Isaiah 16:1

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Isaiah 16:1 (KJV) opens a unique plea amidst prophecies of judgment against Moab. Following the vivid descriptions of Moab's desolation in the preceding chapter, this verse presents an instruction or desperate appeal for the Moabites to send tribute and seek refuge in Judah.

Context

The chapters immediately preceding and following Isaiah 16 focus on the "burden of Moab," detailing the impending destruction and lamentation that will befall the nation (Isaiah 15:1). This judgment is likely due to the Assyrian invasion, which would destabilize the region and force Moab to seek alliances or protection. Historically, Moab often had a contentious relationship with Israel and Judah, but in their distress, they are urged to turn to Jerusalem, the seat of God's chosen people and the Davidic king, for succor.

Key Themes

  • Desperate Plea for Refuge: The command to "Send ye the lamb" symbolizes a desperate act of submission and a request for protection. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sending tribute, especially lambs, was a common gesture of vassalage or seeking favor from a stronger power. This highlights Moab's dire situation.
  • Moab's Humiliation: A proud nation, often an antagonist to Israel, is depicted here as being brought low, compelled to seek help from the "ruler of the land" (the king of Judah) at the "mount of the daughter of Zion" (Jerusalem). This signifies a profound reversal of fortunes.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Even in the midst of national turmoil and judgment, God's plan unfolds. The destination, Jerusalem, the "mount of the daughter of Zion," underscores that true refuge and authority ultimately reside with God's chosen people and His appointed king.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Send ye the lamb": This phrase likely refers to a customary tribute, possibly a "lamb of the ruler" or a symbolic offering. Lambs were a common form of tribute, as seen with King Mesha of Moab paying tribute to Israel.
  • "Sela": While Sela is famously associated with Edom (Petra), in this context, it refers to a significant stronghold or region within Moab or on its border, from which the plea for help originates. Its name literally means "rock," implying a strong, fortified place.
  • "Mount of the daughter of Zion": This is a poetic and reverent term for Jerusalem, specifically Mount Zion, where the Temple and the royal palace were located. It emphasizes the spiritual and political center of Judah, a place of divine presence and potential refuge.

Practical Application

Isaiah 16:1 reminds us that in times of great distress, even those who have been hostile may be driven to seek help from unexpected sources. For believers, this verse can serve as a powerful reminder of where true refuge is found. When facing overwhelming circumstances, we are called to humble ourselves and turn to God, who is our ultimate refuge and strength. It underscores the principle that humility and seeking divine help are far more effective than relying on human pride or strength alone, especially when facing the consequences of one's actions or the trials of life.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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