In the light of the Lord’s oracle against Moab, all that is left is to grieve for that nation. All that can be said about Moab is, How the mighty scepter is broken, the glorious staff.
This is a reference to the days when Moab posed a threat to its neighbours, especially Judah (refer to 2 Kings 1:1; 2 Kings 3:4–5; 2 Kings 24:2).1 Those days are ended when the Lord sends Nebuchadnezzar against Moab.
17 Grieve for him, all you who are around him, and all who know his name; say, ‘How the mighty scepter is broken, the glorious staff.’