Jeremiah — Chapter 48

For because thou hast trusted in thy works, and in thy treasures, thou also shalt be taken: and Chamos shall go into captivity, his priests and his princes together. The fall of the Moabite god Chamos: national gods fall with their nations. Lapide: all human 'gods' (wealth, power, political institutions) ultimately fail those who trust in them; only the true God endures.

Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. The notorious verse: 'Cursed be he who does the Lord's work with negligence.' Lapide's extensive treatment: this does not mean bloodlust in general, but refers to the specific commission given to Nabuchodonosor — half-heartedness in executing God's judgment (as Saul spared Agag) is a sin against the mission entrusted. Applied cautiously to just war and to zealous prosecution of just judgments.