Isaiah 15
Isaiah 15 is a prophecy concerning Moab. The chapter foretells the destruction of Moab, a nation located east of Israel, often in conflict with Israel. Isaiah describes the grief and lamentation that will befall Moab as their cities and people face devastation. This chapter portrays the sorrow of a proud nation brought low, emphasizing the futility of their idols and their inability to prevent their downfall. The prophecy serves as a reminder of God's judgment against nations that do not follow His ways.
Isaiah 15:1 (NKJV)
1 The burden against Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste and destroyed, because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste and destroyed.
The prophecy begins by describing the sudden and complete destruction of two important Moabite cities, Ar and Kir. Their destruction comes at night, highlighting the unexpected and swift nature of the judgment. This imagery sets the tone for the devastation to come upon the entire nation of Moab, which was historically a neighboring enemy of Israel.
Isaiah 15:2 (NKJV)
2 He has gone up to the temple and Dibon, to the high places to weep. Moab will wail over Nebo and over Medeba; on all their heads will be baldness, and every beard cut off.
The people of Moab, in their distress, go to their temples and high places to mourn, seeking help from their gods. Nebo and Medeba, important Moabite locations, are mentioned as places of lament. The signs of mourning, such as baldness and the cutting of beards, reflect the deep sorrow and humiliation of the people as they face destruction.
Isaiah 15:3 (NKJV)
3 In their streets they will clothe themselves with sackcloth; on the tops of their houses and in their streets everyone will wail, weeping bitterly.
Everywhere in Moab, from the streets to the rooftops, there is mourning. The people wear sackcloth, a traditional sign of mourning and repentance, but their weeping shows the hopelessness of their situation. This bitter weeping highlights the depth of the tragedy as they face God's judgment.
Isaiah 15:4 (NKJV)
4 Heshbon and Elealeh will cry out, their voice shall be heard as far as Jahaz; therefore the armed soldiers of Moab will cry out; his life will be burdensome to him.
The cities of Heshbon and Elealeh, both significant Moabite towns, will also cry out in despair, with their cries heard far away in Jahaz. Even the soldiers of Moab, typically strong and courageous, will break down in fear and sorrow. Their strength will fail them as they realize the hopelessness of their situation.
Isaiah 15:5 (NKJV)
5 “My heart will cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee to Zoar, like a three-year-old heifer. For by the Ascent of Luhith they will go up with weeping; for in the way of Horonaim they will raise up a cry of destruction."
Isaiah expresses personal sorrow for Moab's plight, showing God's compassion even in judgment. Moab's survivors will flee to Zoar, a small city, like a young heifer running from danger. Their journey, especially up the steep Ascent of Luhith, will be marked by weeping, while in the valley of Horonaim, their cries of destruction will echo.
Isaiah 15:6-9 (NKJV)
6 For the waters of Nimrim will be desolate, for the green grass has withered away; the grass fails, there is nothing green.
7 Therefore the abundance they have gained, and what they have laid up, they will carry away to the Brook of the Willows.
8 For the cry has gone all around the borders of Moab, its wailing to Eglaim and its wailing to Beer Elim.
9 For the waters of Dimon will be full of blood; because I will bring more upon Dimon, lions upon him who escapes from Moab, and on the remnant of the land.
These verses describe the complete devastation of Moab's resources. The once fertile land of Nimrim will become barren, symbolizing the destruction of their livelihood. The people, in desperation, will attempt to save their possessions by fleeing to the Brook of the Willows, but even that will not save them. The wailing and cries of the people will spread across Moab's borders, from Eglaim to Beer Elim. Finally, Dimon, another Moabite city, will see bloodshed, and even the remnant that escapes will face further danger, represented by lions. Moab's judgment will be total and unavoidable.