9 Give wings unto Moab, that it may flee and get away: for the cities thereof shall be desolate, without any to dwell therein.

Other Translations of Jeremiah 48:9

New International Version

9 Put salt on Moab, for she will be laid wasteOr "Give wings to Moab," / "for she will fly away" ; her towns will become desolate, with no one to live in them.

English Standard Version

9 "Give wings to Moab, for she would fly away; her cities shall become a desolation, with no inhabitant in them.

The Message

9 Cover the land of Moab with salt. Make sure nothing ever grows here again. Her towns will all be ghost towns. Nobody will ever live here again.

New King James Version

9 "Give wings to Moab, That she may flee and get away; For her cities shall be desolate, Without any to dwell in them.

New Living Translation

9 Oh, that Moab had wings so she could fly away, for her towns will be left empty, with no one living in them.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Jeremiah 48:9

Commentary on Jeremiah 48:1-13

(Read Jeremiah 48:1-13)

The Chaldeans are to destroy the Moabites. We should be thankful that we are required to seek the salvation of men's lives, and the salvation of their souls, not to shed their blood; but we shall be the more without excuse if we do this pleasant work deceitfully. The cities shall be laid in ruins, and the country shall be wasted. There will be great sorrow. There will be great hurry. If any could give wings to sinners, still they could not fly out of the reach of Divine indignation. There are many who persist in unrepented iniquity, yet long enjoy outward prosperity. They had been long corrupt and unreformed, secure and sensual in prosperity. They have no changes of their peace and prosperity, therefore their hearts and lives are unchanged, Psalm 55:19.