Definition: He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, [even] upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Jeremiah 48:44. It’s a really powerful and dramatic statement about God’s plan for a devastating event. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes a future catastrophe – a complete destruction of the Moabite people (who were living in southwestern Israel at the time) – as a consequence of fleeing from God's judgment. It’s essentially saying that if you’re afraid of God and run away, you’ll be punished with a terrible outcome. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “He that fleeth from the fear…” – This refers to people who are avoiding God’s will or punishment. It suggests a deliberate choice to disobey or resist what God has commanded. "...shall fall into the pit..." - This isn't just about physical harm; it's about spiritual ruin. It means being trapped in something awful – perhaps being punished, exiled, or facing immense suffering. "...and he that getteth up out of the pit…” – This is the key part! It’s a promise of recovery and redemption . It means that those who are truly repentant and turn away from their fear will be rescued and restored to a better place. "...shall be taken in the snare..." - This is a metaphor for being caught in God's judgment. It’s like being trapped by His punishment, even though we didn’t actively choose to be in that situation. "...Saith the LORD." – This is an authoritative statement from God himself. In simpler terms: God is going to punish the Moabites with a devastating event if they continue to resist him and avoid his guidance. He intends to bring about a complete destruction of their land, people, and way of life. Important Context: This verse comes before Jeremiah's prophecy about the destruction of the entire Northland region – including the cities of Moab and Judah – which is a major part of the story of Israel’s history. It’s a significant warning about the dangers of rejecting God's will. Overall Meaning: This verse emphasizes that obedience to God is essential for avoiding punishment and finding salvation. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context? Compare it to other passages in the Bible about judgment or repentance?