Jeremiah 49:1-6·~1 min

Judgment on the Ammonites

The LORD asks why Milcom possesses Gad as though Israel has no sons to inherit it, then announces days when war cries will rise against Rabbah and its towns will burn. Heshbon and the daughters of Rabbah are summoned to wail and run in sackcloth because Milcom, his priests, and his officials are going into exile. Ammon's boast in its valleys and trusting in treasures will not save it, because terror will come from all around. Nevertheless, after the judgment, the LORD promises to restore the fortunes of the Ammonites.

C¹oncerning the Ammonites, this is what the LORD says: ²Therefore, behold, the days are coming, ³Wail, O Heshbon, for Ai has been destroyed; ⁴Why do you boast of your valleys— ⁵Behold, I am about to bring terror upon you, ⁶Yet afterward I will restore the Ammonites from captivity, ”

Section summaryThe LORD questions Ammon's occupation of Gad as though Israel had no heir, then announces that Rabbah's proud possession will be reversed in war and exile. The daughters of Rabbah are called to mourn, and Ammon's confidence in fertile valleys and stored wealth is exposed as empty when terror comes from every side. Yet the oracle closes with a future promise that the LORD will afterward restore the Ammonites from captivity.

Role in the chapterThis opening section judges Ammon's opportunism and pride while introducing the chapter's pattern of judgment that still leaves room for later restoration.