Isaiah 16:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And gladness {H8057} is taken away {H622}, and joy {H1524} out of the plentiful field {H3759}; and in the vineyards {H3754} there shall be no singing {H7442}, neither shall there be shouting {H7321}: the treaders {H1869} shall tread out {H1869} no wine {H3196} in their presses {H3342}; I have made their vintage shouting {H1959} to cease {H7673}.

Complete Jewish Bible

gladness and joy are removed from the fruitful fields. No revelry in the vineyards, no happy shouting, no one treading grapes in the wine presses - I have silenced the vintage-cheers.

Berean Standard Bible

Joy and gladness are removed from the orchard; no one sings or shouts in the vineyards. No one tramples the grapes in the winepresses; I have put an end to the cheering.

American Standard Version

And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the fruitful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither joyful noise: no treader shall tread out wine in the presses; I have made the vintage shout to cease.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 16:10 powerfully depicts the impending, comprehensive desolation of Moab, focusing on the profound and utter loss of joy and prosperity that will accompany divine judgment. It paints a stark and poignant picture of a land once vibrant with the sounds of abundant harvest celebrations, now condemned to silence and barrenness. This verse underscores the complete reversal of Moab's fortunes, where the customary expressions of delight associated with its renowned agricultural yields, particularly from its celebrated vineyards, are entirely removed, signaling a deep economic, cultural, and spiritual collapse.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a climactic and deeply sorrowful component of Isaiah's "Burden of Moab," a prophetic oracle spanning [Isaiah 15](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - The Burden of Moab") and [Isaiah 16](/isaiah/16 "Isaiah 16 - Moab's Lament and Plea"). Following a lament over the initial stages of Moab's destruction and the flight of its inhabitants in [Isaiah 15](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - The Burden of Moab"), [Isaiah 16:10](/isaiah/16-10 "Isaiah 16:10 - The Desolation of Moab") intensifies the sorrow by detailing the specific loss of celebratory sounds and activities associated with its agricultural wealth. It serves as a poignant expression of the lament, highlighting the depth of the nation's despair and the completeness of its ruin. The broader context reveals that Moab's pervasive pride and defiance, particularly mentioned in [Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Pride"), are the underlying reasons for this severe divine judgment. The chapter then shifts to a plea for Moabite refugees and a future, albeit limited, hope, making this verse a stark depiction of the present calamity and the severity of God's hand.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation situated strategically east of the Dead Sea, renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its fertile lands, especially its vineyards and olive groves. Its agricultural prosperity, particularly in wine production, was a cornerstone of its economy and a significant source of national pride and identity, as evidenced in passages like [Deuteronomy 34:1](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1 - Moses Views the Promised Land from Moab") and [Jeremiah 48:33](/jeremiah/48-33 "Jeremiah 48:33 - Moab's Desolation"). Harvests, especially the grape vintage, were traditionally times of immense festivity, marked by singing, shouting, dancing, and general revelry. The "vintage shouting" (Hebrew: *hêydâd*) was a specific, joyous acclamation accompanying the treading of grapes in the winepresses, symbolizing abundance and communal delight. The impending judgment, likely at the hands of an invading empire such as Assyria in the 8th century BCE or later Babylon, would lead to widespread desolation, transforming these scenes of vibrant celebration into silence, mourning, and economic ruin. The imagery of silenced presses thus powerfully conveys both profound economic collapse and deep cultural despair.

* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 16:10](/isaiah/16-10 "Isaiah 16:10 - The Desolation of Moab") contributes significantly to several major themes within Isaiah's broader prophecy. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's sovereign control over all nations and the severe consequences of their pride, idolatry, and defiance against His will, as clearly seen in Moab's arrogant posture (cf. [Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Pride")). Second, the verse vividly portrays the **Loss of Joy and Prosperity**, contrasting Moab's past agricultural abundance and celebratory culture with its future desolation. The removal of gladness, singing, and shouting signifies not merely economic decline but a profound spiritual and emotional void, indicating a complete reversal of their fortunes. Third, the imagery of silent vineyards and empty wine presses highlights the theme of **Desolation and Barrenness**, indicating a land where the fruits of labor will no longer be enjoyed, leading to both physical and spiritual emptiness. Finally, it powerfully illustrates the **Reversal of Fortune**, where a source of national pride and celebration becomes a scene of silence and sorrow, serving as a stark reminder of the transient nature of worldly success when divorced from God's favor and justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gladness (Hebrew, _simchâh'_):** This term (H8057) refers to blithesomeness or glee, often associated with religious festivals or general rejoicing. Its removal signifies a deep, pervasive loss of emotional well-being and celebratory spirit, indicating that the very essence of joy and mirth has been stripped away from Moab.
* **joy (Hebrew, _gîyl'_):** Closely related to "gladness," this word (H1524) denotes a more exuberant, even revolutionary, form of joy or rejoicing, often implying a turning or circling in dance. Its pairing with *simchâh* emphasizes the totality of the emotional devastation, suggesting that every form of delight, from quiet contentment to boisterous, exultant celebration, has vanished.
* **shouting (Hebrew, _hêydâd'_):** This specific term (H1959) refers to an acclamation or shout, particularly the joyous cries associated with the vintage, as grapes were trodden in the winepresses. Its cessation is highly symbolic, representing the complete end of agricultural prosperity, the cessation of economic activity, and the demise of the festive culture that defined Moab's abundance and national identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field":** This opening clause immediately establishes the central theme of profound loss. "Gladness" (H8057) and "joy" (H1524) are personified as being "taken away" (from the Hebrew root H622, *ʼâçaph*, implying removal or gathering up, often by divine agency), suggesting a forced and deliberate cessation rather than a natural decline. The "plentiful field" (Hebrew: *karmel*, H3759) refers to Moab's fertile, cultivated lands, indicating that the very source of their material abundance, which once produced joy and prosperity, will now yield only sorrow and emptiness.
* **"and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting":** This clause provides specific and vivid imagery of the silenced celebrations. The "vineyards" (Hebrew: *kerem*, H3754), a central symbol of Moab's wealth and a place of traditional festivity, will no longer echo with "singing" (Hebrew: *rânan*, H7442, a joyful cry or shout of triumph) or "shouting" (Hebrew: *rûwaʼ*, H7321, a loud cry, often of joy or alarm). This profound absence of sound powerfully conveys the complete cessation of the festive atmosphere once characteristic of the grape harvest and the general vitality of the land.
* **"the treaders shall tread out no wine in [their] presses":** This line details the practical and economic consequence of the desolation. The "treaders" (Hebrew: *dârak*, H1869, referring to those who crush grapes by foot) will have no grapes to tread, and thus no "wine" (Hebrew: *yayin*, H3196) will be produced in the "presses" (Hebrew: *yeqeb*, H3342, the wine-vats where grapes are crushed and juice collected). This signifies utter economic ruin, the complete failure of the vintage, and the removal of the very occasion for the celebrations mentioned previously, highlighting the material foundation of their former joy.
* **"I have made [their vintage] shouting to cease":** The verse concludes with a powerful statement of divine agency and ultimate responsibility for the judgment. The authoritative "I" refers unequivocally to the Lord, indicating that this desolation is not merely a natural disaster or the result of human conflict, but a direct, sovereign act of God's judgment. The "vintage shouting" (Hebrew: *hêydâd*, H1959) is specifically targeted, emphasizing that God Himself is bringing an end to the very symbol of Moab's agricultural pride, economic prosperity, and cultural revelry, powerfully reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty and justice over nations.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 16:10 is exceptionally rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid sensory picture of a land transformed from vibrant celebration to desolate silence. The explicit mention of the absence of "singing" and "shouting" allows the reader to "hear" the profound silence that has fallen. **Parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "gladness" and "joy," and "singing" and "shouting," which serves to emphasize the comprehensive and total nature of the loss. The use of **Metonymy** is strong and effective, where "plentiful field," "vineyards," and "presses" stand in for the entire agricultural economy and, by extension, the nation's prosperity, cultural identity, and very source of well-being. The concluding phrase, "I have made their vintage shouting to cease," employs powerful **Divine Agency**, attributing the cessation of joy and prosperity directly to God, underscoring His absolute sovereignty over nations and their destinies. The complete absence of activity and sound, from the fields to the presses, suggests a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the totality and severity of the impending judgment, making the desolation seem absolute and inescapable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 16:10 serves as a profound theological statement on the transient nature of earthly prosperity and the severe consequences of national pride and defiance against God. It illustrates that true and lasting joy cannot be rooted in material abundance, economic success, or human achievements, but must ultimately derive from a right relationship with the sovereign Lord. The divine declaration, "I have made their vintage shouting to cease," highlights God's active and decisive role in judgment, demonstrating His justice against nations that exalt themselves and their idols above Him. This passage reminds us that God can, and sometimes does, remove sources of earthly delight to humble the proud, to expose the emptiness of worldly pursuits, and to redirect focus toward His ultimate purposes. The lament over Moab's lost joy implicitly points to the universal human need for a joy that transcends circumstances, one that is rooted in God's unchanging character and His eternal promises, rather than in the fleeting abundance of one’s possessions or harvest.

* [Jeremiah 48:33](/jeremiah/48-33 "Jeremiah 48:33 - Moab's Desolation and Lament"): "Joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field, and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses: none shall tread with shouting; their shouting shall be no shouting."
* [Hosea 2:11-12](/hosea/2-11-12 "Hosea 2:11-12 - God's Judgment on Israel's Idolatry"): "I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts. And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees, whereof she hath said, These are my rewards that my lovers have given me: and I will make them a forest, and the beasts of the field shall eat them."
* [Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence"): "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 16:10 offers a somber yet vital reflection for believers today on the sources of our joy and security. In a world that often measures success by material accumulation, outward celebration, and economic prosperity, this verse starkly reminds us that such blessings are temporal and can be swiftly diminished or removed. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate hope, identity, and deepest joy truly lie. If our joy is primarily derived from earthly achievements, financial stability, professional success, or cultural festivities, we are vulnerable to profound despair when these external sources are diminished or taken away. The divine judgment upon Moab, rooted in their pride and self-sufficiency, serves as a powerful cautionary tale, urging us to cultivate a joy that is independent of circumstances—a joy rooted in God's unchanging character, His steadfast love, and His eternal promises. This passage calls us to a deeper spiritual resilience, encouraging us to find our "plentiful field" not in temporal harvests, but in the enduring presence and unfailing provision of the Lord, recognizing that true flourishing and lasting gladness come from humble dependence on Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "plentiful fields" or primary sources of joy in my life that I might be relying on more than God?**
* **How do I typically respond when earthly blessings, sources of security, or even cultural celebrations are diminished or taken away?**
* **In what ways might unchecked pride, self-sufficiency, or a focus on material gain lead to a loss of spiritual or material flourishing in my own life?**
* **Where do I find my ultimate and unchanging joy, even amidst life's inevitable seasons of loss, desolation, or profound change?**

### FAQ

**Why does Isaiah focus so much on agricultural imagery for Moab's judgment?**

Answer: Isaiah's extensive use of agricultural imagery, particularly vineyards and wine production, for Moab's judgment is highly significant because these were central to Moab's identity, economy, and cultural celebrations. Moab was renowned for its fertile lands and abundant harvests, especially its grapes and wine, which were sources of national pride and economic stability. By prophesying the cessation of gladness, singing, and shouting in the vineyards and the failure of the wine presses, Isaiah directly targets the very symbols of Moab's prosperity and national identity. This imagery powerfully conveys a complete and devastating reversal of fortune, indicating not just economic ruin but also the loss of cultural vibrancy and the very essence of their perceived blessedness. It highlights that what Moab relied upon for its joy and security would become the very locus of its despair, demonstrating the comprehensive and targeted nature of God's judgment. This approach also makes the prophecy deeply relatable and impactful to an agrarian society that understood the rhythms and significance of the harvest.

**What does "gladness is taken away" imply about the nature of this judgment?**

Answer: The phrase "gladness is taken away" (using the Hebrew root *ʼâçaph*, H622, implying removal or gathering up, often by divine agency) suggests that this judgment is not merely a passive decline or a natural consequence of war, but an active, deliberate, and sovereign act. It implies divine agency, meaning God Himself is orchestrating the removal of Moab's joy and prosperity. This is further reinforced by the concluding statement, "I have made their vintage shouting to cease," where the "I" explicitly refers to the Lord. This direct intervention signifies that the judgment is comprehensive, touching not just material wealth but also the emotional, cultural, and spiritual well-being of the nation. It indicates that God is dismantling the very foundations of Moab's happiness and security, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and justice. The removal of gladness is a profound spiritual blow, highlighting that true and lasting joy is ultimately a gift from God, which He can withdraw when a people persist in pride, defiance, and idolatry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 16:10 speaks of the removal of earthly joy and the desolation of a nation due to divine judgment, its ultimate fulfillment points to the profound and enduring joy found in Jesus Christ. Moab's reliance on the "plentiful field" and the "vintage shouting" as sources of gladness contrasts sharply with the spiritual realities of God's kingdom. In Christ, the true "vineyard" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine")), we find a joy that the world cannot give and cannot take away ([John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - Jesus' Joy in Believers") and [John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Enduring Joy in Christ")). The silence of Moab's presses, signifying the end of earthly celebration and self-sufficiency, foreshadows the ultimate silence of all human boasting and pride before God, yet it also paves the way for a new, eternal "shouting"—the praise of those redeemed by the Lamb of God. Christ, through His sacrificial death, takes away the sin of the world, not just earthly gladness ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a harvest of righteousness and peace that yields everlasting joy ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). The "joy of the Lord" becomes our strength ([Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")), a spiritual vintage that never ceases, culminating in the triumphant shouts of praise for the King of kings in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 19:6-7](/revelation/19-6-7 "Revelation 19:6-7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the Reign of Christ")).

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

Jeremiah 48:33

And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful field, and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to fail from the winepresses: none shall tread with shouting; [their] shouting [shall be] no shouting.

Amos 5:11

Forasmuch therefore as your treading [is] upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.

Amos 5:17

And in all vineyards [shall be] wailing: for I will pass through thee, saith the LORD.

Judges 9:27

And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode [the grapes], and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.

Habakkuk 3:17

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls:

Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Isaiah 24:7

The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.