Nebo and Kiriathaim were two important cities in the north of Moab. It would seem, as always in Jeremiah, that the invading enemy came from the north. These two cities therefore represented the first line of defense and once they had fallen the rest of the land was exposed.1 Defeat was inevitable and the oracle begins with a lament (Woe
) for Moab that turns into a taunt; the fortress is put to shame and broken down, the renown of Moab is no more.
Moab’s sense of security was shattered.
2 the renown of Moab is no more. In Heshbon they planned disaster against her: ‘Come, let us cut her off from being a nation!’ You also, O Madmen, shall be brought to silence; the sword shall pursue you.