Isaiah16

Isaiah 16 opens with a call for Moab to send tribute to Zion, depicting Moab's people as vulnerable, wandering exiles. A plea is made for refuge for these outcasts, anticipating a future righteous Davidic reign that will end oppression. However, Moab's excessive pride is condemned, leading to a prophecy of widespread desolation across their fertile lands. The chapter concludes with a specific three-year timeline for Moab's glory to diminish, leaving only a small, feeble remnant.
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A Call for Refuge and Asylum

1
Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion. ​
2
For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon. ​
3
Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth. ​
4
Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land. ​
5
And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. ​

Moab's Pride and Deserved Destruction

6
We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so. ​
7
Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken. ​
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. ​
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. ​
10
And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease.
11
Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh. ​
12
And it shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, that he shall come to his sanctuary to pray; but he shall not prevail. ​

The Imminent Fulfillment of Prophecy

13
This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning Moab since that time. ​
14
But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble. ​

Study Notes for Isaiah 16

Verse 1

This verse is widely interpreted as a plea for Moab to send tribute (the lamb) to Jerusalem (the mount of the daughter of Zion) from its southern fortress (Sela), thereby seeking protection and alliance against a common foe, likely Assyria.

Verse 2

The image of the wandering bird cast out of the nest vividly portrays the utter confusion, vulnerability, and disorientation of the Moabite refugees fleeing the invading army near their southern border (the fords of Arnon).

Verse 3

This is a direct appeal to Judah, urging them to act righteously by providing asylum. To 'make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday' means to offer cool, dark, and complete shelter during a time of intense heat and danger.

Verse 4

The prophet encourages Judah to offer permanent shelter (a 'covert') to the Moabite outcasts, assuring them that the threat ('the extortioner,' likely Assyria) will eventually cease, and justice will prevail.

Verse 5

The theological basis for Judah's ability to offer refuge is established here: the messianic hope centered on the Davidic throne. The righteous King will rule in truth and mercy, making Zion the ultimate place of secure justice.

Verse 6

The tone shifts dramatically. The opportunity for refuge is contrasted with Moab’s defining sin: excessive pride and arrogance (Gk. *hybris*). This haughtiness is the underlying cause of their judgment.

Verse 7

Kirhareseth (modern Kerak) was a major fortress city. The mourning for its 'foundations' emphasizes the totality of the destruction, indicating that the nation's core strength and structure are ruined.

Verse 8

Heshbon and Sibmah were renowned for their high-quality vines. The destruction of these famous vineyards symbolizes the complete collapse of Moab’s agricultural prosperity, economy, and national joy.

Verse 9

The prophet expresses profound empathy, weeping over the destruction of the vines and the loss of celebration. This demonstrates God’s sorrow and compassion, even in the execution of necessary judgment.

Verse 11

The prophet uses powerful anthropomorphic language ('my bowels shall sound like an harp') to describe his internal, physical anguish and deep emotional distress over the suffering of Moab.

Verse 12

This verse highlights the futility of Moab’s pagan worship. When faced with genuine crisis, their rituals on the 'high place' and prayers in their sanctuary will be ineffective against the sovereign judgment of the LORD.

Verse 13

This serves as a concluding validation, affirming that the entire oracle (chapters 15–16) is a fixed decree spoken by the LORD, not merely a human prediction.

Verse 14

The phrase 'as the years of an hireling' signifies a precise, fixed, and non-extendable term. This prophecy specifies an imminent judgment—within three years—when Moab’s great glory and population will be drastically reduced.

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