Isaiah 16:14

KJV

But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant [shall be] very small [and] feeble.

KJV (with Strong's)

But now the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696}, saying {H559}, Within three {H7969} years {H8141}, as the years {H8141} of an hireling {H7916}, and the glory {H3519} of Moab {H4124} shall be contemned {H7034}, with all that great {H7227} multitude {H1995}; and the remnant {H7605} shall be very {H4592} small {H4213} and feeble {H3808}{H3524}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But now ADONAI has said, "Within three years [and not a day more], as if a hired worker were keeping track of the time, the glory of Mo'av will be brought into contempt, despite its large population; and the surviving remnant will be few and feeble."

Berean Standard Bible

And now the LORD says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts the years, Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, with all her many people. And those who are left will be few and feeble.”

American Standard Version

But now Jehovah hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of a hireling, the glory of Moab shall be brought into contempt, with all his great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and of no account.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 16:14 delivers a precise and unyielding prophetic declaration concerning the imminent and complete downfall of Moab. This verse, serving as the climactic conclusion to a detailed oracle against the proud nation, specifies a remarkably short three-year timeframe for the fulfillment of God's judgment. It foretells the utter contempt into which Moab's once-great glory and multitude will fall, culminating in a drastically diminished, weak, and insignificant remnant, thereby underscoring the absolute certainty and meticulous timing of divine decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 16:14 concludes a two-chapter oracle (Isaiah 15-16) specifically directed against Moab, a nation east of the Dead Sea and a frequent adversary of Israel. Chapter 15 vividly portrays the immediate and widespread desolation, lamentation, and flight of Moabite inhabitants, depicting cities falling and people fleeing to distant lands, weeping as they go. This sets a somber tone of impending doom. Chapter 16 then shifts, initially presenting a plea for Moabite refugees to seek asylum in Judah, hinting at a potential for mercy if pride were abandoned. However, this plea is quickly overshadowed by a renewed emphasis on Moab's notorious arrogance and haughtiness, particularly highlighted in [Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Pride"). The chapter then returns to the theme of judgment, lamenting the destruction of Moab's fruitful vineyards and prosperous lands. Verse 14 acts as the final, definitive word in this oracle, providing a specific timeline and ultimate outcome, thereby sealing the certainty of the prophecy and leaving no ambiguity about Moab's future.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab, a descendant of Lot (as per [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moabites")), occupied fertile lands east of the Dead Sea, known for their agricultural prosperity, especially vineyards (cf. [Isaiah 16:8-10](/isaiah/16-8 "Isaiah 16:8-10 - Destruction of Moab's Vineyards")). Throughout Israel's history, Moab was often an antagonist, engaging in conflicts and at times oppressing Israel (e.g., [Judges 3:12-30](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12-30 - Ehud and Eglon of Moab")). They were also known for their pride and defiance against Yahweh, often relying on their wealth and perceived strength rather than acknowledging God's sovereignty. The "glory of Moab" mentioned in the verse would have encompassed their military strength, their economic prosperity, their fortified cities, and their national pride. The cultural reference to "the years of a hireling" speaks to a common ancient Near Eastern practice where a laborer's contract was for a fixed, precisely counted period, emphasizing the absolute and unalterable nature of the three-year deadline. This historical animosity and Moab's characteristic pride provide the backdrop for God's severe judgment.

* **Key Themes:** The oracle against Moab, culminating in this verse, powerfully articulates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute control over the destinies of nations, even those seemingly powerful and defiant. His word is not mere speculation but an unalterable decree, a concept foundational to prophetic literature (cf. [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). Secondly, the passage emphasizes the **Consequences of Pride**, portraying Moab's downfall as a direct result of its arrogance and haughtiness against God and His people (as seen in [Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Excessive Pride")). This serves as a universal warning against human self-sufficiency. Thirdly, it underscores **Prophetic Certainty and Precision**, with the specific three-year timeframe illustrating God's meticulous timing and the reliability of His word. Lastly, the theme of **Diminishment and Humiliation** is prominent, as Moab's "great multitude" and "glory" are prophesied to be reduced to a "very small and feeble" remnant, symbolizing a complete reversal of fortune and a profound loss of power and prestige.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** H1696 (dâbar) is a primitive root meaning "to arrange," but figuratively "to speak." It carries a sense of authoritative declaration, command, or pronouncement. When the LORD "speaks," it implies a definitive, often irreversible, decree, indicating that the following prophecy is not a mere prediction but a divine, settled word that will assuredly come to pass.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** H3519 (kâbôwd) properly means "weight," but figuratively refers to splendor, copiousness, honor, or prestige. In the context of Moab, "glory" would encompass its wealth, military might, population size, national reputation, and any perceived greatness. The prophecy states this "glory" will be "contemned," signifying a complete reversal from honor to utter disgrace and worthlessness.
* **feeble (Hebrew, _kabbîyr'_):** H3524 (kabbîyr) means "vast," "mighty," or "many." The KJV translates the phrase "very small and feeble" from the Hebrew `mizʻâr mᵉʻaṭ vᵉlôʼ kabbîyr` (H4213 H4592 H3808 H3524). The literal translation of the last part `lôʼ kabbîyr` (H3808 H3524) is "not mighty" or "not vast." Thus, "feeble" here is an idiomatic rendering of "not mighty," emphasizing the extreme weakness and insignificance of the remaining Moabite population, a stark contrast to their former "great multitude."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But now the LORD hath spoken, saying,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the divine authority and certainty of the prophecy. The phrase "the LORD hath spoken" (Hebrew: `Yᵉhôvâh dâbar`) emphasizes that this is not a human prediction but a direct, authoritative declaration from God, making its fulfillment inevitable.
* **"Within three years, as the years of a hireling,"**: This provides a remarkably precise and definite timeframe for the prophecy's fulfillment. "As the years of a hireling" (Hebrew: `shâneh sâkîyr`) is a powerful simile, likening the three-year period to a fixed contract for a laborer, which is strictly counted and comes to an absolute, unalterable end. This underscores the exactness and limited nature of the time before judgment.
* **"and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude;"**: This declares the core outcome of the judgment. "The glory of Moab" (Hebrew: `kâbôwd Môwʼâb`), representing its power, wealth, and prestige, will be "contemned" (Hebrew: `qâlâh`), meaning treated with contempt, scorned, or made light of. This humiliation will encompass "all that great multitude" (Hebrew: `rab hâmôwn`), indicating that their large population and collective strength will be brought to nothing and despised.
* **"and the remnant [shall be] very small [and] feeble."**: This concludes the prophecy with the ultimate state of Moab. Their once-great numbers will be reduced to a "very small" (Hebrew: `mizʻâr mᵉʻaṭ`) and "feeble" (Hebrew: `lôʼ kabbîyr`, literally "not mighty") remnant. This stark contrast highlights the devastating and comprehensive nature of the judgment, leaving Moab utterly diminished in both size and strength.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 16:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, specifically a **Time-Bound Prophecy**, as indicated by the precise "Within three years" timeframe. This specificity lends credibility and urgency to the divine decree. The phrase "as the years of a hireling" functions as a potent **Simile**, drawing a parallel between the fixed, unalterable term of a laborer's contract and the absolute certainty and definite end of Moab's period of glory. There is a strong element of **Contrast** throughout the verse: the "great multitude" and "glory" of Moab are sharply juxtaposed with the "very small and feeble" remnant that will remain. This stark opposition emphasizes the completeness and severity of the impending judgment. Furthermore, the description of Moab's glory being "contemned" uses **Irony** or **Understatement**, as what was once a source of national pride will become an object of scorn, highlighting the reversal of their fortunes. The entire verse serves as a powerful **Oracle of Judgment**, a common prophetic genre, designed to declare God's sovereign authority over nations and the inevitable consequences of pride and defiance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 16:14 stands as a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It underscores that no earthly power, regardless of its perceived strength or glory, is beyond the reach of divine judgment. The specificity of the prophecy, down to the precise timing, reinforces the reliability of God's word and His meticulous oversight of human history. The downfall of Moab, rooted in its profound pride and defiance against God, serves as a timeless theological warning that arrogance precedes destruction, and humility is the path to true security. This passage reminds us that God is not merely concerned with His covenant people but is the Lord of all creation, holding every nation accountable for its moral and spiritual posture.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Jeremiah 48:11](/jeremiah/48-11 "Jeremiah 48:11 - Moab's Unsettled State")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 16:14 offers powerful lessons for contemporary believers and societies. Firstly, it calls us to profound humility. Moab's downfall, directly linked to its "glory" and "great multitude" being "contemned," serves as a stark reminder that human pride, whether individual or national, is an affront to God and inevitably leads to a fall. We are challenged to examine our own hearts and the collective attitudes of our communities and nations, ensuring that our trust and boasting are in God alone, not in our achievements, wealth, or power. Secondly, the verse reinforces the absolute trustworthiness of God's prophetic word. The precise fulfillment of such a specific prophecy assures us that every promise and warning in Scripture will come to pass. This should inspire confidence in His promises for salvation and His warnings against sin, compelling us to live in alignment with His revealed will. Finally, it reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world, orchestrating events and holding all powers accountable. This perspective encourages us to pray for our nations, to seek justice, and to live as faithful witnesses, knowing that God's ultimate justice will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be prone to the kind of pride that led to Moab's downfall?**
* **How does the precise fulfillment of this prophecy strengthen my faith in the reliability of God's word in other areas of Scripture, including His promises for my life?**
* **What specific actions can I take to cultivate humility and to ensure my trust is placed solely in God, rather than in worldly measures of success or security?**

### FAQ
**What does "as the years of a hireling" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "as the years of a hireling" (Hebrew: `shâneh sâkîyr`) refers to a laborer whose service is contracted for a fixed, precisely counted period, typically a year or a set number of years. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a hireling's term was definite and unalterable. By comparing the three-year timeframe for Moab's judgment to "the years of a hireling," the prophecy emphasizes the absolute certainty, exactness, and unavoidable nature of the impending doom. It signifies that just as a hireling's contract comes to a definite, non-negotiable end, so too would Moab's period of glory and strength reach its divinely appointed, swift conclusion. This highlights God's meticulous timing and the reliability of His prophetic word, leaving no room for delay or evasion of the judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 16:14 directly prophesies judgment upon the ancient nation of Moab, its theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The precise and certain judgment declared by "the LORD" foreshadows the ultimate and decisive judgment executed by Jesus Christ, who is appointed by God to be the [judge of the living and the dead](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus, Judge of the Living and the Dead"). The downfall of Moab's "glory" and "great multitude" due to its pride serves as a powerful type for the fate of all human pride and worldly systems that oppose God, which will ultimately be [dismantled at Christ's return](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ's Triumphant Return"). Jesus Himself spoke of a time when [nations would be gathered before Him for judgment](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31 - The Son of Man's Judgment of the Nations"). Furthermore, the reduction of Moab to a "very small and feeble" remnant contrasts sharply with the eternal and ever-increasing "multitude" that will be gathered into Christ's kingdom, a remnant not based on human strength or national glory, but on humble faith in the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death ensures that all earthly "glory" that stands against Him will be "contemned," while His own glory and the glory of His redeemed people will endure forever, establishing a kingdom that is [not of this world](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World") and whose dominion will have no end (cf. [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")).

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 21:16

For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:

Jeremiah 48:46

Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives.

Jeremiah 48:47

Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far [is] the judgment of Moab.

Jeremiah 48:42

And Moab shall be destroyed from [being] a people, because he hath magnified [himself] against the LORD.

Isaiah 23:9

The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, [and] to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.

Isaiah 7:16

For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.

Isaiah 25:10

For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill.