Isaiah 15:1

¶ The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence;

The burden {H4853} of Moab {H4124}. Because in the night {H3915} Ar {H6144} of Moab {H4124} is laid waste {H7703}, and brought to silence {H1820}; because in the night {H3915} Kir {H7024} of Moab {H4124} is laid waste {H7703}, and brought to silence {H1820};

This is a prophecy about Mo'av: The night 'Ar is sacked, Mo'av is ruined. The night Kir is sacked, Mo'av is ruined.

This is the burden against Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night!

The burden of Moab. For in a night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nought; for in a night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nought.

Isaiah 15:1 introduces a solemn prophetic oracle concerning Moab, a nation located east of the Dead Sea and historically related to Israel through Lot, Abraham's nephew. This verse immediately sets a tone of impending doom, describing the swift and utter destruction of two significant Moabite cities.

Context of the Prophecy

The prophet Isaiah delivers a series of "burdens" or prophetic pronouncements against various surrounding nations (see Isaiah 13-23). This particular oracle, known as "The burden of Moab," highlights God's universal sovereignty and His righteous judgment over all peoples, not just Israel. Moab had a long history of antagonism towards Israel, often engaging in conflict and idolatry (Numbers 22-25, Judges 3:12-30). While the exact historical event is debated, many scholars link this prophecy to an invasion, likely by the Assyrian empire, a dominant power in Isaiah's era, which brought widespread devastation to the region.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: The primary theme is God's just judgment extending beyond Israel to include pagan nations like Moab. This demonstrates that God's moral governance applies to all humanity, holding even those who do not know Him accountable for their actions and idolatry.
  • Suddenness and Completeness of Destruction: The repeated phrase "in the night" emphasizes the unexpected and swift nature of the devastation. Ar of Moab and Kir of Moab, key cities, are "laid waste, and brought to silence," signifying total desolation and a cessation of all life and activity. This echoes the concept of sudden destruction that comes upon those who are unprepared.
  • Sovereignty of God: Despite the earthly political powers at play, the prophecy underscores God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations. He orchestrates history according to His divine plan.

Linguistic Insights

The term "burden" (Hebrew: מַשָּׂא, massa) is significant. It literally means "a lifting" or "a load," but in prophetic contexts, it refers to a heavy, weighty pronouncement, often one of judgment or doom. It implies the prophetic message is a heavy load that the prophet must bear and deliver, and a heavy judgment that the recipients must endure. The phrase "laid waste, and brought to silence" (Hebrew: נִדְמָה, nidmah) conveys utter annihilation and desolation, literally to be "cut off" or "silenced."

Practical Application

Isaiah 15:1 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths. Firstly, it reiterates that no nation or individual is exempt from divine accountability. God's justice is universal, and He judges sin wherever it is found. Secondly, the suddenness of Moab's destruction highlights the precariousness of earthly security and the importance of living in alignment with God's will. It encourages believers to trust in God's eternal kingdom rather than fleeting worldly powers, recognizing that earthly treasures and strongholds can be suddenly destroyed. Ultimately, it points to God's unwavering sovereignty over all of creation and history.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Amos 2:1

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:

  • Amos 2:3

    And I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof, and will slay all the princes thereof with him, saith the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 48:1

    ¶ Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded [and] taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed.

  • Jeremiah 48:47

    Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far [is] the judgment of Moab.

  • Numbers 21:28

    For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, [and] the lords of the high places of Arnon.

  • Ezekiel 25:8

    ¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Moab and Seir do say, Behold, the house of Judah [is] like unto all the heathen;

  • Ezekiel 25:11

    And I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

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