Isaiah 16:3

Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth.

Take {H935} counsel {H6098}, execute {H6213} judgment {H6415}; make {H7896} thy shadow {H6738} as the night {H3915} in the midst {H8432} of the noonday {H6672}; hide {H5641} the outcasts {H5080}; bewray {H1540} not him that wandereth {H5074}.

"Give [us] counsel! Decide [to help]! Make your shadow [over us] like night in the middle of noonday. Hide [our] outcasts! Don't betray [our] fugitives!

โ€œGive us counsel; render a decision. Shelter us at noonday with shade as dark as night. Hide the refugees; do not betray the one who flees.

Give counsel, execute justice; make thy shade as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; betray not the fugitive.

Commentary

Isaiah 16:3 is a poignant plea for compassion and justice amidst a time of severe distress, specifically directed towards Moab, or perhaps Judah on behalf of Moab. This verse follows prophecies of judgment against Moab (Isaiah 15), where the nation is depicted as utterly devastated and its people fleeing.

Context

This verse is part of a larger oracle concerning Moab, found in Isaiah chapters 15 and 16. After describing the widespread destruction and lamentation in Moab, the prophet issues this call, urging those in power (likely in Judah, or even Moab's own leaders if they still had any capacity) to act with humanity. The Moabites are depicted as vulnerable refugees, seeking shelter from an invading force, possibly Assyria. The plea is for the stronger party to offer protection rather than exploitation, reflecting a divine expectation of righteous conduct even towards enemies in distress.

Key Themes

  • Compassion for the Vulnerable: The core message is a powerful call to shelter and protect those who are defenseless and displaced. "Hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth" emphasizes the moral obligation to provide refuge and not betray fugitives. This aligns with biblical principles of caring for the sojourner and the needy.
  • Righteous Judgment and Counsel: "Take counsel, execute judgment" speaks to the need for wise and just decision-making, particularly when dealing with those in dire circumstances. It calls for governing with integrity and equity, ensuring that decisions serve justice rather than oppression.
  • Profound Protection: The evocative imagery, "make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday," illustrates the depth of protection required. Just as night provides relief from the oppressive heat of the midday sun, so too should shelter be absolute and life-saving for those fleeing danger. This speaks to providing refuge under a powerful and secure shadow, offering complete safety from scorching threats.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday" uses the Hebrew word ืฆึตืœ (tsel), meaning "shadow" or "shade," which often symbolizes protection or refuge in the Old Testament. The intensity of "noonday" (ืฆึธื”ึณืจึทื™ึดื, tsohorayim) highlights the extreme danger or distress from which shelter is needed. "Bewray" is an archaic English term from the King James Version, meaning "betray" or "reveal," emphasizing the secrecy and security required for the "wanderer" (ื ึตื“, ned), a fugitive or exile.

Practical Application

Isaiah 16:3 transcends its historical context to offer timeless principles for human conduct. It is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to show compassion and hospitality to strangers and refugees, especially those fleeing persecution, war, or natural disaster. The call to "take counsel, execute judgment" encourages leaders and individuals alike to make decisions rooted in justice and empathy, rather than self-interest or fear. In a world with ongoing humanitarian crises, this verse challenges us to be a "shadow as the night" โ€“ a source of profound safety and relief โ€“ for the vulnerable and displaced, reflecting God's own character of justice and mercy.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 32:2

    And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

  • 1 Kings 18:4

    For it was [so], when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

  • Isaiah 56:8

    The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather [others] to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.

  • Hebrews 13:2

    Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

  • Isaiah 1:17

    Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

  • Isaiah 9:6

    For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

  • Matthew 25:35

    For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
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