Isaiah 15:9

KJV

For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood: for I will bring more upon Dimon, lions upon him that escapeth of Moab, and upon the remnant of the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the waters {H4325} of Dimon {H1775} shall be full {H4390} of blood {H1818}: for I will bring {H7896} more {H3254} upon Dimon {H1775}, lions {H738} upon him that escapeth {H6413} of Moab {H4124}, and upon the remnant {H7611} of the land {H127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the waters of Dimon are full of blood, yet I have worse in store for Dimon - a lion for those who escape from Mo'av and for those who remain in its land.

Berean Standard Bible

The waters of Dimon are full of blood, but I will bring more upon Dimon— a lion upon the fugitives of Moab and upon the remnant of the land.

American Standard Version

For the waters of Dimon are full of blood; for I will bring yet more upon Dimon, a lion upon them of Moab that escape, and upon the remnant of the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 15:9 concludes a vivid and devastating oracle against Moab, a neighboring nation to ancient Israel. This verse intensifies the prophetic imagery of divine judgment, depicting a scene of overwhelming bloodshed and inescapable doom. It portrays the waters of Dimon, a Moabite city, as being "full of blood," signifying catastrophic loss of life. Furthermore, it declares that even those who manage to escape the initial wave of destruction will face a subsequent, relentless peril in the form of "lions," symbolizing a complete and unavoidable divine wrath that leaves no one untouched and no refuge secure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 15:9 serves as the grim climax to the "burden of Moab," a prophetic oracle spanning [Isaiah chapters 15 and 16](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15-16 - The Burden of Moab"). The preceding verses in [Isaiah 15](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - Prophecy Against Moab") paint a picture of widespread lamentation, with specific Moabite cities like Ar, Kir, and Dibon (likely synonymous with Dimon) facing utter desolation. The imagery includes shaved heads, sackcloth, and public weeping, traditional signs of deep mourning and national catastrophe. Verse 9 escalates this sorrow into a horrifying depiction of literal bloodshed and relentless pursuit, emphasizing the totality of the impending judgment. It moves beyond the emotional distress of national collapse to the physical horror of mass slaughter and the complete eradication of any hope for survival.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was a nation with a complex and often antagonistic relationship with Israel, despite their shared ancestry through Lot, Abraham's nephew (as seen in [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Birth of Moab")). Throughout their history, Moab often oppressed or opposed Israel, leading to various prophetic condemnations. The prophecy in Isaiah 15-16 likely refers to a historical invasion, possibly by Assyria, which was a dominant regional power during Isaiah's time. The mention of "lions" is particularly potent in this context. While it could refer to literal wild animals preying on scattered survivors, it more likely symbolizes a fierce, relentless invading army—a common biblical metaphor for destructive forces, as seen in [Jeremiah 4:7](/jeremiah/4-7 "Jeremiah 4:7 - A Lion Has Come Up"). The "waters full of blood" imagery evokes the horror of ancient warfare where rivers and wells could become choked with the dead, rendering them unusable and symbolizing complete devastation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's sovereign right and power to bring nations to account for their wickedness and opposition to His people. The severity of the judgment on Moab highlights that God's warnings are not idle threats. Second, it emphasizes the **Inescapability of God's Wrath**. The idea that even those who flee one peril will encounter another ("lions upon him that escapeth") illustrates that no human effort or hiding place can ultimately thwart divine justice. This resonates with the truth found in [Amos 9:2](/amos/9-2 "Amos 9:2 - No Escape from God's Presence"), where God declares that even if His people dig into Sheol or climb to heaven, His hand will find them. Finally, the declaration "for I will bring more upon Dimon" reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, asserting that this catastrophic event is not merely a random historical occurrence but a direct act of God's will and purpose, demonstrating His ultimate control over the destinies of all nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dimon (Hebrew, _Dîymôwn'_):** This term (H1775) refers to a place in Palestine, likely an alternative or symbolic name for Dibon, a major Moabite city mentioned elsewhere in the oracle (e.g., [Isaiah 15:2](/isaiah/15-2 "Isaiah 15:2 - Dibon's Lament")). The name itself may carry a phonetic resemblance or wordplay with the Hebrew word for "blood" (_dam_), intensifying the imagery of the verse and suggesting that the very identity of the place becomes synonymous with its bloody fate.
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** The word (H1818) denotes blood, specifically as that which, when shed, causes death. It can also figuratively refer to bloodshed or guilt. In this context, "full of blood" signifies not just a few casualties but an overwhelming, catastrophic loss of life, a scene of mass slaughter so immense that it contaminates the very water sources, making them unusable and horrific.
* **lions (Hebrew, _ʼărîy'_):** This word (H738) literally means "lion" but often symbolizes fierce, destructive forces. It can represent powerful invading armies or overwhelming calamities. Here, it signifies a relentless, savage, and complete destruction that pursues even the scattered survivors, leaving no hope for escape or refuge.
* **more (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** The root (H3254) means "to add or augment," "to continue to do a thing," or "to increase." In this verse, "I will bring more" emphasizes the cumulative and intensifying nature of God's judgment. It implies that the initial devastation is not the end; further, even greater calamities are yet to come upon Moab.
* **remnant (Hebrew, _shᵉʼêrîyth'_):** This term (H7611) refers to a remainder or residual portion, specifically those surviving. The phrase "upon the remnant of the land" indicates that even the few who might escape the initial onslaught or the "lions" will not be spared from the comprehensive judgment that envelops the entire territory of Moab.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood:"** This clause sets a gruesome and shocking scene. "Dimon" likely refers to Dibon, a significant Moabite city. The imagery of its waters—perhaps its rivers, wells, or springs—being "full of blood" is a powerful hyperbole signifying an immense and horrific slaughter. It implies that the bloodshed is so vast that it contaminates the very life source of the city, rendering it uninhabitable and a monument to death.
* **"for I will bring more upon Dimon,"** This declarative statement reveals the divine agency behind the catastrophe. The "I" refers to the Lord, asserting His direct involvement and sovereign control over these events. The phrase "bring more" indicates that the judgment described is not a singular event but an escalating, continuous, or additional wave of destruction that will further devastate the already suffering city and region.
* **"lions upon him that escapeth of Moab,"** This vivid imagery describes the fate of those who manage to survive the initial wave of destruction. "Lions" here are symbolic of fierce, relentless, and inescapable destructive forces—whether literal wild animals preying on the weak, or more likely, subsequent waves of invading armies or calamities that pursue and destroy the scattered remnants of the Moabite population. It underscores the utter lack of refuge or hope for those attempting to flee.
* **"and upon the remnant of the land."** This final phrase broadens the scope of the judgment from individual escapees to the entire remaining population and territory of Moab. It signifies that the judgment is comprehensive and total, leaving no portion of the land or its inhabitants untouched. Even the "remnant," those who might have hoped to rebuild, will face the same inescapable doom, ensuring the complete fulfillment of the prophecy of desolation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 15:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of overwhelming judgment. **Imagery** is central, with phrases like "waters... full of blood" and "lions upon him that escapeth" creating vivid, horrifying mental pictures of mass death and relentless pursuit. This stark visual language is designed to evoke a strong emotional response and underscore the severity of the impending doom. **Hyperbole** is evident in the declaration that waters will be "full of blood," an exaggeration used to emphasize the immense scale of the slaughter rather than a literal prediction of water transforming into blood. This amplifies the sense of complete devastation. **Symbolism** is also prominent, particularly with "lions" representing not just literal predators but powerful, destructive forces—likely invading armies or divine agents of judgment—that will pursue and annihilate the survivors. The mention of "Dimon" itself may contain **Wordplay**, as it phonetically resembles the Hebrew word for "blood" (_dam_), subtly reinforcing the verse's central theme of bloodshed. Finally, the explicit "I will bring" demonstrates **Divine Persona**, emphasizing that the judgment is not random but a direct, intentional act of God's sovereign will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 15:9 is a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and His sovereign authority over all nations. It illustrates that rebellion and opposition to His will, even from nations seemingly distant from Israel's covenant, do not go unpunished. The graphic imagery of total destruction underscores the gravity of sin and the comprehensive nature of divine judgment when it falls. Yet, even in this severe pronouncement, there is an implicit call to acknowledge God's power and to seek His mercy, as the ultimate hope for any nation or individual lies in aligning with His righteous ways. The relentless pursuit of the "lions" symbolizes the inescapable consequences of unrepentant sin, a truth consistently woven throughout Scripture.

* [Exodus 7:19](/exodus/7-19 "Exodus 7:19 - The Plague of Blood")
* [Amos 9:2](/amos/9-2 "Amos 9:2 - No Escape from God's Presence")
* [Jeremiah 25:15-16](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15-16 - The Cup of God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a specific prophecy against ancient Moab, Isaiah 15:9 offers timeless principles for all generations. It serves as a profound reminder of the seriousness with which God regards sin and rebellion, not just in individuals but in nations and communities. The graphic depiction of judgment should stir within us a holy fear and reverence for God's power and righteousness. It compels us to consider our own lives and allegiances: are we living in alignment with His will, or are we, like Moab, setting ourselves against Him? The verse also highlights the futility of attempting to escape God's ultimate justice through human means; there is no hiding place from His all-seeing eye and sovereign hand. This should lead us not to despair, but to a deeper understanding of the urgent need for repentance and reliance on God's mercy, which alone provides true refuge. It challenges us to reflect on the consequences of societal and personal sin, recognizing that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and to live in light of His coming kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "waters full of blood" and "lions upon him that escapeth" challenge your understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or as a society, attempt to "escape" the consequences of our actions, and how does this verse speak to such attempts?**
* **What does God's sovereign declaration, "I will bring more upon Dimon," reveal about His control over world events, and how should this truth shape our trust in Him?**
* **Considering the severity of this judgment, what is the appropriate response for those who seek to live in accordance with God's will today?**

### FAQ
**What was the relationship between Moab and Israel?**

Answer: Moab was a nation descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew, making them distant relatives of the Israelites. Despite this kinship, their relationship was often marked by hostility and conflict. Moabites frequently opposed Israel, as seen in the story of Balak and Balaam in [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22-24 - Balak and Balaam"), and they often engaged in idolatry and immoral practices that were anathema to Israel's covenant with Yahweh. This history of antagonism and spiritual deviation contributed to the prophetic judgments against Moab, including the one in [Isaiah 15](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - Prophecy Against Moab").

**Does "lions" refer to literal animals or something else?**

Answer: While literal lions were present in the ancient Near East and could prey on scattered populations, in biblical prophecy, "lions" (as in [Isaiah 15:9](/isaiah/15-9 "Isaiah 15:9 - The Waters of Dimon")) often serve as a powerful symbol for fierce, destructive forces. In the context of national judgment, this typically refers to invading armies that are relentless, savage, and leave no survivors. For example, [Jeremiah 4:7](/jeremiah/4-7 "Jeremiah 4:7 - A Lion Has Come Up") uses the imagery of a lion coming out of its thicket to describe an invading army. Therefore, in Isaiah 15:9, "lions" most likely symbolizes the inescapable and utterly devastating nature of the military conquest or divine judgment that would befall Moab.

**What is the significance of "Dimon" being "full of blood"?**

Answer: The phrase "the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood" is a powerful and gruesome piece of **hyperbole** used to convey the immense scale of the impending slaughter. Dimon is likely an alternative name for Dibon, a major Moabite city. The imagery suggests that the bloodshed will be so vast and pervasive that it will contaminate the very water sources—rivers, wells, or springs—which are essential for life. This signifies not just a battle, but a complete and utter devastation, where life is extinguished on a massive scale, and the very environment becomes a testament to death and judgment. It evokes the horror of the [plague of blood in Egypt](/exodus/7-19 "Exodus 7:19 - The First Plague"), where God demonstrated His power over life and death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 15:9 graphically depicts God's judgment upon a rebellious nation, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found in how God's righteous wrath against sin is both displayed and ultimately satisfied in Jesus Christ. The "waters full of blood" and the relentless "lions" speak to the terrifying reality of divine justice, which demands a reckoning for all sin and rebellion. Humanity, like Moab, stands condemned by its sin, facing an inescapable judgment (as seen in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") and [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). However, the good news of the Gospel is that God, in His infinite love, provided a way for humanity to escape this deserved wrath. Jesus, 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 God's judgment on the cross, His own blood shed as the ultimate atonement for our sins ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")). He became the one upon whom the divine "lions" of judgment fell, so that those who believe in Him might be spared. Thus, the terrifying judgment prophesied for Moab finds its echo in the judgment due to all humanity, but its ultimate resolution and hope are found in the cross of Christ, where justice and mercy meet, offering deliverance from the wrath to come for all who trust in Him ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Him")).

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

2 Kings 17:25

And [so] it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, [that] they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew [some] of them.

Leviticus 26:28

Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

Leviticus 26:24

Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.

Jeremiah 50:17

Israel [is] a scattered sheep; the lions have driven [him] away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

Leviticus 26:21

And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.

Leviticus 26:22

I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your [high] ways shall be desolate.

Leviticus 26:18

And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.