One robber snatches a golden chain from a woman. His partner was driving the motorcycle. They tried to escape, as people tried to chase them, by going on the highway. After a few miles, they stopped, feeling safe, and had a drink to celebrate. Suddenly, one cobra fell on one of them and bit him; the snatcher died on the spot. An eagle that was carrying the cobra overhead, the venomous snake wriggled and fell on this man. They escaped one terror but fell to another snare. God’s punishment could come on sinners suddenly and surely.
Prophets
In the prophetic books, God pronounces judgment not only on His chosen people Israel, but also on surrounding nations. Jeremiah pronounces judgment on Moab.
History of Moab
Moab was Israel’s neighbor to the East. They were descendants of the Incestuous relationship of Lot with his daughter. (Genesis 19:37) Balak king of Moab hired Balaam to curse Israel. (Numbers 22:5-8) After Israel came to the Promised Land, Moab ruled over them. (Judges 3:12-14) However, God in His mercy chose Ruth a Moabite to be the great-grandmother of King David, thus an ancestor of the Messiah.
Judgment on Moab
God warned Moab through several prophets including Isaiah, Amos, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. (Isaiah 15-16; Amos 2:1-3); Zephaniah 2:9; Ezekiel 25:8-11)
Thorough judgment
God’s judgment will be thorough, and none can escape from it. He may escape from one but will fall into the other. “Terror, pit, and snare are before you, O inhabitant of Moab! declares the LORD. He who flees from the terror shall fall into the pit, and he who climbs out of the pit shall be caught in the snare. For I will bring these things upon Moab, the year of their punishment, declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 48:43-44)
Warning
“He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” (Proverbs 29:1) God is gracious to warn, rebuke, and reprove, if people do not heed, judgment will surely come. God’s Words of punishment or not empty threats, but true and sure.
Do I heed to the reproof of the Bible?