Jeremiah 48:38

 Jeremiah 48:38 says, There shall be lamentation generally upon all the housetops of Moab, and in the streets thereof: for I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure, saith the LORD.  The destruction was to be throughout the land of Moab as well,  where they had rejoiced they would now mourn.  Verse thirty-nine says, They shall howl, saying, How is it broken down! how hath Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab be a derision and a dismaying to all them about him.  God said that the people of other nations would laugh at the people of Moab, asking how they could have fallen so greatly.  We as followers of Christ should never laugh at the destruction of others, but when a nation or person who was once great falls, those who are not His followers often rejoice at their falling.  Verse forty states, For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.  God said the coming destruction would be as fast and powerful as an eagle.  Verse forty-one adds, Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men’s hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.  The Moabites had put their faith in false gods and delighted in standing against Egypt, but they were about to realize how wrong they were.  Their mighty men would be crying out like a woman in labor.  No matter how powerful a nation or a person may think they are today, when God's judgment comes, if they have not accepted salasvation through faith in Jesus Christ as individuals or lived by His guidance as a nation, they will suffer total defeat at His judgment.  Verse forty-two says, And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the LORD.  The reason for the destruction of Moab was stated very clearly.  It was because they magnified themselves against the LORD.  Many nations today stand in total opposition to God, and one day they will realize how wrong they were.  Verse forty-three adds, Fear, and the pit, and the snare, shall be upon thee, O inhabitant of Moab, saith the LORD.  God said that they would try to hide in the pit, but that they would not be successful.  There is nowhere that someone can escape from God's judgment.  Verse forty-four continues, He that fleeth from the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that getteth up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring upon it, even upon Moab, the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.  God said that His coming judgment of Moab was certain, just as His coming judgment of all people is certain.   Verse forty-five concludes,  They that fled stood under the shadow of Heshbon because of the force: but a fire shall come forth out of Heshbon, and a flame from the midst of Sihon, and shall devour the corner of Moab, and the crown of the head of the tumultuous ones.  God said that they would flee to their fortified cities seeking security, but that it would not be found.  Verse forty-six declares, Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives.  Verse forty-seven adds, Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far is the judgment of Moab.  God said that there was coming a day when the people of Moab,  like the people of Israel, would be restored.  Matthew Henry says this likely points to the way that Gentiles can find salvation through Christ just as the Jews can.  It is always about a relationship with God through Jesus Christ if we are to avoid everlasting punishment.