Jeremiah 48:11

Moab hath bene at ease from his youth, and hee hath setled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessell to vessell, neither hath he gone into captiuitie: therefore his taste remained in him, and his sent is not changed. Jeremiah 48:11 (KJV)

Jeremiah 48:11 is part of a prophecy against the nation of Moab, which was a neighbouring nation to ancient Israel. In this verse, Jeremiah is describing the condition and character of Moab.

Moab’s ease and complacency: The verse begins by stating that Moab had been at ease from its youth, suggesting a long period of peace and prosperity. Moab had become comfortable and complacent, without facing significant challenges or disturbances.

Settled on his lees: The phrase “settled on his lees” refers to Moab’s indulgence in luxury and excess. In ancient winemaking, wine left undisturbed allows the impurities, or lees, to settle at the bottom. Jeremiah uses this analogy to depict Moab’s self‑satisfaction and self‑indulgence, like wine that sits undisturbed on its lees.

Not emptied from vessel to vessel: The verse says Moab had not been emptied from vessel to vessel. In winemaking this process separates wine from sediment, refining its quality. Metaphorically, it means Moab had not experienced trials, testing, or purification that could have refined and strengthened the nation.

Not gone into captivity: The verse continues that Moab had not gone into captivity, implying that Moab had not been conquered or subjugated by a foreign power at the time of Jeremiah’s prophecy. Unlike Israel, which had experienced exile, Moab had not yet faced such a humbling experience.

Unchanged taste and scent: Because of Moab’s ease and lack of challenging experiences, its taste and scent remained the same. This metaphor suggests that Moab had not undergone transformation or growth; its character, behaviour, and way of life had not been refined or purified. Consequently, Moab retained the same negative qualities, and its sinful actions and attitudes had not changed.