For it shall be, [that], as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, [so] the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.
For it shall be, that, as a wandering {H5074} bird {H5775} cast out {H7971} of the nest {H7064}, so the daughters {H1323} of Moab {H4124} shall be at the fords {H4569} of Arnon {H769}.
The daughters of Mo'av at the fords of the Arnon are like fluttering birds pushed from the nest.
Like fluttering birds pushed out of the nest, so are the daughters of Moab at the fords of the Arnon:
For it shall be that, as wandering birds, as a scattered nest, so shall the daughters of Moab be at the fords of the Arnon.
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Proverbs 27:8
¶ As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so [is] a man that wandereth from his place. -
Judges 11:18
Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon [was] the border of Moab. -
Deuteronomy 2:36
From Aroer, which [is] by the brink of the river of Arnon, and [from] the city that [is] by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us: -
Deuteronomy 3:8
And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that [was] on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon; -
Jeremiah 48:20
Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled, -
Numbers 21:13
From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which [is] in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon [is] the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. -
Numbers 21:15
And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab.
Isaiah 16:2 paints a poignant picture of the future distress of Moab, likening its people to vulnerable, displaced birds. This verse is part of a larger prophetic oracle (Isaiah 15-16) concerning the judgment and eventual restoration (though not explicitly in this verse) of Moab, a nation historically related to and often in conflict with Israel.
Context
This verse falls within what is known as the "Burden of Moab" (Isaiah 15-16), a prophecy detailing the imminent destruction and desolation of the Moabite territory. Following the vivid descriptions of Moab's cities weeping and its people lamenting in Isaiah 15, chapter 16 shifts to the desperate state of its inhabitants. The prophecy suggests that Moab's pride and resistance to God's will (as seen in other prophetic condemnations, e.g., Jeremiah 48:29) will lead to its downfall. The "fords of Arnon" refer to the crossings of the Arnon River, a significant geographical boundary that often marked the northern border of Moab. For the "daughters of Moab" to be there signifies them fleeing, seeking refuge, or being driven out of their homes.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew phrase translated "wandering bird cast out of the nest" (כְּצִפֹּר נוֹדֶדֶת מִן־קֵן - k'tzippor nodedet min-ken) is highly evocative. The word for "wandering" (נוֹדֶדֶת - nodedet) implies restless movement, lacking a fixed destination or place of rest. "Cast out of the nest" emphasizes the loss of the most basic form of security and belonging. This vivid simile effectively communicates the utter destitution and terror faced by the Moabite women and children, who would be among the most vulnerable in such a crisis.
Related Scriptures
Practical Application
Isaiah 16:2 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:
Reflection
This verse, though part of a prophecy of judgment, offers a profound insight into the human condition when stripped of security. It challenges us to consider the source of our own stability and to extend empathy to those experiencing similar forms of displacement and distress in the world today. The prophetic word not only reveals God's justice but also His deep understanding of human suffering.