It is a fundamental truth that we often feel a sense of satisfaction when we see someone who has hurt us, or someone who is arrogant, finally come to a fall. Even the German language has its own term to describe the secret pleasure that arises when seeing others suffer. 

That is precisely what constituted the sin and transgression of Moab. When Judah, their neighbour and kinsman, faced downfall and crisis, the Moabites paid them no heed and even tended to take pleasure in the suffering of others. Our passage depicts the Moabites as standing by the roadside and laughing. Verse 27 aptly describes Moab’s inner state: “Was not Israel once a laughingstock to you?” Moab regarded Israel’s downfall as proof of their own greatness. Because of this arrogance and mockery, the Lord declares that Moab too will be destroyed; they will be like a drunkard who falls into his own vomit (v. 26). 

If we read this story only at the very beginning, we might quickly conclude that it is merely a tale of revenge. However, it appears that Jeremiah was pointing to something else in the prophecy he delivered. The prophet Jeremiah—speaking on behalf of the Lord—suddenly intones a lament. “Therefore I weep for Moab… my heart groans…” The contrast is truly striking. When Israel fell, Moab laughed. When Moab fell, the Lord ‘wept’. 

The Almighty God is a just judge; He cannot allow arrogance and sin to go unpunished. That God, full of justice, must act to expose wickedness in order to uphold justice. Yet, even in the discipline He administers, God’s heart remains torn. Even though humanity rebels so arrogantly, God grieves to see His creation perish. Indeed, in verse 47, the Lord still holds out a promise of restoration for Moab in the last days. 

Dear Bible friends, let us build relationships and fellowship that are truly born of sincere and selfless love. Perhaps all this time our mindset has been like that of the Moabites, who secretly rejoiced, judged, and mocked others who were down and out. May we possess the justice and compassion of the Lord in embracing and loving His people. Let us pray to the Lord that He may soften our hearts so that we may truly express love towards one another.