Moab was situated on the highlands east of the Dead Sea (now part of Jordan). Its elevated and sheltered position kept it safe from many of the main invasion routes. It possessed fertile farmland and abundant vineyards. Owing to this geographical location, Moab was extremely prosperous and felt invulnerable. Moab’s fundamental sin is revealed in this passage: an excessive sense of security regarding the stability, wealth and power they possessed. 

Thus Jeremiah describes the condition of Moab: “Moab has lived in peace since his youth; he has lived at ease like wine left on its dregs. It has not been poured from one earthenware jar to another, nor has it ever been sent into exile; therefore its taste remains with it, and its aroma has not changed (Jeremiah 48:11). ” In ancient times, to ensure that wine was clear and developed character, it had to be repeatedly decanted from one clay jar to another. This process of decanting separates the pure liquid from the bitter sediment at the bottom. If the wine is left to stand too long with its sediment, it becomes thick, its aroma stagnant, and its flavour spoiled. Moab is like wine that has never been decanted. When they never experienced crises or hardships, arrogance set in; they relied on their own strength and forgot the Lord. Consequently, the Lord ultimately chose to discipline them. 

What about us? Often, God allows crises to come into our lives. When this happens, we usually find it all too easy to blame everything and grumble. But let us learn to see and believe that, in the end, God will bring about good—even from the very crises we face. Trust that God always loves us. That love is expressed both through His gentle embrace and His teachings, which are full of firmness.