The verse begins with For, which shows that it is because the people of Moab trusted in their own efforts and their wealth that they would now be conquered. Translators can say, for example, “Moab, you put your faith in your efforts and your wealth. That is why you, too, will be conquered [or, why an enemy will conquer you].”

The quote of the Moabites calling to each other to flee ended in verse 6. To show that the direct message to Moab continues, Good News Translation has the name “Moab” at the beginning of the verse, which may be helpful for other languages as well.

You trusted in your strongholds and your treasures: Strongholds translates the Septuagint; the standard Hebrew text has “works,” which Good News Translation takes with the meaning of “strength.” Hebrew Old Testament Text Project understands “works” in the general sense of “endeavors,” including the diplomatic initiatives and preparations for defense; your treasures would be the medium through which the diplomatic attempts and the defense preparations were financed. Translators can say simply “You trusted in your own endeavors and your wealth [or, your ability to pay].”

Taken; that is, “defeated.” See 38.28.

Chemosh shall go … his princes: Chemosh was the Moabite god. The Moabites were called “people of Chemosh” (48.46; Num 21.29). For readers who may not be familiar with Moabite culture, Good News Translation translates “your god Chemosh.” For exile see “captivity” in 1.3. Here his priests and his princes are clearly the people who help in the service of the god Chemosh. For priests see 1.1; for princes see 1.18. The last part of the verse may need to be rendered by an active construction; for example, “The enemy will carry away as a captive your god Chemosh, as well as the priests and others who serve him.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Jeremiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2003. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .