Jeremiah 49:1-3

The Voice

49 Now concerning the Ammonites. This is what the Eternal has to say:

Long is the history between Ammon and Israel, and many are the conflicts between them. In Jeremiah’s day, Ammonite raiders have taken land originally meant for Israel, specifically the tribe of Gad. Along with other nations, the Ammonites have conspired against Babylon. After the fall of Jerusalem, the king of Ammon hires the assassin, Ishmael, to kill Gedaliah at a pivotal moment in the relationship between Judah and Babylon. Time and again, this proud nation defies the God of Israel and His people. They put their trust in their god, Malcam, and they find security in the mountainous region where they live.

Eternal One: Does Israel have no sons?
        Is there no one to inherit the land I gave her?
    Is that why Ammon’s god, Malcam, has taken the land of Gad?
        Why would his people be living in her cities?
²    I, the Eternal, tell you the days are coming
        when you will hear the shout of war raised against Rabbah, Ammon’s capital.
    On that day it will be reduced to a pile of ruins,
        and the villages surrounding the city will be burned.
    Then Israel will take back what was taken from her.
³    Weep, O Heshbon, for the town of Ai is destroyed!
        Cry out, O citizens of Rabbah!
    Put on sackcloth and mourn your losses.
        Run back and forth inside your city walls
    Because your so-called god, Malcam, will be carried into exile
        along with his priests and officials.