Isaiah 16:7

Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely [they are] stricken.

Therefore shall Moab {H4124} howl {H3213} for Moab {H4124}, every one shall howl {H3213}: for the foundations {H808} of Kirhareseth {H7025} shall ye mourn {H1897}; surely they are stricken {H5218}.

Therefore Mo'av will wail for Mo'av - they will all wail! You will sigh, stricken by grief, for the raisin-cakes of Kir-Hareset.

Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab. Moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth, you who are utterly stricken.

Therefore shall Moab wail for Moab, every one shall wail: for the raisin-cakes of Kir-hareseth shall ye mourn, utterly stricken.

Commentary

Isaiah 16:7 is a poignant declaration of the profound despair that will befall Moab, an ancient kingdom east of the Dead Sea, as a consequence of divine judgment.

Context of Isaiah 16:7

This verse is part of a larger prophetic oracle against Moab found in Isaiah chapters 15 and 16. The prophecies detail the impending desolation and ruin of Moab, often attributed to their persistent pride and arrogance against God and His people. Earlier in chapter 16, there is a plea for Moab to send tribute to Jerusalem, perhaps indicating a final opportunity or a lament over their refusal. However, the focus quickly shifts back to their inevitable downfall. The mention of "Kirhareseth" (also known as Kir of Moab) refers to one of Moab's strongest fortified cities, a symbol of their national security. Its "foundations being stricken" signifies complete and utter destruction, leaving no hope of recovery.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Desolation: The primary theme is God's unwavering judgment against national pride and rebellion. Moab's wailing is a direct result of the devastation brought upon them.
  • Profound Lamentation: The repetition of "howl for Moab, every one shall howl" emphasizes the widespread, deep sorrow and anguish that will grip the entire nation. It speaks to a communal grief over irreversible loss.
  • Futility of Earthly Security: Even the mighty fortress of Kirhareseth, a symbol of Moab's strength and defense, is rendered helpless. This illustrates that no human stronghold can stand against God's decree, echoing themes found in Psalm 33:16-17.
  • Consequences of Pride: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Isaiah's prophecies against Moab (e.g., Isaiah 16:6) highlights that their downfall is a direct consequence of their immense pride and haughtiness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "howl" is yalal (Χ™ΧœΧœ), a powerful onomatopoeic term conveying a mournful cry, a deep wailing sound often associated with mourning or distress. It signifies a public and profound expression of grief. The phrase "surely [they are] stricken" uses the Hebrew nagaph (Χ Χ’Χ£), which means "to smite" or "to strike down," often implying a blow from God, indicating that their ruin is not accidental but a divine act of judgment.

Practical Application

Isaiah 16:7 serves as a timeless reminder of several spiritual truths:

  • Humility Before God: The fate of Moab underscores the importance of humility and submission to God rather than relying on human strength, wealth, or fortifications. Pride often precedes a fall, as noted in Proverbs 16:18.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: This prophecy affirms God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations. He is the righteous judge who brings justice according to His perfect will.
  • Warning Against Rebellion: The lamentation over Kirhareseth's destruction is a stark warning that persistent rebellion and refusal to acknowledge God's authority will inevitably lead to severe consequences.

The lament for Moab is a powerful picture of the sorrow that comes when people or nations turn away from the Lord, emphasizing the need for repentance and reliance on divine grace rather than earthly power.

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

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 3:25

    And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about [it], and smote it.

  • Jeremiah 48:20

    Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,

  • Isaiah 16:11

    Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh.

  • Isaiah 8:19

    And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

  • Isaiah 15:1

    ΒΆ The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence;

  • Isaiah 15:5

    My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives [shall flee] unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:3

    And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon [of wine].