Bible Strands
Jeremiah 48:16
Moab’s calamity is at hand, and his affliction is rushing swiftly.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The prophet Jeremiah pronounces this oracle against Moab in the immediate aftermath of describing the nation's towns being invaded and its young men slaughtered.
The words — The Hebrew phrase קָר֥וֹב לָ/ב֑וֹא (karov laVo) literally means "is near to come," while מִהֲרָ֖ה מְאֹֽד (miharah me'od) translates to "it will hasten exceedingly."
The thread — This pattern of imminent judgment recurs in Isaiah 13:22 regarding Babylon's approaching time, Deuteronomy 32:35 concerning the near day of disaster, and Isaiah 16:13 which references the earlier message against Moab.
Why it lands — The text declares that Moab's destruction is already underway and accelerating, requiring observers to recognize the certainty of the coming collapse before interpreting its theological implications.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 13:22 Hyenas will howl in her fortresses and jackals in her luxurious palaces. Babylon’s time is at hand, and her days will not be prolonged.
- Deuteronomy 32:35 Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.”
- Isaiah 16:13 This is the message that the LORD spoke earlier concerning Moab.
- Jeremiah 1:12 “You have observed correctly,” said the LORD, “for I am watching over My word to accomplish it.”
- Ezekiel 12:23 Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will put an end to this proverb, and in Israel they will no longer recite it.’ But say to them: ‘The days are at hand when every vision will be fulfilled.
- Ezekiel 12:28 Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘None of My words will be delayed any longer. The message I speak will be fulfilled, declares the Lord GOD.’”
- 2 Peter 2:3 In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.