Isaiah 16:8
For 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.
For the fields {H7709} of Heshbon {H2809} languish {H535}, and the vine {H1612} of Sibmah {H7643}: the lords {H1167} of the heathen {H1471} have broken down {H1986} the principal plants {H8291} thereof, they are come {H5060} even unto Jazer {H3270}, they wandered {H8582} through the wilderness {H4057}: her branches {H7976} are stretched out {H5203}, they are gone over {H5674} the sea {H3220}.
For the grainfields of Heshbon are withering, also the vineyards of Sibmah, whose red grapes overpowered rulers of nations - once they reached as far as Ya'zer and trailed out into the desert; their spreading branches even crossed the sea.
For the fields of Heshbon have withered, along with the grapevines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations have trampled its choicest vines, which had reached as far as Jazer and spread toward the desert. Their shoots had spread out and passed over the sea.
For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah; the lords of the nations have broken down the choice branches thereof, which reached even unto Jazer, which wandered into the wilderness; its shoots were spread abroad, they passed over the sea.
Cross-References
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Numbers 32:38 (3 votes)
And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded. -
Isaiah 15:4 (3 votes)
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. -
Jeremiah 27:6 (2 votes)
And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. -
Jeremiah 27:7 (2 votes)
And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him. -
2 Samuel 1:21 (2 votes)
Ye mountains of Gilboa, [let there be] no dew, neither [let there be] rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, [as though he had] not [been] anointed with oil. -
Joshua 13:25 (2 votes)
And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that [is] before Rabbah; -
Numbers 32:3 (2 votes)
Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,
Commentary
Isaiah 16:8 vividly describes the devastating judgment coming upon Moab, specifically highlighting the destruction of its famed agricultural prosperity. This verse is part of a larger lament (Isaiah 15-16) concerning Moab, a nation often characterized by its pride and opposition to Israel.
Context
This verse continues the prophetic lament over Moab, a territory east of the Dead Sea. Historically, Moab was known for its fertile plains and rich vineyards, particularly around the cities of Heshbon and Sibmah. The imagery of flourishing vines and fields was synonymous with Moab's prosperity and security. The prophecy foretells a complete reversal of this abundance, indicating a severe divine judgment, likely executed through foreign invaders like the Assyrians or later the Babylonians, who served as instruments of God's wrath. This judgment on Moab is also detailed in other prophetic books, such as Jeremiah 48, emphasizing a consistent theme in biblical prophecy.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "principal plants" (KJV) or "choice vines" (ESV) from the Hebrew soreq (שׂרֵק) refers to a superior quality of vine, known for producing the finest grapes. This emphasizes that not just any part of the vineyard is destroyed, but the very best, signifying a complete and utter loss of Moab's pride and wealth. The fame of Moab's vineyards, stretching "over the sea," suggests their produce was exported and renowned even in distant lands, making their destruction all the more poignant.
Practical Application
Isaiah 16:8 serves as a powerful reminder that earthly prosperity, no matter how renowned or extensive, is transient and can be swiftly removed. It underscores the biblical principle that nations, like individuals, are accountable before God. When pride and rebellion against God persist, judgment inevitably follows. This passage encourages us to place our trust not in fleeting material wealth or national strength, but in the enduring faithfulness of God, whose sovereignty extends over all nations and their destinies. It also reminds us that God can use unexpected instruments, even "lords of the heathen," to accomplish His purposes, a theme seen repeatedly in the book of Isaiah.
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