Jeremiah 48:5

For in the going up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up; for in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction.

Jeremiah 48:5 (KJV)

Context

Jeremiah 48:5 belongs to a prophetic oracle against Moab, a nation descended from Lot and located east of Israel. The chapter declares judgment on Moab because of its pride, arrogance, idolatry, and mistreatment of God’s people. The verse describes the anguish and devastation that will befall the cities of Luhith and Horonaim.

Meaning

The verse first states, “For in the going up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up;” then adds, “for in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction.” Luhith was a city on a slope, and the imagery of “going up” with “continual weeping” depicts refugees fleeing upward, weeping bitterly as they ascend. Horonaim, on the road down, hears the “cry of destruction” from enemies, indicating the sound of distress and ruin. The verse vividly portrays the sorrow and panic of the Moabites as they flee from impending judgment.

Biblical connections

The parallel passage in Isaiah 15:5 expresses similar compassion and describes fugitives fleeing to Zoar and Eglath-shelishiyah, with weeping at Luhith and a cry of destruction on the way to Horonaim, confirming the historical reality of this event. The context of Jeremiah 48 includes warnings against trusting in deeds and riches (Jeremiah 48:7), which leads to captivity, and the exile of Chemosh, Moab’s god, with its priests and officials, showing the futility of idolatry. The chapter also mentions that the destroyer will come against every town, and no town will escape, emphasizing the totality of judgment.

Application

Readers should listen first for the claim the verse actually makes, then consider the response the surrounding passage calls for—such as repentance, faith, endurance, hope, or worship—without claiming more than the text establishes. The verse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of pride and rebellion against God, and the certainty of His judgment, while also pointing to the hope of restoration for those who turn to Him.