Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 48:16

"The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast." — Jeremiah 48:16 (ASV)

Near to come - Twenty-three years elapsed between the fourth year of Jehoiakim, when this prophecy was spoken, and its accomplishment by the invasion of Moab five years after the capture of Jerusalem. So slowly does God’s justice move onward.