Isaiah 16:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 16:13 serves as a definitive concluding statement to the preceding prophecies concerning Moab, emphatically asserting their divine origin and absolute certainty. It functions as a solemn declaration that the detailed pronouncements of judgment and desolation against this ancient nation are not mere human predictions or observations, but direct, authoritative, and unalterable decrees from the sovereign Lord, setting the stage for their imminent fulfillment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a powerful concluding seal to the "burden of Moab," an extended oracle spanning [Isaiah 15](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - The Burden of Moab") and [Isaiah 16](/isaiah/16 "Isaiah 16 - The Burden of Moab Continued"). Chapters 15 and 16 vividly portray the utter devastation, deep lamentation, and eventual downfall of Moab, detailing the destruction of their cities, the flight of their refugees, and the desolation of their once-fertile lands and vineyards. The preceding verses in [Isaiah 16:6-12](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6-12 - Moab's Pride and Lament") specifically highlight Moab's excessive pride as a root cause of their judgment and describe the profound grief and wailing that will accompany their ruin. Verse 13 transitions from the graphic depiction of suffering to a formal divine authentication, affirming that all that has been declared is the Lord's own word, thereby lending ultimate weight and inevitability to the prophecy, immediately preceding the specific timeline given in [Isaiah 16:14](/isaiah/16-14 "Isaiah 16:14 - The Three-Year Prophecy").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was a nation located east of the Dead Sea, a descendant of Lot through an incestuous union ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")). Throughout Israel's history, Moab was often an adversary, engaging in conflicts, tempting Israel to idolatry (e.g., [Numbers 25:1-3](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1-3 - Moab's Seduction of Israel")), and exhibiting persistent pride and arrogance ([Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Great Pride")). Their land was known for its agricultural fertility, particularly its vineyards, which are frequently mentioned in the prophecy as symbols of their prosperity that would be destroyed. The oracle likely stems from a period when Assyrian expansion threatened the smaller nations of the Levant, and Moab, like Judah, faced the looming threat of invasion and subjugation. The prophecy reflects God's judgment upon nations for their idolatry, their pride, and their opposition to His people, even as it acknowledges the human suffering that accompanies divine judgment.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 16:13 strongly reinforces several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Authority and Infallibility of Prophecy**, emphasizing that these pronouncements are not human conjectures but direct, authoritative declarations from God Himself, ensuring their certain fulfillment, a truth echoed in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"). Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty Over All Nations**, demonstrating that His rule extends beyond Israel to encompass all peoples and empires, holding them accountable for their actions, particularly their pride and defiance, as seen in other "burdens" against nations like Babylon ([Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - The Burden of Babylon")) and Egypt ([Isaiah 19:1](/isaiah/19-1 "Isaiah 19:1 - The Burden of Egypt")). Finally, it reiterates the theme of **Judgment for Pride and Idolatry**, which is a recurring motif in the prophetic books, demonstrating that national arrogance and reliance on false gods inevitably lead to divine retribution.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term (H1697) is far more comprehensive than a mere utterance. It signifies a matter, an affair, a thing, a decree, or a message that carries substance, authority, and consequence. When associated with the Lord, it implies an active, effective, and binding declaration that will assuredly come to pass. It is God's authoritative pronouncement, not just a casual statement.
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root (H1696) means "to speak," "to arrange," "to command," or "to declare." In this context, it emphasizes the intentional, deliberate, and authoritative act of communication by the Lord. It's not a suggestion or a thought, but a definitive pronouncement from the divine will, carrying the weight of a command or an established truth.
* **since that time (Hebrew, _ʼâz'_):** This adverb (H227) indicates "at that time or place," "then," or "of old." Its inclusion suggests that the prophecy concerning Moab is not a new, sudden declaration but one that has been established or known for some time, perhaps even a reiteration or confirmation of an earlier divine decree. It conveys a sense of pre-ordained certainty and a long-standing divine purpose regarding Moab's fate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the word":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the preceding oracle. "This" refers to the entire detailed prophecy against Moab in [Isaiah 15](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - The Burden of Moab") and [Isaiah 16](/isaiah/16 "Isaiah 16 - The Burden of Moab Continued"). The term "word" (dabar) signifies more than just a spoken utterance; it denotes a matter, a thing, an affair, or a decree that carries substance, authority, and consequence. It is a declaration of divine intent and certainty.
* **"that the LORD hath spoken":** This clause explicitly attributes the prophecy to Yahweh (YHWH, the covenant God of Israel), underscoring its divine authorship and infallible truth. It emphasizes that these are not human conjectures or political analyses, but direct pronouncements from the sovereign God who controls history and nations. The verb "spoken" (dabar) denotes a deliberate, authoritative act of communication.
* **"concerning Moab":** This phrase clearly identifies the specific recipient of the prophecy. The entire oracle, with its detailed descriptions of desolation and lamentation, is directed at Moab, a nation with a long and often contentious history with Israel. It highlights God's particular judgment on this nation for its pride and opposition.
* **"since that time":** This concluding phrase can be interpreted in several ways, all pointing to the certainty and established nature of the prophecy. It could mean "from long ago," suggesting that this judgment was not a recent decision but part of a long-standing divine plan for Moab. Alternatively, it could refer to a specific, earlier point in time when this word was first declared or confirmed, now being reiterated by Isaiah. In either case, it adds a layer of solemnity and inevitability to the pronouncement, indicating that the decree is fixed and its fulfillment is assured.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 16:13 employs several key literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Declaration of Divine Authority**, where the prophet explicitly states that the preceding oracle is "the word that the LORD hath spoken." This serves as an **Apostolic Seal** or **Prophetic Affirmation**, lending ultimate weight and infallibility to the entire prophecy concerning Moab. By directly attributing the message to Yahweh, the passage removes any doubt about its origin or its certain fulfillment. Furthermore, the phrase "since that time" functions as a form of **Temporal Framing**, suggesting that this divine decree is not a new or arbitrary decision but one established and destined to unfold. This adds to the sense of **Inevitable Judgment** and God's overarching **Sovereignty** over historical events and the fates of nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 16:13 encapsulates a fundamental theological truth: God's word is not merely informative but performative and absolutely reliable. It serves as a powerful reminder that divine pronouncements, whether of blessing or judgment, are immutable and will inevitably come to pass. This verse underscores God's active involvement in human history, His sovereignty over all nations, and His meticulous attention to justice. The certainty of Moab's judgment, as declared by the Lord, stands as a testament to God's faithfulness to His word and His righteous character, which holds all peoples accountable for their actions, particularly their pride and defiance against Him.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Jeremiah 1:12](/jeremiah/1-12 "Jeremiah 1:12 - God Watches Over His Word to Perform It")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 16:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It calls us to a deeper trust in the absolute reliability of God's Word. In a world filled with uncertainty, shifting truths, and unfulfilled promises, this verse anchors our faith in a God whose declarations are steadfast and whose purposes are unshakeable. It reminds us that God is not a passive observer but the active sovereign over all nations and human affairs. This should inspire both reverence and confidence: reverence for His power and justice, and confidence that His ultimate plan for redemption and righteousness will prevail. Furthermore, the judgment on Moab, rooted in their pride and opposition to God, serves as a timeless warning against arrogance and self-reliance, urging us to cultivate humility and dependence on divine wisdom in our personal lives and national policies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's prophetic word, as highlighted in Isaiah 16:13, impact your trust in His promises for your own life?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or as a community, exhibit forms of pride or self-reliance that could lead to spiritual "desolation"?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations, even those hostile to Him, shape your perspective on current global events and political turmoil?**
* **What practical steps can you take to align your life more fully with the "word that the LORD hath spoken," knowing its unwavering truth?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "since that time" in Isaiah 16:13?**

Answer: The phrase "since that time" (Hebrew: *me'az*) carries significant weight, suggesting that the prophecy concerning Moab is not a new or sudden declaration but one that has been established or known for some time. It implies a long-standing divine decree, perhaps a reiteration or confirmation of an earlier word from the Lord. This adds a layer of solemnity and inevitability to the pronouncement, indicating that the judgment is fixed and its fulfillment is assured, not a capricious decision but a settled divine purpose. It underscores the unchanging nature of God's word and His consistent justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 16:13 directly concerns God's judgment upon Moab, its deeper theological principle of the divine authority and unwavering certainty of God's word finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "word that the LORD hath spoken" is perfectly embodied in the Person of Jesus, who is Himself the [Living Word of God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word"). Just as the prophecy against Moab was sure to be fulfilled because it was God's word, so too are all of God's promises and purposes, particularly those concerning salvation and redemption, guaranteed through Christ. Jesus declared that [heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will never pass away](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Never Pass Away"), echoing the steadfastness of the prophetic word. Furthermore, the judgment pronounced on Moab for its pride and sin foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will come upon all who reject God's authority, a judgment that Christ, as the [appointed Judge of the living and the dead](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus, the Appointed Judge"), will execute. Yet, for those who humble themselves and believe, the "word that the LORD hath spoken" is one of grace and forgiveness, fulfilled in Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, offering a refuge far greater than any Moab sought or found, a refuge in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 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].