Isaiah 15:5

KJV

My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives [shall flee] unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.

KJV (with Strong's)

My heart {H3820} shall cry out {H2199} for Moab {H4124}; his fugitives {H1280} shall flee unto Zoar {H6820}, an heifer {H5697} of three years old {H7992}: for by the mounting up {H4608} of Luhith {H3872} with weeping {H1065} shall they go it up {H5927}; for in the way {H1870} of Horonaim {H2773} they shall raise up {H5782} a cry {H2201} of destruction {H7667}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My heart cries out for Mo'av! Its fugitives flee to Tzo'ar, a calf three years old. They ascend the slope of Luchit, weeping as they go; on their way to Horonayim, they utter heartrending cries.

Berean Standard Bible

My heart cries out over Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. With weeping they ascend the slope of Luhith; they lament their destruction on the road to Horonaim.

American Standard Version

My heart crieth out for Moab; her nobles flee unto Zoar, to Eglath-shelishi-yah: for by the ascent of Luhith with weeping they go up; for in the way of Horonaim they raise up a cry of destruction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 15:5 offers a poignant portrayal of the widespread lament and profound devastation destined to befall Moab, a nation historically intertwined with Israel. The prophet expresses deep sorrow, possibly reflecting God's own compassionate grief, as Moabite inhabitants flee in terror, their once-proud land reduced to a landscape of pervasive weeping and cries of destruction. This verse encapsulates the severe consequences of divine judgment, yet simultaneously reveals a tender heart that grieves over human suffering, even among those who have stood in opposition to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 15 and 16 comprise a distinct prophetic oracle, often designated the "Burden of Moab" (*massa' Moab*). This section is strategically placed within a larger collection of "oracles against the nations" (ranging from [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") to [Isaiah 23](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre")), through which Isaiah pronounces God's judgment upon various surrounding peoples, including Babylon, Philistia, and Tyre. These oracles collectively underscore God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, not merely Israel, and serve as a stern warning against reliance on foreign alliances or the worship of false gods. Within the immediate narrative, [Isaiah 15](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - The Burden of Moab") vividly describes the initial shock and widespread lament as Moab's cities fall, while [Isaiah 16](/isaiah/16 "Isaiah 16 - Plea for Moab and Further Judgment") presents a plea for Moab to seek refuge in Judah, hinting at a potential future restoration or the preservation of a remnant, though ultimately concluding with the finality of Moab's judgment. The intense lament expressed in [Isaiah 15:5](/isaiah/15-5 "Isaiah 15:5 - Prophet's Lament for Moab") stands as a central and powerful expression of this prophetic sorrow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient kingdom situated east of the Dead Sea, tracing its lineage back to Lot through his incestuous relationship with his elder daughter, as documented in [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab"). Historically, Moab's relationship with Israel was frequently contentious, marked by periods of significant conflict, as evidenced in narratives such as the confrontations involving Balaam and Balak in [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22-24 "Numbers 22-24 - Balaam and Balak"), the oppression under Eglon in [Judges 3](/judges/3 "Judges 3 - Ehud and Eglon"), and the Moabite rebellion against Israel in [2 Kings 3](/2_kings/3 "2 Kings 3 - Moabite Rebellion"). The Moabites were notably characterized by their pervasive pride (e.g., [Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Pride")) and their devotion to their national god, Chemosh. The judgment prophesied in [Isaiah 15](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - Prophecy Against Moab") was likely fulfilled by the formidable Assyrian Empire in the late 8th century BCE or subsequently by the Babylonians, as these dominant imperial powers swept through the ancient Near East, subjugating smaller kingdoms. The specific cities mentioned—Zoar, Luhith, and Horonaim—were significant Moabite locations, underscoring the comprehensive and devastating scope of the impending destruction across the entire land. Zoar, in particular, holds a poignant significance, as it was one of the cities of the plain miraculously spared from destruction in [Genesis 19:22](/genesis/19-22 "Genesis 19:22 - Zoar Spared from Destruction"), making its inclusion in this prophecy of ruin especially impactful.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader prophetic oracle against Moab, powerfully articulates several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, unequivocally demonstrating that God's authority extends over all nations, holding them accountable for their actions, particularly their pride, idolatry, and historical antagonism towards His people. Secondly, it underscores **Prophetic Lament and Compassion**, revealing that even in the midst of executing justice, there is profound sorrow and empathy for human suffering, whether emanating from the prophet or, metaphorically, from God Himself. This resonates deeply with similar expressions of divine grief found in other prophetic books, such as Jeremiah's heartbroken lament over Jerusalem in [Jeremiah 9:1](/jeremiah/9-1 "Jeremiah 9:1 - Jeremiah's Lament for Jerusalem"). Thirdly, the passage vividly portrays **Utter Desolation and Flight**, depicting a once-strong and confident nation reduced to a state of panic and ruin, where its inhabitants are forced into desperate flight from their homes. This emphasizes the inherent futility of relying on earthly strength and the pervasive, inescapable impact of divine wrath.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** From H3820, this term signifies not merely the physical organ but, more profoundly, the innermost core of one's being—the seat of emotions, will, intellect, and moral character. In this context, "My heart shall cry out" indicates a deep, visceral anguish and empathy, reflecting profound sorrow from the prophet or, metaphorically, from God Himself, over Moab's impending suffering. It speaks to a deep, internal emotional response to the tragedy, suggesting a shared burden of grief.
* **cry out (Hebrew, _zâʻaq'_):** From H2199, this primitive root conveys the act "to shriek (from anguish or danger)" or, by extension, "to announce or convene publicly." Here, it denotes a loud, desperate wail or outcry, born of intense pain, fear, or distress. It emphasizes the public and audible nature of the lament, signifying widespread and uncontrollable grief among the Moabites, and also the prophet's own anguished intercession or expression of sorrow that reverberates through the land.
* **fugitives (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyach'_):** From H1280, this word primarily means "a bolt" or "bar," but is used by analogy to describe "a fugitive." In Isaiah 15:5, it refers to those desperately fleeing from danger and impending destruction, emphasizing their state of displacement, vulnerability, and frantic flight. It paints a vivid picture of a population uprooted and scattered, seeking any possible refuge from the advancing catastrophe, highlighting the sudden and overwhelming nature of the judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My heart shall cry out for Moab;":** This opening clause immediately establishes a tone of profound lament and empathy. The "heart" (lêb) signifies the deepest emotional core, expressing a sorrow so intense it compels an audible "cry out" (zâʻaq). This lament is either from the prophet Isaiah, deeply moved by the impending judgment, or it represents God's own sorrow over the destruction of a people, even those who have opposed Him. It sets the stage for the tragic scene that follows, highlighting a divine or prophetic compassion amidst judgment.
* **"his fugitives [shall flee] unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old:":** This clause describes the desperate flight of the Moabite population. "His fugitives" (bᵉrîyach) refers to those desperately fleeing their homes. They seek refuge in Zoar, a city historically known for being spared from destruction (cf. [Genesis 19:22](/genesis/19-22 "Genesis 19:22 - Zoar Spared from Destruction")), perhaps a last, desperate hope. The powerful metaphor "an heifer of three years old" describes Moab. A three-year-old heifer (ʻeglâh shᵉlîyshîy) is typically at its peak of strength, beauty, and fertility. Its inclusion here suggests that Moab, once strong and prosperous, is now reduced to a state of terrified, mournful vulnerability, like a strong animal driven from its pasture or brought low. This imagery vividly conveys the shattering of their former vitality and the depth of their distress.
* **"for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up;":** This part of the verse details the arduous and sorrowful journey of the fleeing Moabites. "The mounting up of Luhith" (maʻăleh Lûwchîyth) refers to a steep and difficult ascent, a known geographical feature in Moabite territory. The phrase "with weeping" (bᵉkîy) emphasizes that this arduous climb is undertaken not with strength or hope, but with profound grief and sorrow, indicating the utter despair of those fleeing. Every step upward is accompanied by tears, underscoring the pervasive nature of their suffering and the physical toll of their lament.
* **"for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.":** This final clause further amplifies the scene of devastation. "The way of Horonaim" (derek Chôrônayim) points to another significant route or location in Moab, indicating that the lament is not confined to one area but is widespread across the land. The phrase "they shall raise up a cry of destruction" (ʻûwr zaʻaq sheber) signifies a loud, piercing wail or shriek of utter ruin and brokenness. This "cry of destruction" (sheber) is not just a general lament but a specific outcry over the complete shattering of their land and lives, confirming the comprehensive nature of the judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 15:5 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of lament and destruction with visceral impact. The most striking is **Personification**, where the prophet's "heart" is depicted as crying out for Moab, endowing an abstract concept with profound human emotion and demonstrating the depth of empathy and shared suffering. **Metaphor** is powerfully utilized in the phrase "an heifer of three years old," which represents Moab. This vivid imagery evokes a sense of a once-strong, vibrant, and fertile nation now brought low, akin to a young, robust animal in distress or being led to slaughter. The metaphor also subtly suggests the shattering of Moab's peak prosperity and vitality. **Hyperbole** is evident in the widespread nature of the weeping and "cry of destruction" across the significant geographical locations of Luhith and Horonaim, emphasizing the overwhelming and pervasive grief that engulfs the entire land, leaving no corner untouched by sorrow. The precise geographical references also serve as a form of **Imagery**, painting a clear and tangible picture of the desperate flight and the arduous, tear-filled journey of the fugitives, making the prophecy emotionally resonant and immediate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the complex nature of divine judgment, revealing that God's justice is often accompanied by a profound, sorrowful compassion. While Moab faced judgment for its ingrained pride, persistent idolatry, and historical antagonism towards Israel, the prophetic lament "My heart shall cry out for Moab" suggests that God takes no pleasure in the destruction of the wicked but rather desires repentance and life (cf. [Ezekiel 33:11](/zekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance")). This divine grief over human suffering, even among those who have opposed Him, underscores His universal sovereignty and His ultimate desire for all humanity to turn to Him. The widespread desolation depicted serves as a stark reminder of the inevitable consequences of rebellion against God, yet the underlying compassion offers a glimpse of His enduring character, which always holds out the possibility of mercy, even if not immediately realized by Moab in this specific context. It highlights that God's justice is never detached or cold, but deeply intertwined with His compassionate nature.

* [Jeremiah 48:34-36](/jeremiah/48-34-36 "Jeremiah 48:34-36 - Jeremiah's Lament for Moab's Destruction")
* [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem's Impending Judgment")
* [Hosea 11:8](/hosea/11-8 "Hosea 11:8 - God's Compassion and Reluctance to Destroy Ephraim")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 15:5, though a prophecy of judgment against an ancient nation, offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary reflection and application. It powerfully reminds us that even when divine justice is enacted, it is not devoid of compassion. The prophet's lament for Moab, an enemy nation, challenges us to cultivate a deep empathy and sorrow for the suffering of all humanity, even those with whom we might disagree, those who seem far from God, or those who are considered our adversaries. This verse calls us to examine our own hearts: Do we rejoice in the downfall of others, or do we grieve over the devastating consequences of sin and rebellion, longing instead for repentance and true restoration? Furthermore, the futility of Moab's earthly strength and its reliance on its own resources serves as a powerful and timeless warning against placing our ultimate trust in anything other than God. True security, lasting peace, and enduring hope are found only in Him, not in material prosperity, military might, human ingenuity, or any other temporal foundation. We are called to recognize God's universal sovereignty over all nations and to align our lives with His righteous standards, understanding that consequences, both corporate and individual, inevitably follow our choices and our posture towards Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the prophet's lament for Moab challenge your own perspective on those you might consider "enemies" or "outsiders" in your life or in the world?**
* **What does God's apparent sorrow over Moab's destruction reveal about His character, particularly His compassion, even in the midst of executing judgment?**
* **In what areas of your life or within society might you be placing your ultimate trust in "earthly security" (like Moab's strength or wealth) rather than in the sovereign God?**
* **How can we cultivate a heart that genuinely grieves over the brokenness, suffering, and consequences of sin in the world, even when it is a direct result of human rebellion?**

### FAQ
**Why does the prophet's "heart cry out for Moab" if Moab was an enemy of Israel?**

Answer: The lament expressed in [Isaiah 15:5](/isaiah/15-5 "Isaiah 15:5 - Prophet's Lament for Moab") highlights a profound aspect of biblical prophecy and God's character: compassion even amidst judgment. While Moab was indeed a historical adversary of Israel, known for its deep-seated pride and idolatry (as seen in [Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Pride")), the prophet's sorrow reflects a deeper, divine perspective. It signifies that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but earnestly desires their repentance and life (as powerfully articulated in [Ezekiel 33:11](/zekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance")). This lament demonstrates God's universal sovereignty and His grief over the suffering that inevitably results from human rebellion, regardless of the identity or nationality of the people involved. It underscores the principle that divine judgment, while absolutely just and necessary, is a sorrowful necessity for God, not a joyous act.

**What is the significance of "an heifer of three years old" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "an heifer of three years old" (Hebrew: *ʻeglâh shᵉlîyshîy*) is a powerful **metaphor** used to describe Moab. A three-year-old heifer is typically at the peak of its vitality, strength, beauty, and productive capacity, often representing a nation in its prime, fertile and robust. By depicting Moab as such a heifer, the prophet conveys that a nation once strong, prosperous, and perhaps even arrogant in its might, is now being brought low and reduced to a state of terrified, mournful vulnerability. It suggests that Moab's former glory, strength, and proud independence are utterly shattered, much like a prized, strong animal being driven away in panic or led to slaughter. This vivid imagery effectively communicates the depth of their loss and the comprehensive, devastating nature of the impending destruction.

**What were Luhith and Horonaim, and why are they mentioned?**

Answer: Luhith and Horonaim were significant geographical locations within the ancient territory of Moab, situated east of the Dead Sea. Luhith (Hebrew: *Lûwchîyth*) was likely a steep ascent or a prominent mountainous climb, making the journey "by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping" a vivid and arduous image of desperate, sorrowful flight. Horonaim (Hebrew: *Chôrônayim*), meaning "double cave-town," was another key city or region in Moab. Their mention in [Isaiah 15:5](/isaiah/15-5 "Isaiah 15:5 - Lament for Moab") and other prophecies against Moab (e.g., [Jeremiah 48:3](/jeremiah/48-3 "Jeremiah 48:3 - Moab's Destruction")) emphasizes the widespread and comprehensive nature of the impending destruction. The lament and "cry of destruction" are not confined to one isolated area but sweep across the entire Moabite landscape, affecting all its inhabitants and demonstrating the totality and inescapable reach of the divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 15:5, while a prophecy of judgment on ancient Moab, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct historical event but in the profound theological themes it unveils, particularly concerning God's compassionate heart for humanity and the redemptive nature of true lament. The prophet's "heart crying out for Moab" powerfully foreshadows the deep compassion of God incarnate, Jesus Christ, who likewise wept over Jerusalem, lamenting its impending destruction due to its persistent rejection of Him and His message of salvation (as recorded in [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem's Impending Judgment")). This divine sorrow over human rebellion and suffering is a cornerstone of the Gospel message. Furthermore, the "cry of destruction" and the desperate flight of "fugitives" in Moab vividly point to the universal human condition of being lost, broken, and without true refuge apart from God. Christ, however, offers the ultimate refuge and salvation. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the righteous judgment that humanity justly deserves, thereby offering an escape from the ultimate "destruction" of eternal separation from God. His sacrificial death on the cross is the supreme demonstration of God's heart crying out for humanity, not in a lament of judgment, but in an unparalleled act of redemptive love, offering a way for all "fugitives" of sin to find true peace, reconciliation, and eternal life in Him (as seen in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love for Us")). He embodies the divine lament and transforms it into an invitation to life.

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 48:5

For in the going up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up; for in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction.

Jeremiah 4:20

Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, [and] my curtains in a moment.

Jeremiah 48:31

Therefore will I howl for Moab, and I will cry out for all Moab; [mine heart] shall mourn for the men of Kirheres.

Jeremiah 48:36

Therefore mine heart shall sound for Moab like pipes, and mine heart shall sound like pipes for the men of Kirheres: because the riches [that] he hath gotten are perished.

Luke 19:41

¶ And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

Luke 19:44

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Genesis 13:10

¶ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.