John Gill Commentary Jeremiah 48:34

John Gill Commentary

Jeremiah 48:34

1697–1771
Reformed Baptist
John Gill
John Gill

John Gill Commentary

Jeremiah 48:34

1697–1771
Reformed Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"From the cry of Heshbon even unto Elealeh, even unto Jahaz have they uttered their voice, from Zoar even unto Horonaim, to Eglath-shelishiyah: for the waters of Nimrim also shall become desolate." — Jeremiah 48:34 (ASV)

From the cry of Heshbon [even] unto Elealeh
Two cities in the land of Moab; of which see (Isaiah 15:4) (16:9) . Heshbon being destroyed, a cry was made by the inhabitants of it, which either reached from thence to Elealeh; or the destruction being carried on to that city, the cry was continued there: [and even] unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice ;
another city of Moab; see (Isaiah 15:4) ; which also was laid waste, and where the Moabites uttered their voice of lamentation on account of it:

from Zoar [even] unto Horonaim, [as] an heifer of three years old :
that is, as the destruction should go on to Zoar, and so to Horonaim; of which places see (Isaiah 15:5) ; so the cry of the distressed, and of those that flee, should also go from place to place; and be as loud, and as strong, and heard as far, as the lowing of a heifer of three years old. Naturalists F12 observe, that the voice in all female creatures is smaller and shriller, excepting the ox; for the voices of the females of that creature is stronger than in the males; and also that the taming of these creatures is when they are three years old, that is the proper time; before it is too soon, and afterwards too late F13 ; and then it is their voice is fuller, and their strength firmer, to which the allusion here is; (See Gill on Isaiah 15:5);

for the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate ;
being disturbed by the Chaldean army, their horses treading them with their feet, and so fouling them; or being mixed with the blood of the slain, and so unfit to drink. A sad case this, to have neither wine nor water; (See Gill on Isaiah 15:6); to which may be added, that Jerom also makes mention of a village in his time called Benamerium, to the north of Zoar; and seems rather the place intended.


FOOTNOTES:

  • F12: Aristotel. Hist. Animal. l. 4. c. 11. Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 11. c. 51.
  • F13: Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 8. c. 45.