Isaiah 16:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The daughters of Mo'av at the fords of the Arnon are like fluttering birds pushed from the nest.

Berean Standard Bible

Like fluttering birds pushed out of the nest, so are the daughters of Moab at the fords of the Arnon:

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 16:2 presents a poignant and vivid image of the impending desolation of Moab, likening its people, specifically its vulnerable "daughters," to a "wandering bird cast out of the nest." This powerful simile underscores their utter displacement, loss of security, and desperate flight from an invading force, emphasizing the profound distress and homelessness that will befall the Moabite nation as a consequence of divine judgment, forcing them to seek refuge at the geographical boundary of the Arnon River.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Burden of Moab" (Isaiah 15-16), a prophetic oracle detailing the imminent judgment and devastation of the Moabite territory. Chapter 15 vividly describes the lamentation and destruction of Moabite cities, setting a somber tone. Isaiah 16:1-5 then shifts to the desperate flight and plea for refuge from Moab, with verse 2 specifically portraying the vulnerable state of the fleeing population. The preceding verses depict the immediate impact of the desolation, while this verse focuses on the human element of displacement, leading into a plea for Judah's protection and a subsequent lament over Moab's pride and ultimate downfall. The entire oracle serves as a testament to Yahweh's sovereignty over all nations, even those hostile to Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was a nation with a complex and often adversarial relationship with Israel, stemming from their common ancestor Lot ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")). Historically, Moab had often opposed Israel, as seen in the days of Balaam ([Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam and Balak")), the Judges ([Judges 3:12-30](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12-30 - Ehud and Eglon")), and later conflicts. The "fords of Arnon" (modern Wadi Mujib) constituted a significant geographical boundary, often marking the northern border of Moab. For the "daughters of Moab" to be at these fords signifies them being driven from their homes, seeking escape, or attempting to cross into safer territory, likely from an invading power such as the Assyrian Empire, which was a dominant force in the region during Isaiah's time, bringing judgment upon many nations, including Moab ([Isaiah 15:1](/isaiah/15-1 "Isaiah 15:1 - Prophecy Against Moab")).
* **Key Themes:** The central image of a "wandering bird cast out of the nest" powerfully conveys **Vulnerability and Displacement**, highlighting the utter homelessness, insecurity, and loss of protection experienced by refugees stripped of their usual safeguards. This suffering is presented as a consequence of **Divine Judgment**, underscoring that nations, like individuals, are accountable before God for their actions, particularly their pride and opposition to His will, a theme frequently echoed in prophetic condemnations of Moab ([Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Great Pride")). Despite the pronouncement of judgment, there is an underlying tone of **Pathos and Compassion** in the prophetic literature, as the imagery evokes sympathy for the victims, even as it emphasizes the severity of the consequences of sin and rebellion. This tension between divine justice and a lament for human suffering is a hallmark of prophetic discourse ([Isaiah 25:10](/isaiah/25-10 "Isaiah 25:10 - Moab Trodden Down")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wandering (Hebrew, _nâdad'_ H5074):** A primitive root meaning "to wave to and fro," "to rove," "flee," or "drive away." In this context, it describes a restless, aimless movement, signifying a lack of fixed destination or place of rest. The bird is not merely traveling but is adrift, without a home or direction, perfectly mirroring the desperate state of the Moabite refugees.
* **cast out (Hebrew, _shâlach'_ H7971):** A primitive root meaning "to send away, for, or out." Here, it implies a forceful expulsion, not a voluntary departure. The bird is not leaving its nest by choice but is violently ejected, emphasizing the involuntary and traumatic nature of the Moabites' displacement. This highlights their helplessness in the face of overwhelming forces.
* **daughters (Hebrew, _bath'_ H1323):** From the root meaning "to build" (as feminine of _bên_ 'son'), referring to a female offspring. In this context, "daughters of Moab" specifically refers to the women and children, who are typically the most vulnerable during times of war and displacement. Their presence at the fords underscores the complete breakdown of societal protection and the widespread nature of the calamity affecting the entire population, not just the fighting men.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird cast out of the nest,"**: This opening clause establishes a powerful simile, setting the stage for the dire situation. The imagery of a bird, inherently fragile and dependent on its nest for security and nurture, being violently ejected and left to wander aimlessly, immediately evokes a sense of profound vulnerability, homelessness, and terror. It paints a picture of utter destitution, stripped of all natural safeguards and belonging.
* **"so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon."**: This clause applies the vivid simile directly to the Moabite people. The "daughters of Moab" specifically highlights the most defenseless members of society – women and children – emphasizing the widespread and devastating impact of the impending judgment. Their presence at the "fords of Arnon," a significant border crossing, signifies their desperate flight, seeking escape or refuge, having been driven from their homes and land. It marks the culmination of their displacement, a point of no return, where they are exposed and vulnerable, much like the cast-out bird.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 16:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its message with profound emotional impact. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly stated with "as... so." The comparison of the "daughters of Moab" to a "wandering bird cast out of the nest" is incredibly effective, immediately communicating the Moabites' extreme vulnerability, loss of security, and desperate flight. This simile is reinforced by powerful **Imagery**, painting a vivid mental picture of a helpless bird, stripped of its home and left to the mercies of an unforgiving world. The "nest" symbolizes safety, home, and belonging, making its loss all the more tragic. The "fords of Arnon" serve as a stark geographical image, representing a desperate border crossing, a point of exposure for the fleeing population. Furthermore, the verse evokes strong **Pathos**, appealing to the reader's emotions by highlighting the suffering of the most vulnerable members of society – the women and children. Despite being a prophecy of judgment against an enemy nation, the language elicits a sense of pity and sorrow for their plight, underscoring the universal tragedy of war and displacement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while a prophecy of judgment, resonates with profound theological and thematic truths that extend beyond Moab. It powerfully illustrates the fragility of human security and the devastating consequences of national pride and rebellion against God. The displacement of Moab underscores the principle of divine sovereignty, where God orchestrates the rise and fall of nations according to His righteous purposes. Yet, even in judgment, the imagery evokes a deep sense of pathos, reminding us of the human cost of sin and conflict. The plight of the "wandering bird" serves as a timeless metaphor for all who are displaced, vulnerable, and without a home, challenging believers to reflect on the biblical call to compassion for the stranger and the refugee, recognizing that all humanity is ultimately dependent on God's sustaining grace.

* [Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")
* [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Pride and Arrogance")
* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Love for the Stranger and Orphan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 16:2 is more than a historical prophecy; it is a timeless mirror reflecting the human condition when stripped of its perceived securities. It compels us to consider the ultimate source of our stability and to acknowledge the transient nature of earthly power and possessions. The "wandering bird" imagery should stir within us a profound empathy for the millions globally who are displaced, refugees, or without a home due to conflict, persecution, or natural disaster. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of compassion and justice, extending practical care and advocacy to the vulnerable, remembering that true security is found not in geopolitical strength or material wealth, but in humble reliance upon God. This verse also serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of pride and rebellion against divine truth, urging us to cultivate humility and obedience in our personal and national lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of a "wandering bird cast out of the nest" challenge my understanding of security and home?**
* **In what ways can I, or my community, extend practical compassion to those who are displaced or vulnerable in our world today?**
* **What lessons does Moab's downfall, rooted in pride, offer for my own life and the values I uphold?**

### FAQ
**Why is Moab being judged in Isaiah's prophecy?**
Answer: While Isaiah 16:2 focuses on the *consequences* of judgment, the broader context of the "Burden of Moab" (Isaiah 15-16) and other prophetic books reveals that Moab was judged primarily for its excessive pride, arrogance, and hostility towards Israel, God's chosen people. Moab often boasted in its strength and wealth, refusing to acknowledge God's sovereignty. For instance, [Jeremiah 48:29](/jeremiah/48-29 "Jeremiah 48:29 - Moab's Great Pride") explicitly condemns Moab's "exceeding proud" nature. This judgment serves as a reminder that all nations are accountable to God.

**What is the significance of the "fords of Arnon" in this verse?**
Answer: The Arnon River (modern Wadi Mujib) was a significant geographical boundary, often marking the northern border of Moab's territory. For the "daughters of Moab" to be at these fords signifies that they have been driven out of their homes and cities, likely by an invading army (historically, often identified as Assyria). It represents a desperate attempt to flee or cross into perceived safety, highlighting their utter displacement and vulnerability. It's a place of exposure and a symbol of their homelessness, having lost their land and security.

**Does God show compassion for His enemies, even when pronouncing judgment?**
Answer: Yes, the prophetic literature, including the "Burden of Moab," often contains a surprising blend of judgment and pathos. While God's justice demands accountability for sin and rebellion, His prophets frequently express lament and sorrow over the suffering that results, even for enemy nations. The vivid imagery of the "wandering bird cast out of the nest" in [Isaiah 16:2](/isaiah/16-2 "Isaiah 16:2 - The Daughters of Moab at the Fords of Arnon") itself evokes a sense of pity for the Moabite women and children. This reflects God's character, who "desires not the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live" ([Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God Desires Repentance")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 16:2, with its poignant depiction of a "wandering bird cast out of the nest," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Humanity, alienated from God by sin, is inherently in a state of spiritual homelessness, like a bird without a nest, cast out from the security of God's presence. Jesus, the Son of God, perfectly embodies the ultimate refuge for such displaced souls. He himself became "homeless" in His earthly ministry, declaring, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")). This voluntary vulnerability allowed Him to identify with the lost and the wandering. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ bore the judgment for humanity's pride and rebellion, offering a way back to God's "nest" – a secure dwelling place in Him. He gathers those who are scattered and without a shepherd, lamenting over those who refuse His embrace, much like a hen gathers her chicks ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")). Ultimately, in Christ, we find true security, a spiritual home, and an eternal dwelling place, fulfilling the longing for rest that the "wandering bird" of Isaiah 16:2 so desperately lacked ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - My Father's House")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, offering reconciliation and a new identity as children of God, no longer cast out but brought near ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ")).

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

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.