Isaiah 15
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1The burden of Moab. For in a night, Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nothing. For in a night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nothing. 2They have gone up to Bayith, and to Dibon, to the high places, to weep. Moab wails over Nebo and over Medeba. Baldness is on all of their heads. Every beard is cut off. 3In their streets, they clothe themselves in sackcloth. In their streets and on their housetops, everyone wails, weeping abundantly. 4Heshbon cries out with Elealeh. Their voice is heard even to Jahaz. Therefore the armed men of Moab cry aloud. Their souls tremble within them. 5My heart cries out for Moab! Her nobles flee to Zoar, to Eglath Shelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of Luhith with weeping; for on the way to Horonaim, they raise up a cry of destruction. 6For the waters of Nimrim will be desolate; for the grass has withered away, the tender grass fails, there is no green thing. 7Therefore they will carry away the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have stored up, over the brook of the willows. 8For the cry has gone around the borders of Moab; its wailing to Eglaim, and its wailing to Beer Elim. 9For the waters of Dimon are full of blood; for I will bring yet more on Dimon, a lion on those of Moab who escape, and on the remnant of the land.
World English Bible (public domain)
“For the waters of Dibon are full of blood; for I will bring upon Dibon even more, a lion for those of Moab who escape, for the remnant of the land.”
Isaiah 15:9
Summary
Isaiah 15 conveys a prophecy of imminent destruction and lament for the nation of Moab. The chapter begins with an oracle concerning Moab, depicting a scene of widespread devastation and mourning in the cities of Ar and Kir. The emotional tone is filled with grief as the oracle describes crying and wailing across the land. The people of Moab are seen weeping at sacred high places, reflecting both a religious and existential crisis. The text describes the swift ruin of Moab’s cities including Dibon, Nebo, and Medeba, leading to pervasive despair and anguish among its inhabitants. Rivers filled with blood and individuals fleeing to safety highlight the severe distress faced by the Moabites. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the forewarned disaster, as well as the helplessness and vulnerability experienced by the people. Theologically, the chapter illustrates the sovereignty of God over nations beyond Israel. It serves as a reminder of divine judgment against pride and wickedness, and the devastating consequences for those who turn away from God. While directed at Moab, it functions as a broader warning of God’s righteous justice. Isaiah 15 also invites reflection on human fragility and the shared humanity in times of crisis. The universal themes of compassion and empathy resonate strongly, as readers are prompted to consider one's response to the suffering of others.
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