Isaiah 15
9 verses
Isaiah's prophecy against Moab employs vivid and sympathetic language to describe the devastation and mourning that will engulf the nation, marked by specific place names and images of flight and despair. The oracle depicts messengers hurrying to Zoar, carrying news of the destruction of cities like Ar and Kir, emphasizing that the judgment is comprehensive and affects both the military and the civilian population. The metaphors of weeping and lamentation—the grief over destroyed vineyards and harvests—indicate that the judgment touches the foundations of national existence and prosperity. Isaiah uses the image of the people of Moab crying out with their souls and lifting their voices in lamentation, emphasizing the depth of spiritual and emotional devastation that comes with divine judgment. The references to refugees fleeing toward the borders and carrying away their belongings convey the urgency and totality of the upheaval. Though the oracle is brief compared to prophecies against other nations, the intensely human and empathetic tone—even while announcing judgment—demonstrates Isaiah's compassion for all peoples and his recognition that judgment, while necessary, brings profound suffering. The prophecy establishes that no nation escapes the scrutiny of God's justice, and that pride and opposition to God's purposes invite judgment. The oracle against Moab, like others in this collection, assures Israel that even nations considered secure and prosperous are subject to divine judgment, reinforcing the conviction that only trust in God provides ultimate security.
VERSES IN THIS CHAPTER
1
The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence;
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2
He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.
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3
In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.
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4
And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh: their voice shall be heard even unto Jahaz: therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his life shall be grievous unto him.
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5
My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.
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6
For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing.
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7
Therefore the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have laid up, shall they carry away to the brook of the willows.
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8
For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab; the howling thereof unto Eglaim, and the howling thereof unto Beer–elim.
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9
For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood: for I will bring more upon Dimon, lions upon him that escapeth of Moab, and upon the remnant of the land.
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