Isaiah 15:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Heshbon {H2809} shall cry {H2199}, and Elealeh {H500}: their voice {H6963} shall be heard {H8085} even unto Jahaz {H3096}: therefore the armed soldiers {H2502} of Moab {H4124} shall cry out {H7321}; his life {H5315} shall be grievous {H3415} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Heshbon and El'aleh cry out, they are heard as far as Yachatz. Mo'av's best troops cry aloud, as their courage faints away.

Berean Standard Bible

Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far as Jahaz. Therefore the soldiers of Moab cry out; their souls tremble within.

American Standard Version

And Heshbon crieth out, and Elealeh; their voice is heard even unto Jahaz: therefore the armed men of Moab cry aloud; his soul trembleth within him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 15:4 powerfully depicts the widespread and agonizing despair gripping the land of Moab under divine judgment. From the prominent cities of Heshbon and Elealeh, cries of distress reverberate across the territory, reaching as far as Jahaz. This lament culminates in the desperate outcry of even the nation's armed soldiers, signifying a complete collapse of military might and national morale, where life itself becomes an unbearable burden due to overwhelming grief and existential dread.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 15:4 is an integral part of the "oracle concerning Moab" found in [Isaiah 15](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - The Burden of Moab") and [Isaiah 16](/isaiah/16 "Isaiah 16 - A Plea for Moab"). This prophetic section details the swift and devastating judgment that will befall Moab, transforming its prosperous cities and fertile lands into scenes of widespread lamentation and desolation. The preceding verses ([Isaiah 15:1-3](/isaiah/15-1-3 "Isaiah 15:1-3 - Moab's Desolation Begins")) describe the initial shock and immediate effects of the catastrophe, with cities like Ar and Kir being laid waste and the people ascending to high places to weep. Verse 4 specifically highlights the geographical spread and intensity of this distress, indicating that the wailing originating from the prominent cities of Heshbon and Elealeh will be heard far and wide, reaching even to Jahaz. This immediate context emphasizes the totality and pervasiveness of the coming catastrophe, setting a tone of deep sorrow and national collapse that permeates the entire chapter, culminating in a plea for refuge and a final lament over Moab's pride.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation located east of the Dead Sea, sharing a complex and often adversarial relationship with Israel, despite their shared ancestry through Lot ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")). Historically, Moab was known for its pride, its worship of the national god Chemosh (as seen in the Moabite Stone), and its frequent conflicts with Israel, though periods of tribute and alliance also occurred. The cities mentioned—Heshbon, Elealeh, and Jahaz—were significant Moabite strongholds. Heshbon was a major administrative and military center, often contested, while Elealeh was a nearby city, and Jahaz, further south, was historically significant as a battleground where Sihon was defeated by Israel ([Numbers 21:23](/numbers/21-23 "Numbers 21:23 - Israel Defeats Sihon at Jahaz")). The prophecy likely points to an invasion by a powerful Mesopotamian empire, such as Assyria, which frequently served as instruments of divine judgment against nations in the ancient Near East during Isaiah's time. The cultural context suggests that such a widespread and public cry would signify not just military defeat but the complete unraveling of societal order, the profound despair associated with national humiliation, and the loss of identity and security.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the prophecy against Moab and the broader book of Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the **Widespread Lament and Despair** that will engulf Moab, demonstrating that the judgment is not isolated but affects every segment of society, from common citizens to military personnel. The echoing cries from city to city symbolize a national catastrophe of immense proportions, a theme prevalent in prophecies of divine judgment against nations. Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Human Strength**, as even the "armed soldiers of Moab," typically symbols of a nation's defense and might, are depicted as crying out in despair. This illustrates that no human power or military strength can withstand the inevitable consequences of divine judgment, a recurring motif in Isaiah's prophecies against various nations, such as those against Babylon ([Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - The Burden of Babylon")) and Egypt ([Isaiah 19](/isaiah/19 "Isaiah 19 - The Burden of Egypt")). Finally, the phrase "his life shall be grievous unto him" conveys an **Overwhelming Grievance**, a state of utter hopelessness and misery where life itself becomes an unbearable burden, signifying a complete loss of joy, peace, and purpose, a profound existential suffering that is a hallmark of divine abandonment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heshbon (Hebrew, _Cheshbôwn'_):** This is a geographical proper noun, referring to a prominent city east of the Jordan River. Its mention at the forefront of the lament signifies its importance as a center of Moabite life and administration. The fact that Heshbon "shall cry" immediately establishes the widespread nature of the impending devastation, as a major city's distress would reverberate throughout the region.
* **cry (Hebrew, _zâʻaq'_):** This primitive root signifies a loud, often guttural shriek or cry, typically arising from deep anguish, distress, or danger. It is not merely a soft weeping but an urgent, public outcry, often an appeal for help or a lamentation that demands to be heard. Its use here emphasizes the intensity, public nature, and desperate urgency of Moab's suffering, indicating a profound and audible expression of national agony.
* **armed soldiers (Hebrew, _châlats'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to pull off" or "to equip for fight," this term refers to those who are prepared or equipped for battle, the military elite. The depiction of "armed soldiers" crying out is profoundly significant. It subverts the expectation of military might, resilience, and stoicism, demonstrating that even the most prepared and formidable elements of Moabite society are utterly broken and overwhelmed by the impending disaster, unable to defend themselves or their nation. This highlights the complete collapse of human defenses against divine judgment.
* **life (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** This versatile Hebrew word encompasses a wide range of meanings, including a breathing creature, vitality, soul, self, or even appetite. In this context, "his life" refers to the very essence of existence, the individual's inner being, and vital spirit. The phrase "his life shall be grievous unto him" indicates that life itself, with all its experiences and sensations, becomes a source of profound bitterness and an unbearable burden, signifying a state of complete despair, existential suffering, and a loss of all joy or purpose in living.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the widespread nature and intensity of the lament. Heshbon and Elealeh, two prominent Moabite cities in close proximity, are personified as crying out. This signifies that the distress is not confined to a single area but is a shared experience of profound anguish across significant population centers, indicating a national calamity. The "cry" is a public, audible expression of deep sorrow and fear, a collective wail of a people in agony.
* **"their voice shall be heard [even] unto Jahaz:"** This phrase emphasizes the extensive reach and pervasiveness of the lamentation. Jahaz, located further south from Heshbon and Elealeh, indicates that the sound of distress will travel a considerable distance, underscoring the inescapable nature of the impending judgment. It implies that no major part of Moab will be untouched by the sorrow, and the wailing will echo throughout the land, a testament to the totality of the devastation.
* **"therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out;"** This clause introduces a critical and shocking element: the despair of Moab's military. The "armed soldiers" represent the nation's strength, defense, and hope for resistance. Their "crying out" (from a different Hebrew root, _rûwaʻ_, meaning to shout for alarm or joy, but here clearly for alarm and distress) signifies the complete collapse of their morale, their inability to fight, and their utter helplessness in the face of the overwhelming catastrophe. This highlights the futility of human might and military prowess against the sovereign will of God.
* **"his life shall be grievous unto him."** This concluding clause powerfully encapsulates the depth of despair and existential suffering. The suffering is so intense and pervasive that existence itself becomes a heavy, bitter burden. Life, which should be cherished and pursued, is now a source of profound misery, indicating a state of utter hopelessness where the will to live is eroded by overwhelming grief, hardship, and the complete loss of purpose or joy. It speaks to a spiritual and emotional death even while physically alive.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 15:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey the depth of Moab's impending suffering. **Personification** is prominently used as cities like Heshbon and Elealeh are depicted as "crying" and having a "voice." This gives human attributes to inanimate places, emphasizing the widespread and palpable grief that permeates the very fabric of the land and its urban centers. The prophet uses **Hyperbole** to magnify the extent of the distress, suggesting that the cries from Heshbon and Elealeh are so loud and pervasive that they reach all the way to Jahaz, a considerable distance. This exaggeration underscores the totality and inescapability of the judgment, implying that no corner of Moab will be spared from the wailing. Furthermore, there is a stark **Irony** in the "armed soldiers of Moab" crying out. Soldiers are typically symbols of strength, courage, and defense, yet here they are reduced to expressions of despair and helplessness, highlighting the absolute futility of human power and military might against the sovereign will of God. The verse also utilizes a form of **Parallelism** with the repetition of "shall cry" and "shall cry out," reinforcing the pervasive theme of lamentation and intensifying the emotional impact, creating a sense of a nation unified in its agony.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 15:4 serves as a stark reminder of God's sovereign control over all nations and the inevitable consequences of national pride, idolatry, and opposition to His purposes. The profound despair depicted in Moab illustrates that no human strength, military might, or geographical advantage can withstand divine judgment. It underscores the principle that God holds nations accountable for their actions, and persistent rebellion against His moral order ultimately leads to profound suffering and the collapse of earthly security. The widespread lamentation highlights the universality of this judgment, affecting all strata of society, from the common citizen to the armed defender, demonstrating that the wages of sin are far-reaching and deeply impactful. This ancient prophecy, while specific to Moab, resonates with timeless theological truths about divine justice, the fragility of human endeavors, and the ultimate futility of placing trust in anything other than the Almighty. It reminds us that true security and lasting peace are found only in submission to God's sovereign will, not in human power or self-sufficiency.

* [Jeremiah 48:31](/jeremiah/48-31 "Jeremiah 48:31 - Moab's Lament and Shame")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - God's Deliverance, Not Human Might")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 15:4, though a prophecy of ancient judgment, holds profound relevance for contemporary reflection and application. It serves as a powerful reminder that human pride, self-sufficiency, and rebellion against divine truth inevitably lead to lamentation and despair. In a world that often trusts in military might, economic power, technological advancement, or political ideologies as ultimate sources of security, this verse humbly reminds us that true security and lasting peace are found only in submission to God's sovereign will. When we, individually or as societies, turn away from God's righteous standards and embrace idolatry or self-reliance, we invite a "grievous" existence, where life loses its joy, purpose, and meaning, becoming a burden rather than a blessing. This passage calls us to examine our own hearts and societies: Are we building on foundations of fleeting human strength and wisdom, or are we seeking righteousness and humility before God? It challenges us to recognize the ultimate futility of resisting God and to instead embrace the hope, peace, and true life that come from acknowledging His sovereignty, seeking His mercy, and walking in His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our society do we tend to rely on human strength, pride, or self-sufficiency rather than God's sovereignty and grace?**
* **How does the "grievous" life described for Moab compare to the despair, anxiety, or hopelessness sometimes experienced in our modern world, even amidst material abundance?**
* **What does this prophecy teach us about the nature of divine justice and its implications for nations and individuals today, particularly regarding the consequences of rejecting God's truth?**

### FAQ
**Why are Heshbon, Elealeh, and Jahaz specifically mentioned in this prophecy?**

Answer: These cities were significant Moabite strongholds and strategic locations, and their specific mention underscores the comprehensive and widespread nature of the judgment. Heshbon was a major administrative and military center, often contested between Moab, Israel, and other regional powers. Elealeh was very close to Heshbon, forming a key urban cluster, and their combined "cry" would signify the collapse of a vital heartland. Jahaz, located further south, was historically significant as the site of battles (e.g., [Numbers 21:23](/numbers/21-23 "Numbers 21:23 - Israel Defeats Sihon at Jahaz")), and its inclusion emphasizes the extensive reach of the distress across the entire Moabite territory. By naming these specific cities, the prophet makes the prophecy more concrete and impactful for its original audience, illustrating that the devastation would engulf the entire nation, leaving no major area untouched by the impending catastrophe.

**What does "his life shall be grievous unto him" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase powerfully conveys a state of utter hopelessness, profound misery, and existential despair. The Hebrew word for "grievous" (_yâraʻ_) in this specific context (Isaiah 15:4) means to be broken up with violent action, leading to fear or bitterness. It signifies that the suffering is so intense and pervasive that life itself, the very act of existing, becomes an unbearable burden. It's not merely physical pain or material loss, but a deep spiritual and emotional anguish where joy, peace, and purpose are completely absent. The Moabites would be so overwhelmed by their circumstances that they would find no solace or meaning in their continued existence, preferring perhaps non-existence to the bitter reality of their judgment. It highlights the ultimate consequence of being separated from God's favor and under His judgment, where even the most fundamental aspect of being—life itself—becomes a source of torment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 15:4 vividly portrays the despair and judgment upon Moab, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper theological resonance point profoundly to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The cries of anguish from Heshbon and Elealeh, and the grievous life of the Moabite soldiers, represent the universal human condition under the crushing weight of sin and divine judgment. All humanity, apart from Christ, is subject to a "grievous" existence, burdened by sin, death, and the fear of condemnation, a state of spiritual alienation from God. However, the New Testament reveals that God, in His boundless mercy, did not leave humanity in this state of despair. Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of this judgment on the cross, experiencing a suffering far more profound than any earthly lament. His cry of dereliction, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), encompassed the ultimate "grievous" life, enduring the separation from God that humanity deserved. Through His atoning sacrifice, those who believe are delivered from the condemnation that leads to a grievous life ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")) and are offered abundant and eternal life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")). The temporal and earthly judgment on Moab foreshadows the eternal judgment from which Christ rescues His people, ushering them into an unshakable kingdom where every tear will be wiped away and there will be no more crying or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Crying in the New Creation")).

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

Jeremiah 48:34

From the cry of Heshbon [even] unto Elealeh, [and even] unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice, from Zoar [even] unto Horonaim, [as] an heifer of three years old: for the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate.

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.

Isaiah 16:9

Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.

Jeremiah 20:18

Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?

Jonah 4:8

And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, [It is] better for me to die than to live.

Numbers 11:15

And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

Revelation 9:6

And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.