eye is on those who fear Him.
summaryJeremiah 48:14 punctures Moab’s proud self-assessment. The Lord exposes the emptiness of declaring, “We are warriors, mighty men ready for battle,” when hearts are far from Him. Real strength is never in numbers, training, or reputation but in humble dependence on the living God, who alone grants victory or defeat.
(14-17)
How say ye . . .--In the boast that follows we trace the characteristic pride of Moab. The prophet points to the fact that the pride is brought low. She, too, is subject, like other nations, to invasion and defeat. He summons her people to wail for her overthrow. The "staff" is the sceptre of the ruler, as in
Psalm 110:2. The "rod" is the stick with which a man walks (
Genesis 32:10;
Exodus 12:11), but which may also be used as a weapon. The epithet "beautiful" perhaps points to the splendour of a royal staff or wand of ivory and gold.
Verse 14. -
We are mighty; rather, we are heroes. The Hebrew is
gibborim, the name of David's select warriors (
2 Samuel 23:8). The exclamation is designed to represent vividly to the mind the sinful vain glory specially characteristic of Moab.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Howאֵ֚יךְ(’êḵ)Interjection
Strong's 349:How?, how!, wherecan you say,תֹּֽאמְר֔וּ(tō·mə·rū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 559:To utter, say‘Weאֲנָ֑חְנוּ(’ă·nā·ḥə·nū)Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587:Weare warriors,גִּבּוֹרִ֖ים(gib·bō·w·rîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1368:Powerful, warrior, tyrantmighty menחַ֖יִל(ḥa·yil)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428:A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strengthready for battle’?לַמִּלְחָמָֽה׃(lam·mil·ḥā·māh)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421:A battle, war
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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 48:14 How say you We are mighty men (Jer.) 
