Isaiah 16:1

KJV

¶ Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion.

KJV (with Strong's)

Send {H7971} ye the lamb {H3733} to the ruler {H4910} of the land {H776} from Sela {H5554} to the wilderness {H4057}, unto the mount {H2022} of the daughter {H1323} of Zion {H6726}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Send lambs for the ruler of the land from the crags toward the desert to the mountain of the daughter of Tziyon.

Berean Standard Bible

Send the tribute lambs to the ruler of the land, from Sela in the desert to the mount of Daughter Zion.

American Standard Version

Send ye the lambs for the ruler of the land from Selah to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 16:1 issues a profound and urgent appeal to the nation of Moab, facing imminent desolation, to send a symbolic tribute of lambs to the Davidic king in Jerusalem. This verse, embedded within a larger prophetic oracle detailing Moab's downfall, transitions from lament to a direct imperative, urging Moab to seek refuge and protection from the "ruler of the land" on "Mount Zion." It powerfully illustrates the dramatic reversal of fortunes for a once-proud nation, now compelled to humble itself and turn to Judah, the seat of God's covenant people, for succor amidst their overwhelming distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 16:1 immediately follows the vivid and sorrowful "burden of Moab" in [Isaiah 15](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - The Burden of Moab"), which graphically portrays the widespread devastation, wailing, and desperate flight of Moabite cities and their inhabitants. The preceding chapter paints a picture of utter desolation, with Moab's pride shattered and its land laid waste by an unnamed aggressor, likely Assyria. [Isaiah 16:1](/isaiah/16-1 "Isaiah 16:1 - Plea for Refuge") thus serves as a stark and pivotal contrast, shifting abruptly from a description of judgment to an imperative or plea, thereby presenting a potential, albeit difficult, path to refuge or at least a mitigation of suffering. This abrupt shift from lament to a direct command or entreaty signals a moment of decision, suggesting that even in the throes of divine judgment, an opportunity for submission and seeking help from an unexpected quarter might exist. The subsequent verses in [Isaiah 16](/isaiah/16 "Isaiah 16 - Moab's Plea and Pride") continue this thematic tension, describing Moab's deep-seated pride as the root of its downfall, which makes the act of sending tribute a profound and necessary act of humility.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies concerning Moab in Isaiah 15-16 are generally understood to be situated against the turbulent backdrop of Assyrian imperial expansion in the 8th century BCE. Assyria, a formidable regional power, routinely invaded and subjugated smaller nations like Moab, demanding heavy tribute and often enforcing mass deportations. Moab, strategically located east of the Dead Sea, maintained a long and frequently contentious relationship with Israel and Judah, characterized by periods of both conflict and subjugation (ee.g., [2 Kings 3:4-5](/2_kings/3-4 "2 Kings 3:4-5 - Mesha's Rebellion")). In this desperate scenario, with their own defenses crumbling, the Moabites are urged to turn to Judah, whose capital, Jerusalem, was perceived as a more secure sanctuary. This perception was likely due to its elevated geographical position, strong fortifications, and, more significantly, the presence of the Davidic king and the Lord's Temple. The act of sending "the lamb" was a well-established practice in the ancient Near East, signifying tribute, an act of submission, and a formal request for protection or vassalage from a more powerful sovereign.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over all nations, even those historically hostile to Israel. Moab's impending judgment is portrayed as an integral part of God's divine plan, yet remarkably, an avenue for seeking mercy is presented, underscoring God's ultimate control. Secondly, it underscores the profound theme of **Refuge and Deliverance**, positing Jerusalem, the "mount of the daughter of Zion," as the singular place where true security can be found, not in human strength, military might, or political alliances. This implicitly points to the Lord as the ultimate and only reliable source of protection and salvation. Thirdly, the imperative command to "send ye the lamb" profoundly symbolizes **Humility and Submission**. For a nation as proud as Moab, this act of sending tribute to a former adversary represents a profound and necessary humbling, a prerequisite step before any hope of relief or divine favor can be extended. This echoes the broader biblical principle that God opposes the proud but extends grace to the humble, a timeless theme powerfully articulated in passages like [Proverbs 3:34](/proverbs/3-34 "Proverbs 3:34 - God Opposes the Proud") and [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lamb (Hebrew, _kar'_):** From H3733, this term specifically refers to a ram, particularly one that is plump and full-grown. In the context of tribute, it signifies a valuable and customary offering, representing a substantial payment or a significant gesture of submission. The descriptive "fatness" of the ram implies prosperity, making the offering a considerable sacrifice from Moab's dwindling resources, further emphasizing their dire straits and the depth of their desperate plea. While "lamb" often carries sacrificial connotations in other biblical contexts, here it primarily functions as a valuable commodity for tribute.
* **Ruler (Hebrew, _mâshal'_):** From H4910, this primitive root means "to rule," "to have dominion," or "to govern." In this verse, it refers to the king of Judah, who is the legitimate authority in "the land" (Judah). The use of this term emphasizes the hierarchical relationship being proposed: Moab, in its profound distress, is compelled to acknowledge the sovereignty, authority, and power of Judah's king, seeking his protection as a vassal would from a suzerain. This represents a significant reversal of historical power dynamics, as Moab had frequently resisted or challenged Israelite and Judean rule.
* **Daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From H1323, this word, while literally meaning "daughter," is used idiomatically and poetically in this context to refer to the inhabitants or the very essence and identity of a city or nation, as in "daughter of Zion." It serves to personify Jerusalem and its people, emphasizing their collective identity and being. Thus, "Mount of the daughter of Zion" powerfully evokes the spiritual and political heart of Judah, the dwelling place of God's presence, and the seat of the Davidic throne, imbuing the location with profound significance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Send ye the lamb":** This is an imperative command, a direct and urgent instruction urging the Moabites to dispatch a specific and valuable form of tribute. The "lamb" (or ram) symbolizes a precious offering, a clear sign of submission, and a desperate plea for clemency or protection. It implies a profound act of seeking favor from a superior power, an acknowledgment of their own inability to withstand the impending destruction.
* **"to the ruler of the land":** This phrase clearly identifies the recipient of the tribute as the king of Judah, who is seated in Jerusalem. It specifies the one whose authority Moab is now compelled to acknowledge, highlighting the dramatic shift in power dynamics where Moab, once proud and defiant, must now appeal to a nation it often opposed or viewed as an adversary.
* **"from Sela to the wilderness":** This geographical descriptor indicates the vast and challenging origin point of the plea or tribute. Sela, a prominent rock-city (likely Petra or a similar stronghold in Moabite/Edomite territory), represents the heartland or a significant point of Moabite power and refuge. "To the wilderness" suggests the expansive, desolate region through which the tribute would travel, emphasizing the arduous journey and the vastness of the territory from which Moab's desperate plea emanates. It signifies the widespread nature of Moab's distress and the urgency of their desperate situation.
* **"unto the mount of the daughter of Zion":** This specifies the ultimate destination of the tribute and the intended place of refuge. "Mount of the daughter of Zion" is a poetic and reverent designation for Jerusalem, particularly Mount Zion, where the Temple and the royal palace were located. It signifies the spiritual and political center of Judah, the place where God's presence dwelt, and where the Davidic king, God's chosen ruler, resided. It is presented as the locus of true authority, divine protection, and potential salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 16:1 is rich with powerful literary devices that enhance its message. **Symbolism** is central, with "the lamb" representing not merely a physical animal but a profound act of tribute, submission, and a desperate plea for protection, signifying Moab's utterly humbled and vulnerable state. "Sela" powerfully symbolizes Moab's former strength, pride, and fortifications, now rendered utterly insufficient in the face of impending judgment, while "the mount of the daughter of Zion" symbolizes the ultimate refuge, the seat of divine authority, and the source of true protection. The phrase "daughter of Zion" itself is a striking example of **Personification** and **Metonymy**, where Jerusalem and its inhabitants are personified as a "daughter," evoking a deep sense of collective identity, vulnerability, and spiritual significance. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Imperative** or a desperate **Plea**, dramatically shifting the tone from the lament of the previous chapter to a direct, urgent call to action, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the desperate hope for intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 16:1 offers a profound theological insight into God's sovereign dealings with all nations, even those outside His direct covenant. It demonstrates that divine judgment, while inevitable for unrepentant pride and rebellion, can also paradoxically present an opportunity for humility, repentance, and a turning towards the true source of refuge. The command for Moab to send tribute to Zion underscores the enduring theological principle that ultimate authority, security, and salvation reside with God and His chosen instruments, whether the Davidic king or, ultimately, the Messiah. It suggests that even historical enemies, when faced with overwhelming and inescapable circumstances, may be divinely led to acknowledge a higher power and seek help from an unexpected quarter. This act of seeking refuge in Zion, though compelled by distress, mirrors the universal human need for a secure haven, pointing beyond earthly kings and fortresses to the divine King who alone offers ultimate and eternal shelter.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When Ways Please the Lord"): "When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord"): "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient plea from Moab resonates deeply with the perennial human condition, serving as a powerful reminder that pride often precedes a devastating fall, and that true, lasting refuge is found not in self-reliance, earthly strongholds, or fleeting alliances, but in humble submission to a higher, divine power. When our own resources are utterly exhausted, and our proud defenses crumble under the relentless weight of life's trials, the crushing consequences of our choices, or the overwhelming pressures of external forces, Isaiah 16:1 compels us to profoundly consider where we instinctively turn for help. It challenges us to lay down our stubbornness, our self-sufficiency, and our pride, symbolized by the "lamb" of tribute, and to earnestly seek the "ruler of the land" – the one who truly holds ultimate dominion and offers genuine, unfailing protection. For believers, this means turning wholeheartedly to God, who is our ultimate refuge and strength, especially when the "wilderness" of our circumstances seems overwhelming and desolate. It is a profound call to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, trusting in His sovereign timing and His unfailing promise that in due course, He will lift us up.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strongholds" or sources of pride do I tend to rely on instead of seeking God's refuge in times of distress and uncertainty?**
* **In what specific ways might God be calling me to "send the lamb" – to humble myself and offer a tribute of submission, repentance, or obedience in a particular area of my life?**
* **How does the ancient idea of seeking refuge on "Mount Zion" translate into practical, tangible steps of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and provision in my life today?**

### FAQ
**Why is Moab asked to send a lamb as tribute?**

Answer: Sending a lamb (or ram) was a common and significant practice in the ancient Near East to signify tribute, an act of submission, and a desperate plea for protection or favor from a more powerful ruler. For Moab, a nation facing imminent and widespread destruction, this act was a desperate measure, acknowledging their weakened state and seeking the protection of the Judean king in Jerusalem. It symbolized a profound and necessary humbling for a nation historically known for its immense pride and defiance, as vividly described later in [Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Pride").

**What is the significance of "Sela to the wilderness" as the origin of the plea?**

Answer: "Sela" was a prominent and formidable rock-city, likely Petra or a similar heavily fortified location, suggesting a place of considerable strength and refuge within Moabite or Edomite territory. The phrase "from Sela to the wilderness" indicates the vast, desolate, and challenging region from which this desperate plea originates, emphasizing the widespread distress and the arduous journey required to convey the tribute and message. It powerfully highlights the extent of Moab's desperation, as even their strongest fortresses and natural defenses could not protect them from the impending judgment, forcing them to seek help from afar.

**What does "the mount of the daughter of Zion" represent in this context?**

Answer: "The mount of the daughter of Zion" is a poetic, reverent, and deeply significant term for Jerusalem, specifically referring to Mount Zion, where the Temple and the royal palace were located. It represents the spiritual, political, and covenantal heart of Judah, the dwelling place of God's presence, and the seat of the Davidic king. In this context, it signifies the ultimate destination for refuge and authority. It is the place where God's covenant people reside, and where, despite past hostilities, Moab is urgently urged to seek help, implicitly conveying that true security and salvation are found under God's appointed rule and within His divine protection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 16:1, with its urgent and poignant plea to send the lamb to the ruler on Mount Zion for refuge, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "lamb" of tribute, a desperate offering for temporal salvation, foreshadows the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose perfect and singular sacrificial offering provides the true, eternal means of reconciliation with God and ultimate protection from divine judgment. The "ruler of the land" to whom Moab is directed points forward to Jesus, the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), the rightful and eternal heir to the Davidic throne, who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Furthermore, "the mount of the daughter of Zion" – Jerusalem, the earthly place of refuge – is ultimately fulfilled in the spiritual reality of the [heavenly Jerusalem](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem") and the New Creation, where Christ reigns supreme in perfect righteousness and peace. All who humble themselves, acknowledging their spiritual destitution and turning to Christ in faith, find in Him the ultimate and unshakeable refuge from the wrath to come ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from God's Wrath Through Christ")). He is the true sanctuary, the secure and eternal haven where all nations, regardless of their past enmity or pride, can find salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life, not by sending a mere lamb, but by embracing the Lamb who was slain for them and who lives forevermore ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Worthy is the Lamb")).

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

Isaiah 10:32

As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand [against] the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.

2 Kings 3:4

And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.

2 Kings 14:7

He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.

2 Samuel 8:2

And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And [so] the Moabites became David's servants, [and] brought gifts.

Isaiah 42:11

Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up [their voice], the villages [that] Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.

Ezra 7:17

That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which [is] in Jerusalem.

Micah 4:8

¶ And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.