ISAIAH 16 JUDGEMENT AGAINST MOAB

                                                                          Isaiah 16

Judgement against Moab

 

Isa 16:1  Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion. 

The prophet advises the Moabites to send tribute — in the form of well-fed rams — from their rocky, mountainous region of Sela (modern-day Petra) through the wilderness to the ruler of Judah at Jerusalem. In ancient times, Moab was subject to Judah and paid tribute, a practice that had long ceased. Now, under the threat of invading enemies, they are urged to seek protection by restoring this tribute.

Isa 16:2  For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon. 

The people of Moab would soon be driven from their homes by invading forces, likened here to a bird forced from its nest. Their women — representing the most vulnerable — would flee to the shallow crossings of the Arnon River, which marked the northern border of Moab, hoping to escape the impending devastation.

Isa 16:3  Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth. 

The prophet exhorts Moab to show kindness and justice, offering refuge to Jewish fugitives. In the scorching noonday heat of the East, shade is a great comfort, and the Moabites are called to offer protection as complete and sheltering as the darkness of night, concealing the refugees and refusing to betray those who have sought asylum. The implication is that, by showing mercy, Moab might itself find mercy in its time of trial.

Isa 16:4  Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land. 

Here, the Lord addresses Moab directly, asking them to shelter His outcasts — Jewish fugitives driven from their land by enemies. Though their exile was part of God’s judgment, He still claims them as His own and demands they be protected. Moab is assured that the invasion and oppression of Judah as well as their invaders and oppressors will not endure long as the day of their destruction is appointed.

Isa 16:5  And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. 

A hopeful promise is introduced. The throne of David — representing Judah’s kingship — would be established in mercy and truth, and its ruler would be just and eager to do what is right. He would be merciful and return their kindness to them in the time of need. This was both a reassurance for Moab, should they show kindness, and a warning, should they refuse. The justice-loving king would swiftly act to reward or punish according to their deeds. Thus by the promise of protection and favour and the dread of punishment, the prophet endeavours to persuade Moab now to secure their favour by granting protection to their exiles.

Isa 16:6  We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so. 

Moab’s long-standing reputation for pride, arrogance, and hostility was well known. Their boastful claims of strength and security would prove false when judgment came. Their wrath and defiance would avail nothing against God’s decree.

Isa 16:7  Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken. 

In that day, one part of Moab would mourn for the destruction of the other. All would lament the downfall of Kirhareseth (or Kir of Moab), a fortified city with renowned brickwork, now brought to ruin by invading armies.

Isa 16:8  For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even unto Jazer, they wandered through the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea. 

The fertile fields of Heshbon and the renowned vineyards of Sibmah, famous for their rich produce, would be laid waste. The conquerors would trample down these principal vineyards, whose branches once spread far, even reaching Jazer — a city near Gilead — and beyond, symbolically extending over the wilderness and as far as the ‘sea’, possibly referring to the Sea of Jazer, a large pool or lake nearby.                                            (Heshbon and Sibmah were just about 500 paces apart while Jazer was 15 miles away from them.)

Isa 16:9  Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen. 

So profound was the coming devastation that even the prophet’s heart is moved to grief. He would weep along with Jazer, mourning for Sibmah’s lost vineyards, and shed tears over Heshbon and Elealeh. The joyous cries of harvest would be replaced by the shouts of the invading and plundering soldiers, leaving no fruits to gather.

Isa 16:10  And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease. 

Gladness and joy on account of their abundance would vanish from the land. The customary singing during harvest and the jubilant cries of the grape treaders would cease. God Himself would silence the sounds of vintage celebrations, leaving the land barren and its people sorrowful.

Isa 16:11  Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh. 

The prophet again expresses his heartfelt anguish for Moab. His inward parts — considered in ancient thought the seat of emotion — would resonate with sorrow, like the trembling strings of a harp. His compassion was especially stirred for Kirharesh (another name for Kirhareseth).

Isa 16:12  And it shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, that he shall come to his sanctuary to pray; but he shall not prevail. 

Weary, exhausted, and worn down with calamities, the Moabites would turn to their high places and idolatrous temples in desperation. Some would go even up to the temple of their god Chemosh on Mount Nebo, seeking deliverance. Yet, their prayers would go unanswered. Their gods would prove powerless before the judgment of the true God.

Isa 16:13  This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning Moab since that time. 

This verse refers to earlier prophecies against Moab, delivered by Isaiah early in his ministry, almost 65 years back. Now, after decades of patient warning, the time for fulfilment had come.

Isa 16:14  But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.

At last, a definitive time is set: within three years — as precise as the contracted term of a hired worker — Moab’s pride and power would collapse. Its multitudes would be reduced to a weak and pitiful remnant, scorned by others.

  

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