Yet in the latter daysThis phrase indicates a future time, often associated with eschatological events or the end times. In biblical prophecy, "latter days" can refer to a period when God will fulfill His promises and bring about restoration. This suggests a time beyond the immediate historical context, pointing to a divine plan that transcends the present circumstances.
I will restore Moab from captivity
The promise of restoration implies that Moab, despite its judgment, will experience a future renewal. Historically, Moab was a nation east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. The mention of captivity suggests a period of subjugation or exile, possibly due to Babylonian conquest. Restoration here reflects God's mercy and the possibility of redemption, even for nations that opposed Israel. This can be seen as a type of the broader biblical theme of restoration and redemption found in Christ, who offers spiritual restoration to all nations.
declares the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the authority and certainty of the prophecy. It is a divine pronouncement, underscoring that the promise of restoration is not based on human effort but on God's sovereign will. The use of "declares the LORD" is a common prophetic formula, affirming that the message comes directly from God, ensuring its reliability and fulfillment.
Here ends the judgment on Moab
This statement marks the conclusion of the prophetic pronouncement against Moab. The judgment was detailed earlier in the chapter, describing Moab's downfall due to its pride and idolatry. The ending of judgment signifies a transition from punishment to the possibility of future hope and restoration. It reflects the biblical principle that God's judgments are often followed by opportunities for repentance and renewal, aligning with the broader narrative of God's redemptive work throughout scripture.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and restoration of nations, including Israel and its neighbors.
2.
MoabAn ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is the subject of judgment in
Jeremiah 48, but also of eventual restoration.
3.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who pronounces both judgment and restoration for Moab, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations.
4.
CaptivityRefers to the period of exile and subjugation that Moab would experience as a result of divine judgment, but from which they would eventually be restored.
5.
Latter DaysA prophetic term often used to indicate a future time when God will fulfill His promises, including restoration and redemption.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all nations, not just Israel. His plans include both judgment and restoration, demonstrating His ultimate authority.
Hope in RestorationEven in judgment, God provides hope for the future. This encourages believers to trust in God's promises of restoration and redemption.
The Nature of ProphecyProphecies often contain both immediate and future fulfillments. Understanding this helps believers interpret biblical prophecies accurately.
God's Mercy and JusticeGod's character is revealed in His dealings with Moab. He is just in His judgments but also merciful, offering restoration.
Application to Personal LifeJust as God promised restoration to Moab, He offers personal restoration to those who turn to Him. Believers can find hope in God's redemptive work in their lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 48:47?
2.How does Jeremiah 48:47 demonstrate God's mercy towards Moab despite their judgment?
3.What does "restore the fortunes of Moab" reveal about God's character and promises?
4.How can we apply God's promise of restoration in Jeremiah 48:47 to our lives?
5.What other biblical instances show God restoring nations after judgment?
6.How does Jeremiah 48:47 encourage us to trust in God's future plans?
7.What does Jeremiah 48:47 reveal about God's mercy towards Moab despite their judgment?
8.How does Jeremiah 48:47 fit into the broader context of Moab's prophecy?
9.Why does God promise restoration for Moab in Jeremiah 48:47 after their destruction?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 48?
11.Why does Isaiah 15 focus on Moab’s seemingly complete devastation, while other passages describe Moab’s later resilience?
12.Why does the text emphasize mourning rituals in Isaiah 15:2–3 if the city’s destruction was as instantaneous as indicated?
13.Why does Jeremiah 48:1–39 repeatedly portray divine retaliation against Moab with no apparent path for redemption?
14.How can the prophecy in Jeremiah 48:8-9 of Moab's total destruction be reconciled with archaeological evidence suggesting Moabite cities outlasted this period?What Does Jeremiah 48:47 Mean
Yet in the latter days- “Latter days” points us beyond Moab’s immediate collapse under Babylon (ca. 582 BC) to a God-appointed future when mercy will follow judgment (seeDeuteronomy 31:29;Daniel 10:14;Isaiah 2:2).
- The phrase assures that history is moving under God’s sovereign timetable; what looks like a permanent end is actually a prelude to restoration.
- Even enemy nations are folded into God’s long-range redemptive plan, highlighting His faithfulness to His covenant promises (Genesis 12:3;Romans 15:9).
I will restore Moab from captivity- Restoration means a real, historical return from exile, just as Judah later experienced (Jeremiah 29:14).
- God offers the same gracious pattern to other nations He judged—Ammon (Jeremiah 49:6), Elam (Jeremiah 49:39), and even Egypt (Jeremiah 46:26).
- This mercy underscores God’s character:
• Justice does not cancel compassion (Psalm 86:15).
• His purposes include reconciliation, not annihilation (Isaiah 19:24-25).
- The promise previews the ultimate gathering of nations under Christ’s reign (Isaiah 11:10;Revelation 7:9).
declares the LORD- The phrase certifies the promise as divine, not wishful thinking (Jeremiah 1:8).
- Because the Lord’s word is unfailing (Numbers 23:19), Moab’s restoration is as certain as its judgment (Jeremiah 25:15-21).
- Trusting God’s declared word anchors faith, whether facing discipline or awaiting deliverance (Psalm 119:89-90).
Here ends the judgment on Moab- These closing words draw a line: the season of wrath is complete (Lamentations 3:31-33).
- God’s judgments are purposeful and measured; they have an end point so that grace can begin (Habakkuk 3:2).
- The finality encourages readers to believe that no situation is beyond God’s power to reverse (Joel 2:25-26).
summaryJeremiah 48:47 holds out a tangible, future hope to a people under deserved judgment. In God’s wisely ordered “latter days,” He Himself pledges to bring Moab back from exile. Because the LORD has spoken, His mercy is as certain as His justice. The verse reminds us that every divine judgment is ultimately aimed at restoration, pointing forward to the day when all nations find refuge and renewal in the reign of Christ.
(47)
Yet will I bring again . . .--This intermingling of the hope of a far-off return is specially characteristic of these later chapters, as in the case of the Ammonites (
Jeremiah 49:6) and Elam (
Jeremiah 49:39).
Thus far is the judgment of Moab.--This is very probably originally a note made by editor or transcriber to indicate the close of one section and the beginning of another. A like conclusion meets us inJeremiah 51:64.
Verse 47. - On the phraseology of this verse (omitted in the Septuagint), see on Jeremiah 29:14; 23:20, and on the brighter prospect held out for Moab, see the analogies given in note on Jeremiah 46:26.Thus far is the judgment of Moab is clearly an editor's note (comp.Jeremiah 51:64). "Judgment" as in ver. 21.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Yet in the latter
בְּאַחֲרִ֥ית(bə·’a·ḥă·rîṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 319:The last, end, the future, posterity
days
הַיָּמִ֖ים(hay·yā·mîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117:A day
I will restore
וְשַׁבְתִּ֧י(wə·šaḇ·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, again
Moab
מוֹאָ֛ב(mō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4124:Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled
from captivity,
שְׁבוּת־(šə·ḇūṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7622:Exile, prisoners, a former state of prosperity
declares
נְאֻם־(nə·’um-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002:An oracle
the LORD.”
יְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
Here
הֵ֖נָּה(hên·nāh)
Adverb
Strong's 2008:Hither, thither
ends
עַד־(‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, while
the judgment
מִשְׁפַּ֥ט(miš·paṭ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4941:A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style
on Moab.
מוֹאָֽב׃(mō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4124:Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled
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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 48:47 Yet will I bring back the captivity (Jer.)
