Isaiah 16:4

Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land.

Let mine outcasts {H5080} dwell {H1481} with thee, Moab {H4124}; be {H1933} thou a covert {H5643} to them from the face {H6440} of the spoiler {H7703}: for the extortioner {H4160} is at an end {H656}, the spoiler {H7701} ceaseth {H3615}, the oppressors {H7429} are consumed {H8552} out of the land {H776}.

Let our outcasts live with you! Protect Mo'av from the attacks of robbers!" For when the extorting ends, the spoiling ceases, and those trampling on the land are destroyed,

Let my fugitives stay with you; be a refuge for Moab from the destroyer.” When the oppressor has gone, destruction has ceased, and the oppressors have vanished from the land,

Let mine outcasts dwell with thee; as for Moab, be thou a covert to him from the face of the destroyer. For the extortioner is brought to nought, destruction ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land.

Isaiah 16:4 is part of a prophetic oracle concerning Moab, a neighboring nation to Judah. In this verse, the prophet Isaiah, speaking on behalf of Judah, makes a poignant plea to Moab while also declaring a future hope.

Context

This verse is found within a larger prophecy (Isaiah chapters 15-16) that details the impending desolation of Moab. However, amidst this judgment, there is a surprising turn: a plea from Judah, who is also under immense pressure, likely from the Assyrian Empire. The "outcasts" mentioned are the fleeing inhabitants of Judah, seeking refuge from the overwhelming power of Assyria, often referred to as "the spoiler" or "the oppressor" in biblical texts. Historically, Moab and Judah had a complex relationship, marked by both conflict and occasional alliances, but here, Judah desperately seeks Moab's compassion and protection during a time of great national distress. This plea for refuge highlights the widespread devastation brought by powerful empires like Assyria, which God sometimes used as an instrument of judgment, as seen in Isaiah 10:5.

Key Themes

  • Compassion and Refuge: The primary appeal is for Moab to provide shelter and safety for the displaced people of Judah. It underscores the biblical theme of caring for the vulnerable and offering asylum to those fleeing persecution, a principle often emphasized in the Law, such as in Deuteronomy 10:19.
  • Divine Justice and Deliverance: The latter part of the verse shifts from a plea to a powerful declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty. It prophesies the inevitable end of the "extortioner," the "spoiler," and the "oppressors." This speaks to God's promise that evil and tyranny will not prevail indefinitely, and His justice will ultimately bring an end to all forms of oppression.
  • Hope Amidst Despair: Despite the immediate crisis and the need for refuge, the verse injects a strong element of hope. It assures that the reign of wicked powers is temporary and that a time of peace and security will eventually come, echoing themes of divine restoration found throughout prophetic literature.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses three distinct terms to describe the enemy forces: "extortioner," "spoiler," and "oppressors."

  • The Hebrew word for "spoiler" is shoded (שֹׁדֵד), meaning one who devastates, plunders, or lays waste. This vividly portrays the destructive nature of the invading army.
  • "Extortioner" comes from metsits (מֵצִץ), referring to one who tramples or treads down, emphasizing the crushing weight of their rule.
  • "Oppressors" is chomes (חוֹמֵס), signifying violent wrongdoers or those who commit injustice.

The repetition and varied terminology underline the multifaceted nature of the suffering inflicted by the enemy, but also reinforce the certainty of their complete removal: "at an end," "ceaseth," and "consumed out of the land."

Practical Application

Isaiah 16:4 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Empathy for the Displaced: This verse serves as a powerful reminder to extend compassion and practical help to refugees, asylum seekers, and those displaced by conflict or natural disaster in our world. The call to be a "covert" or shelter for the vulnerable is a challenge to believers to embody Christ's love.
  • Trust in God's Justice: When facing personal or global injustices, this verse provides comfort that oppressors, no matter how powerful, are ultimately temporary. God is sovereign over all earthly powers, and His justice will prevail. This truth aligns with the psalmist's confidence in Psalm 37:10, where the wicked "shall be no more."
  • Hope for a Better Future: The promise that the "spoiler ceaseth" points to a future where suffering and oppression will eventually end. For believers, this hope finds its ultimate fulfillment in God's eternal kingdom, where He will wipe away every tear.
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 14:4

    ¶ That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!

  • Malachi 4:3

    And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Isaiah 9:4

    For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

  • Isaiah 51:13

    And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where [is] the fury of the oppressor?

  • Isaiah 33:1

    ¶ Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou [wast] not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; [and] when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.

  • Deuteronomy 23:15

    ¶ Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee:

  • Deuteronomy 23:16

    He shall dwell with thee, [even] among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of thy gates, where it liketh him best: thou shalt not oppress him.

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