Jeremiah 48:36
Therefore mine heart shall sound for Moab like pipes, and mine heart shall sound like pipes for the men of Kirheres: because the riches that he hath gotten are perished.
Jeremiah 48:36 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah expresses sorrow for the destruction of Moab, a neighboring nation of Israel. The imagery of playing pipes symbolizes mourning and expressing grief over the loss of riches and prosperity that Moab once enjoyed. The mention of Kirheres, another name for Kir-hareseth, reinforces the prophet's sadness for the people of Moab as a whole. The prophet's heart is deeply moved by the downfall of Moab and he empathizes with their suffering, lamenting the loss of their wealth and resources. Through this verse, we see the prophet acknowledging the consequences of Moab's actions and showing compassion towards their plight. This verse serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of material possessions and the importance of empathy and solidarity in times of hardship.
Theological Overview
The verse from the book of Jeremiah presents a vivid image of mourning and sorrow. In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah laments over the destruction of Moab, expressing his deep sorrow by comparing the beating of his heart to the sound of pipes playing a mournful tune. The use of the imagery of pipes signifies the depth of Jeremiah's grief and the heaviness of his heart over the devastation of Moab and its people. The mention of Kirheres, another region facing destruction, further emphasizes the widespread impact of loss and the futility of worldly riches. Through this verse, Jeremiah conveys a message of the transient nature of material wealth and the importance of recognizing the true value of spiritual riches. It serves as a reminder to prioritize eternal treasures over temporary possessions, as only the riches obtained through faith and righteousness endure beyond earthly perils.
Jeremiah 48:36 in other translations
American Standard Version
Therefore my heart soundeth for Moab like pipes, and my heart soundeth like pipes for the men of Kir-heres: therefore the abundance that he hath gotten is perished.
World English Bible
Therefore my heart sounds for Moab like pipes, and my heart sounds like pipes for the men of Kir Heres: therefore the abundance that he has gotten is perished.
Douay-Rheims
Therefore my heart shall sound for Moab like pipes and my heart shall sound like pipes for the men of the brick wall: because he hath done more than he could, therefore they have perished.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore mine heart shall sounde for Moab like a shaume, and mine heart shall sound like a shaume for the men of Ker-heres, because the riches that he hath gotten, is perished.