Chapters 47-48 are messages from the LORD to two other nations, the Philistines in Gaza and the Moabites in Moab. They are also messages to the remnant on the run who were looking to be dependant on other nations, even their enemies. Instead of looking to and trusting God, they would rather look to their enemies.
The LORD said that Gaza would be plundered (by the "waters...out of the north," which is the Chaldeans). But it is really the LORD who "shall plunder the Philistines."
O you sword of the LORD, how long until you are quiet? Put yourself up into your scabbard, rest and be still! How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD has given it a charge...? There He has appointed it.
Against Moab: she is to be cut off as a nation...destroyed...."because [they] have trust in [their] works and...treasures."
For her cities shall be desolate, without any to dwell in them. Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD deceitfully.
However, the LORD will bring back a remnant (captives) from Moab "in the latter days."
COMMENTARY
The people who lived in Gaza were called the Philistines, and they were conquered by the Chaldeans; therefore, the remnant of Judah could not look to them to save them. And they could not look to Moab, which is where Jordan is today, because Moab was going to be conquered also.
According to the Bible, the Moabites are related by blood to Abraham. They came through Lot's sons, who were conceived through incest with his daughters. Bottom line, they did not trust in the LORD, and this was their judgment time.
HOWEVER, in the Millennium period, the LORD will keep His promise and bring back a remnant from the Moabites.
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