Old Testament · Prophecy

Isaiah 16

Moab's Pride

Moab is proud, exceedingly proud. The vineyards are devastated, the shouting has stopped. Pride precedes every fall.

King James Version BSB KJV

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

2For 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.

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

4Let 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.

5And 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.

6We 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.

7Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kir-hareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken.

8For 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.

9Therefore 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.

10And 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.

11Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kir-haresh.

12And 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.

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

14But 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.

Understand This

Isaiah 16, explained

What Isaiah 16 is saying

Moab's refugees seek shelter in Judah, appealing for protection. The oracle calls for a just Davidic ruler to provide refuge, but Moab's pride prevents true repentance. Isaiah announces that within three years Moab's glory will be brought to nothing, and the remnant will be very small.

The background behind it

The appeal for asylum reflects ancient diplomatic conventions. The reference to a Davidic throne ruling with justice and faithfulness connects this foreign oracle to the messianic hope of chapters 9 and 11.

Themes running underneath

Pride blocks the door to mercy. Moab could find refuge under a just ruler, but its national pride stands in the way of the humility required to accept help.

Why it still matters

Help is often available, but pride refuses to ask for it. The barrier between you and rescue is sometimes just your unwillingness to admit you need it.

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Scripture text: King James Version — public domain.