Isaiah 15:9

Isaiah 15:9 concludes a vivid and somber prophecy concerning the destruction of Moab, a neighboring nation to Israel. This verse intensifies the imagery of judgment, emphasizing its totality and inescapability.

Context

This verse is part of the "burden of Moab" found in Isaiah chapters 15 and 16. Moab was a descendant of Lot, Abraham's nephew, but often an antagonist to Israel. The prophecy details widespread desolation, lamentation, and the utter collapse of Moabite cities and their agricultural prosperity. The previous verses describe weeping, shaved heads, and sackcloth – traditional signs of mourning. Verse 9 amplifies this by depicting not just sorrow but extreme violence and inescapable doom.

Key Themes

• Intensified Judgment: The phrase "For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood" paints a gruesome picture of mass slaughter, suggesting that the very water sources are contaminated by the bloodshed. This signifies an overwhelming and horrific defeat for Moab, reminiscent of the plague in Egypt where waters turned to blood.
• Inescapable Wrath: The verse highlights that even those who manage to escape the initial wave of destruction (the war and bloodshed) will face another peril: "lions upon him that escapeth of Moab." This symbolizes relentless pursuit and divine judgment that leaves no avenue for escape, similar to the concept of God's inescapable presence and judgment described elsewhere.
• Divine Sovereignty: The declaration "for I will bring more upon Dimon" clearly indicates that this devastation is not random but a direct act of God's will and judgment. It underscores God's absolute control over nations and their destinies.

Linguistic Insights

• Dimon: This is likely an alternative name for Dibon, a major Moabite city mentioned in Isaiah 15:2. Some scholars suggest it might be a wordplay on the Hebrew word for "blood" (dam), intensifying the imagery of bloodshed and devastation.
• Lions: In biblical prophecy, lions often symbolize fierce, destructive forces, whether literal wild animals or, more commonly, powerful invading armies or overwhelming calamities. Their mention here emphasizes the savage and complete nature of the impending doom.

Practical Application

While a historical prophecy against ancient Moab, Isaiah 15:9 carries timeless principles:

• The Gravity of Divine Judgment: This verse serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and rebellion. His warnings are not idle threats.
• No Escape from God's Justice: The idea that even those who escape one peril face another underscores that ultimately, no one can evade God's just consequences for unrepentant sin. This echoes the biblical truth that it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
• God's Sovereignty: Despite the chaos described, the ultimate control rests with God. He is the one who "will bring more upon Dimon," demonstrating His power over all nations and events. This should lead to reverence and a desire to align with His will.