Isaiah 16:13

This [is] the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning Moab since that time.

This is the word {H1697} that the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696} concerning Moab {H4124} since that time {H227}.

This is the word ADONAI spoke against Mo'av in the past.

This is the message that the LORD spoke earlier concerning Moab.

This is the word that Jehovah spake concerning Moab in time past.

Commentary

Isaiah 16:13 serves as a crucial concluding statement to the preceding prophecies regarding the nation of Moab, emphasizing their divine origin and certainty. It marks a transition point, confirming that the pronouncements against Moab are not mere human observations but direct declarations from the sovereign God.

Context

This verse concludes the "burden of Moab" found in Isaiah chapters 15 and 16. These chapters graphically depict the desolation, lamentation, and eventual downfall of Moab, a neighboring nation to Israel located east of the Dead Sea. Historically, Moab was a descendant of Lot (Genesis 19:37) and often an adversary of Israel, known for its pride and idolatry. The prophecies detail their suffering, their plea for refuge (which Judah largely denies), and the ultimate destruction of their strongholds and vineyards. Verse 13 acts as a divine seal, stating that the entire preceding oracle is the unequivocal "word that the LORD hath spoken concerning Moab since that time," setting the stage for the specific timeline given in Isaiah 16:14.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority of Prophecy: The phrase "the word that the LORD hath spoken" underscores that these pronouncements are not human conjectures but direct, authoritative declarations from God. This emphasizes His control over history and nations.
  • Certainty of God's Judgment: The explicit statement ensures the reader that the detailed prophecies of Moab's destruction will indeed come to pass. God's word is reliable and always fulfilled, a theme echoed in Isaiah 55:11.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: This verse, like many other "burdens" against nations in Isaiah (e.g., Isaiah 13:1 concerning Babylon), demonstrates God's ultimate rule not just over Israel but over all peoples and empires. He holds all accountable for their actions, particularly their pride (Isaiah 16:6) and opposition to His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "word" here is dabar (ื“ึธึผื‘ึธืจ), which means more than just a spoken utterance; it often implies an active, effective decree or a matter that has real substance and consequence. When linked with "the LORD" (YHWH, ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”), it highlights the covenant-keeping God's personal and powerful involvement in world affairs. The phrase "since that time" (ืžึตืึธื– - me'az) can imply that this word has been declared or set in motion for a long time, or that it refers to a prophecy given at a specific earlier juncture, now being reiterated or confirmed.

Practical Application

Isaiah 16:13 reminds us of several enduring truths. Firstly, God's word is steadfast and true; what He declares will come to pass. This provides both comfort for those who trust Him and a warning for those who defy Him. Secondly, God is sovereign over all nations and holds them accountable for their actions and pride. This encourages believers to trust in His ultimate plan for justice and righteousness, even amidst global turmoil. Finally, it reinforces the principle that national or individual pride, apart from God, inevitably leads to a fall, urging humility and reliance on divine wisdom.

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

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 44:8

    Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared [it]? ye [are] even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, [there is] no God; I know not [any].
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