Isaiah 15:3

KJV

In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.

KJV (with Strong's)

In their streets {H2351} they shall gird {H2296} themselves with sackcloth {H8242}: on the tops {H1406} of their houses, and in their streets {H7339}, every one shall howl {H3213}, weeping {H1065} abundantly {H3381}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the streets they wear sackcloth; on their roofs and in their squares, everyone howls and weeps profusely.

Berean Standard Bible

In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping.

American Standard Version

In their streets they gird themselves with sackcloth; on their housetops, and in their broad places, every one waileth, weeping abundantly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 15:3 offers a stark and poignant depiction of the widespread and public lamentation that will engulf Moab. As part of a larger prophetic oracle against this neighboring nation, the verse vividly portrays the outward expressions of deep anguish: people publicly donning sackcloth, wailing from rooftops and streets, and weeping profusely. This imagery underscores the totality and inescapability of the divine judgment descending upon Moab, signaling a national catastrophe that leaves no one untouched by profound sorrow and humiliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 15 and 16 comprise a "burden" or oracle specifically directed against Moab, a prophetic declaration of impending judgment and destruction. This oracle is part of a series of "burdens" against various nations (Isaiah 13-23), demonstrating God's sovereign control over all peoples and His righteous judgment against their pride and rebellion. Isaiah 15:3 fits within the opening verses of this prophecy, which immediately establish the swiftness and severity of Moab's downfall, setting a tone of lament and despair that permeates the entire chapter. The verse serves to illustrate the immediate, visible, and communal impact of the predicted devastation, moving from the destruction of cities in [Isaiah 15:1-2](/isaiah/15-1 "Isaiah 15:1-2 - Moab's Cities Destroyed") to the personal, public displays of grief.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was a kingdom situated east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel but also sharing cultural and linguistic ties. The relationship was complex, marked by both hostility and occasional alliances or refuge. Prophecies against Moab, such as this one and those found in [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Judgment on Moab") and [Ezekiel 25](/ezekiel/25-8 "Ezekiel 25:8-11 - Judgment on Moab"), often cite their pride, idolatry (worship of Chemosh), and contempt for God's people as reasons for judgment. The practices described in Isaiah 15:3—girding with sackcloth, public wailing, and lamenting on rooftops—were common ancient Near Eastern expressions of intense mourning, deep distress, humiliation, or repentance. Rooftops were accessible and visible spaces, making them ideal for public declarations or displays of emotion, while streets were the primary public arenas. Sackcloth, a coarse, uncomfortable fabric, was universally recognized as a sign of profound grief or humility.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, where God's ultimate authority over all nations is demonstrated through their downfall, often as a consequence of their sin and rebellion against Him. The **Widespread Lamentation** depicted underscores the totality of this judgment, emphasizing that no one is exempt from the impending catastrophe, signifying a national rather than localized disaster. This public display of grief also highlights the **Loss of Dignity and Pride** for a nation that often boasted of its strength and wealth. Furthermore, the passage subtly points to the **Sovereignty of God**, asserting that even powerful nations like Moab are subject to His divine plan and justice, serving as a warning to all who oppose His will, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 14:26-27](/isaiah/14-26 "Isaiah 14:26-27 - God's Universal Plan").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gird (Hebrew, _châgar'_):** A primitive root meaning to bind or gird on, typically a belt or armor. In this context, it refers to the act of putting on sackcloth, signifying preparation for or engagement in a state of mourning, distress, or humiliation. It implies a deliberate and public act of assuming a posture of grief.
* **sackcloth (Hebrew, _saq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to run through," referring to a coarse, loosely woven fabric, often made of goat's hair. It was universally recognized in the ancient Near East as a garment worn in times of deep sorrow, mourning (especially for the dead), repentance, or extreme distress and humiliation in the face of calamity or divine judgment. Its rough, uncomfortable nature underscored the wearer's suffering.
* **howl (Hebrew, _yâlal'_):** A primitive root denoting a loud, piercing, mournful cry or a boisterous yell. This word specifically conveys a sound of intense lamentation, often associated with mourning for the dead or expressing profound anguish in response to great disaster. It suggests an unrestrained, visceral outpouring of grief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth":** This clause immediately establishes the public and communal nature of the impending calamity. The act of donning sackcloth, a profound symbol of mourning and humility, is not confined to private spaces but is performed openly in the common thoroughfares, indicating a widespread and inescapable national grief that cannot be hidden.
* **"on the tops of their houses, and in their streets":** This phrase emphasizes the pervasive and inescapable nature of the distress. From the most visible public spaces (streets) to the semi-private yet exposed rooftops (which were common gathering places and visible from afar), the lamentation is universal. It signifies that the sorrow is so overwhelming it spills into every corner of public and domestic life, leaving no place untouched by the wailing.
* **"every one shall howl, weeping abundantly":** This final clause underscores the sheer intensity and universality of the emotional outpouring. "Howl" conveys a loud, unrestrained cry of anguish, while "weeping abundantly" (literally "weeping descending" or "weeping going down") vividly paints a picture of tears streaming down faces in copious amounts. This imagery signifies a profound, overwhelming, and collective sorrow that affects every individual in Moab, highlighting the depth of their despair.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 15:3 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a nation consumed by grief. The visual of people in sackcloth in the streets and on rooftops, coupled with the auditory image of universal howling and abundant weeping, creates a powerful sense of pervasive despair. **Symbolism** is central, with "sackcloth" serving as a potent symbol of deep mourning, humiliation, and distress. The act of wearing it publicly reinforces the complete breakdown of national pride and dignity. The **Repetition** of "in their streets" emphasizes the widespread and inescapable nature of the lamentation, reinforcing that no corner of Moab will be untouched by this sorrow. Furthermore, the phrase "every one shall howl, weeping abundantly" employs **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of the weeping to convey the overwhelming and universal nature of the grief, suggesting a sorrow so profound it consumes every individual entirely.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 15:3 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth of God's sovereign judgment over all nations, particularly those characterized by pride, idolatry, and opposition to His purposes. The public and widespread lamentation of Moab serves as a stark reminder that national sin incurs divine consequences, demonstrating that no earthly power, however seemingly secure, is beyond the reach of God's justice. This scene of utter despair highlights the futility of human strength and self-reliance when confronted with the righteous wrath of the Almighty. It underscores the theme that true security and flourishing come not from military might or economic prosperity, but from humility and alignment with God's will. The sorrow depicted is a direct result of a nation's spiritual rebellion, a powerful testament to the seriousness of sin and its inevitable repercussions.

* [Jeremiah 48:37-38](/jeremiah/48-37 "Jeremiah 48:37-38 - Moab's Public Mourning")
* [Ezekiel 7:18](/ezekiel/7-18 "Ezekiel 7:18 - Every Head Bald, Every Shoulder Bare")
* [Joel 1:13](/joel/1-13 "Joel 1:13 - Gird Yourselves with Sackcloth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid portrayal of Moab's public and profound grief in Isaiah 15:3 serves as a timeless mirror for humanity, inviting us to reflect on the consequences of pride, rebellion, and a life lived apart from God. While specific to ancient Moab, the principles are universal: unchecked sin, whether individual or corporate, ultimately leads to lamentation and distress. This passage calls us to examine our own hearts and societies for areas of spiritual arrogance, self-sufficiency, or idolatry, urging us toward humility and repentance before God's just hand. It reminds us that true peace and security are found not in earthly strength or fleeting pleasures, but in acknowledging God's sovereignty and aligning our lives with His righteous standards. The sorrow of Moab underscores the seriousness of God's judgment, prompting a sober reflection on the need for genuine repentance and reliance on His mercy, lest we too face the bitter fruit of unaddressed sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own life or my community reflect the pride or self-reliance that characterized Moab, and how might this lead to spiritual "lamentation"?**
* **How does the public nature of Moab's mourning challenge my understanding of how I express grief or repentance, and what does it teach me about the seriousness of sin?**
* **What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice and sovereignty over all nations, and how should this understanding shape my trust in Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did the people of Moab mourn in such a public and dramatic way?**

Answer: The public and dramatic mourning described in Isaiah 15:3, including wearing sackcloth in the streets and wailing from rooftops, was a common cultural practice in the ancient Near East for expressing intense grief, humiliation, or repentance in the face of overwhelming calamity. It signified that the disaster was so profound and widespread that it could not be contained or hidden. The public nature underscored the national, inescapable impact of the judgment, demonstrating a complete breakdown of normal life and dignity. Similar public displays of grief are seen in other biblical accounts, such as the people of Nineveh donning sackcloth in response to Jonah's prophecy in [Jonah 3:5-6](/jonah/3-5 "Jonah 3:5-6 - Nineveh's Repentance").

**What is the significance of "sackcloth" in this verse?**

Answer: Sackcloth was a coarse, uncomfortable fabric, typically made of goat's hair, worn as an outward sign of deep sorrow, mourning, repentance, or extreme distress. Its rough texture and humble appearance visually communicated the wearer's inner anguish and humility. In Isaiah 15:3, the act of "girding themselves with sackcloth" signifies a collective and public acknowledgment of profound suffering and humiliation brought about by divine judgment. It was a universal symbol of lamentation, often accompanied by other acts of self-abasement, as seen in passages like [2 Samuel 3:31](/2_samuel/3-31 "2 Samuel 3:31 - David's Mourning for Abner").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 15:3 vividly portrays the lamentation brought about by divine judgment on a rebellious nation, it also subtly points to the ultimate sorrow and the ultimate solace found in Christ. The profound weeping of Moab foreshadows the ultimate consequences of sin, which culminates in the judgment borne by Christ on the cross. He, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the object of divine wrath, experiencing a depth of suffering and abandonment far greater than any nation's lament, as depicted in the prophetic words of [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant"). His agony on the cross, where He cried out in profound distress, was the ultimate "howling" and "weeping" that absorbed the judgment due to humanity's sin. Through His suffering, Christ transforms mourning into hope; those who mourn over their sin and the brokenness of the world are promised comfort and blessedness in Him ([Matthew 5:4](/matthew/5-4 "Matthew 5:4 - Blessed are those who mourn")). Ultimately, the pervasive sorrow of Moab contrasts sharply with the eschatological hope offered in Christ, where in the new heavens and new earth, God Himself will [wipe away every tear from their eyes](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears"), and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain, because the former things will have passed away.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jonah 3:6

For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered [him] with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

Jonah 3:8

But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that [is] in their hands.

Matthew 11:21

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Jeremiah 19:13

And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods.

Isaiah 22:1

¶ The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?

Isaiah 15:2

He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads [shall be] baldness, [and] every beard cut off.

2 Samuel 3:31

And David said to Joab, and to all the people that [were] with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David [himself] followed the bier.