verbum, ideo satis est sensum tenere; captae ergo sunt urbes, hoc est, unaquaeque
JOHN CALVIN is it that Moab has been so broken, that all had turned their backs, that Moab had become ashamed? He indirectly intimates, that though no one could then know God's judgment, which he now foretells, yet God would by the event prove that he had said nothing but in earnest. This wonder then was expressed for this purpose, that the Jews might know, that though the calamity of Moab would fill all with astonishment, and make them cry out as respecting an extraordinary thing, ``What can this mean?'' yet the fulfillment of his prophecy would be certain.
This is the meaning of the words when he says, Howling, they will cry out, How has Moab been broken? and how has he turned his neck, or as they say, his back?
Moab is ashamed; and then, he is made a derision, which we have observed before.
He adds, a terror, though some read, ``a bruising;'' but more suitable is fear or terror.
For the Prophet means, that Moab would be to others a derision, and that he would be to others a dread, being an example of God's awful judgment. 382 And he says that he would be a terror to all around, that is, to the whole surrounding country, as well as a laughter and a derision. It follows, ---
Jeremiah 48:40
40. For thus saith the LORD, Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.
40. Quia sic dicit Jehova, Ecce tanquam aquila volabit, et expandet alas suas super Moab.
Here again he introduces God's name, for it was necessary to confirm an incredible prophecy by his authority. ``God is he,'' he says, ``who declares that enemies will come, who will fly through all the land of Moab.'' He now compares the Chaldeans to eagles; and there is here a name understood which is not expressed. Fly will he like an eagle, that is, the king of Babylon with his army.
The sum of what is said then is, that however widely extended might be the country of Moab, yet there would be no corner into which the Chaldeans would not penetrate, because they would nearly equal the eagles in swiftness. Hence he adds, They will extend their wings, not to cherish, as eagles spread their wings over their young ones; but by extension he means, that they would seize on all the land of Moab; so that hiding places would be sought in vain, because the Chaldeans would from one part to another take possession of every place, however remote the Moabites might think it to be, and however they might hope its distance would render it safe. He afterwards adds, ---
Jeremiah 48:41
41. Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.
41. Captae sunt urbes (est hic etiam mutatio numeri, sed dura esset translatio ad verbum, ideo satis est sensum tenere; captae ergo sunt urbes, hoc est, unaquaeque urbs capta est, deinde,) arces (vel, propugnacula) comprehensa sunt (est iterum mutatio numeri,) et fuit cor virorum Moab in die illa tanquam cor mulieris quae angitur
(vel, premitur anxietate.)
382The literal rendering is as follows, — How broken! they howled; How has Moab turned the back ashamed! Thus Moab has become a derision And a terror to all around him. The past tense is used for the future. — Ed.