Isaiah 16:14

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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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.

Isaiah 16:14 delivers a precise prophetic word concerning the impending downfall of Moab, a neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel. This verse concludes a detailed oracle against Moab, emphasizing the certainty and swiftness of God's judgment.

Context of Isaiah 16:14

Chapters 15 and 16 of Isaiah are dedicated to a "burden" or oracle against Moab. Chapter 15 vividly describes the immediate lamentation and devastation across Moabite cities, depicting a people in distress and flight. Chapter 16 then presents a plea for Moabite refugees to find sanctuary in Judah, followed by a renewed declaration of Moab's pride (Isaiah 16:6) and subsequent, inevitable destruction. Verse 14 serves as a powerful, time-specific culmination of this prophecy, leaving no doubt about the future of Moab's power and influence.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Certainty: The opening phrase, "But now the LORD hath spoken," underscores that this is a divine decree, not a human speculation. It highlights God's absolute control over nations and their destinies, and the unwavering truth of His prophetic word.
  • Precise Timing of Judgment: The phrase "Within three years, as the years of an hireling" specifies a remarkably short and definite period for the prophecy's fulfillment. A hireling's years are strictly counted and finite, symbolizing a fixed, unalterable deadline for Moab's glory. This precision emphasizes God's meticulous timing in carrying out His plans (Daniel 2:21).
  • The Downfall of Pride: "The glory of Moab shall be contemned" directly addresses the nation's haughtiness and arrogance, which were significant themes throughout the oracle (e.g., their pride mentioned in Isaiah 16:6). Their former prestige, wealth, and power would be utterly despised and brought to nothing.
  • Diminishment and Weakness: The prophecy concludes with the stark reality that "the remnant [shall be] very small [and] feeble." This contrasts sharply with their "great multitude" and "glory," signifying a complete and devastating reduction in population, strength, and influence.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "hireling" (Hebrew: sāḵîr) refers to a laborer whose service is for a fixed period, underscoring the exactness and limited nature of the three-year timeframe. It implies that just as a hireling's term comes to a definite end, so too would Moab's period of strength.
  • "Contemned" (Hebrew: yiqlah) carries the sense of being treated with contempt, scorned, or made light of. It implies a complete loss of honor and substance for what was once considered Moab's "glory" (Hebrew: kāḇôḏ), encompassing their wealth, power, and prestige.

Practical Application

Isaiah 16:14 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • God's Word is Reliable: The fulfillment of such specific prophecies demonstrates the absolute trustworthiness of God's declarations. What God says will come to pass, whether it concerns judgment or blessing.
  • Pride Precedes a Fall: Moab's downfall is directly linked to its immense pride. This serves as a perpetual warning against arrogance and self-sufficiency, reminding us that true strength and stability come from humility before God.
  • No Nation or Individual is Beyond God's Judgment: This prophecy illustrates that God holds all nations accountable for their actions. It encourages believers to live righteously and trust in God's ultimate justice, knowing that He oversees the affairs of humanity.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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