Isaiah 16: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 16 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Moab sends lambs for the ruler of the land from Selah to the wilderness, hoping for refuge (vv. 1-2). The daughters of Moab will be scattered like wandering birds at the fords of the Arnon.

Key verse

“A throne will be established in loving kindness. One will sit on it in truth, in the tent of David, judging, seeking justice, and swift to do righteousness.”
Isaiah 16:5 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 16:1–2 Moab's Appeal for Refuge
Isaiah 16:3–4 Call for Justice and Protection
Isaiah 16:5–6 Judgment Against Moab's Pride
Isaiah 16:7–10 Lament for Moab's Desolation
Isaiah 16:11–12 Heartfelt Lament for Moab
Isaiah 16:13–14 The Certainty of Moab's Judgment

Discussion questions

In v2, how are the daughters of Moab described as they are at the fords of the Arnon?
What does v6 indicate about the attitude of Moab towards their own pride?
In v12, why does it say Moab will not prevail when he comes to pray?
What does the phrase 'the glory of Moab shall be brought into contempt' in v14 suggest about their future?
When have you felt like an 'outcast' in your own community, as described in v4?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 16: Jeremiah 48, Isaiah 15, Isaiah 9.

Before next time: read Isaiah 17.