O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock,... Jeremiah‬ ‭48:28‬

This was the counsel given to people living in Moab, by the Lord of hosts. He is asking the people to escape Moab as soon as possible because a great judgement from heaven was awaiting that city. A similar type of warning was also given to Lot and his family, before God overthrew the city of Sodom and Gomorrah. The wickedness of the place had reached before God’s Presence, which led Him to destroy it.

Who is Moab?

The Nation of Moab are the seed/descendants of Lot, born to him by His two daughters - Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. Genesis‬ ‭19:36‬. The firstborn daughter of Lot gave birth to a son and called him Moab and the second daughter also gave birth to s son and called him Ammon. Genesis 19:37,38.

God was angry as well as very displeased with them — it became a cursed nation, a generation born of iniquity. Therefore God said, An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the Lord for ever: Deuteronomy‬ ‭23:3‬

Whom does Moab apply to, in the current context?

In the present context, Moab refers to people knowingly living in wickedness and iniquity/sin, with no hold over their lives. To such, even the prophet warns of fleeing away from the city. They are asked to run away from the city of Moab and find refuge in the Rock.

Moab was known for these things:

• Moab has been at ease since his youth

• He has also been undisturbed, like wine on its dregs,
• And he has not been emptied from vessel to vessel,
• Nor has he gone into exile
• Therefore he retains his flavor, And his aroma has not changed. Jeremiah‬ ‭48:11‬

• We have heard of the pride of Moab—he is very proud— Of his haughtiness, his pride, his arrogance and his self-exaltation. Jeremiah‬ ‭48:29‬

There was no change in Moab’s lifestyle whatsoever. He lived a life of comfort and luxury knowing he needed God to rescue him out. Jacob on the other hand, even though subtly, changed into his brother’s clothing in order to be blessed by his dad. This means a change (for good) in our spirit, soul and body is very essential to be saved from the destruction coming against the world.

Why dwell in the Rock?

That’s because the Rock is the surest and safest hiding place from danger. Jesus is the Rock on which the New Testament Church is built upon. The house built upon the Rock can stand firm during storms and tempest. He is the Rock that walked with the Israelites during their journey. The Rock that followed them was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:4. When Jesus walks with us, there is nothing to fear. May God help us.

Be blessed 💕