Isaiah 16:9

KJV

Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore I will bewail {H1058} with the weeping {H1065} of Jazer {H3270} the vine {H1612} of Sibmah {H7643}: I will water {H7301} thee with my tears {H1832}, O Heshbon {H2809}, and Elealeh {H500}: for the shouting {H1959} for thy summer fruits {H7019} and for thy harvest {H7105} is fallen {H5307}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore I will weep for Sibmah's vine as I weep for Ya'zer; I will water you with my tears, Heshbon and El'aleh; because the shouts of battle are falling on your summer fruits and harvest;

Berean Standard Bible

So I weep with Jazer for the vines of Sibmah; I drench Heshbon and Elealeh with my tears. Triumphant shouts have fallen silent over your summer fruit and your harvest.

American Standard Version

Therefore I will weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vine of Sibmah; I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for upon thy summer fruits and upon thy harvest the battle shout is fallen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 16:9 presents a poignant prophetic lament from the prophet Isaiah, expressing profound and empathetic grief over the impending and utter desolation of Moab. The verse vividly portrays the catastrophic loss of Moab's renowned agricultural prosperity, particularly its celebrated vineyards, and the cessation of its characteristic joyous harvest celebrations. This cessation symbolizes the complete collapse of Moab's national vitality, economic stability, and cultural joy, serving as a powerful testament to the far-reaching impact of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral and emotionally charged component of a broader prophetic oracle concerning Moab, which spans [Isaiah 15](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - Oracle Concerning Moab") and [Isaiah 16](/isaiah/16 "Isaiah 16 - Continued Oracle Concerning Moab"). The preceding verses in [Isaiah 15](/isaiah/15 "Isaiah 15 - The Desolation of Moab") detail the widespread wailing, mourning, and desperate flight of Moabite inhabitants as their cities face imminent destruction and their land is laid waste. [Isaiah 16:6-8](/isaiah/16-6-8 "Isaiah 16:6-8 - Moab's Pride and Its Consequences") specifically condemns Moab's excessive pride and arrogance, identifying this as the root cause for God's righteous judgment. The prophet's deeply personal lament in [Isaiah 16:9](/isaiah/16-9 "Isaiah 16:9 - Isaiah's Lament for Moab") serves as an empathetic outpouring, not merely a description of future events, but a visceral reflection of the emotional weight and sorrow inherent in God's necessary judgment against sin and rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was an ancient nation situated to the east of the Dead Sea, characterized by its frequent conflicts with Israel and its deep-seated idolatry, particularly the worship of the god Chemosh (cf. [Numbers 21:29](/numbers/21-29 "Numbers 21:29 - Chemosh, God of Moab")). The region, especially around cities like Heshbon, Elealeh, Jazer, and Sibmah, was renowned for its exceptional fertility, boasting abundant vineyards and rich plains that yielded highly prized grapes and summer fruits. The "shouting" referenced in the verse specifically alludes to the boisterous, joyous acclamations, songs, and festivities that traditionally accompanied the grape harvest—a period of immense celebration, prosperity, and communal joy. The devastating judgment foretold in Isaiah is commonly attributed to the Assyrian invasions of the 8th century BC, which systematically ravaged many nations across the Near East, including Moab, acting as divine instruments of God's sovereign will.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 16:9](/isaiah/16-9 "Isaiah 16:9 - Isaiah's Lament for Moab") powerfully interweaves several profound themes. Foremost is **Divine Judgment**, where God's unwavering justice is meted out against national pride, idolatry, and rebellion, leading to devastating and inevitable consequences. A striking and deeply significant theme is **Profound Lament and Empathy**, as the prophet's personal sorrow transcends mere observation, mirroring a divine pathos—a profound grief over the necessary destruction that even God's righteous justice entails. This empathetic dimension is a remarkable feature, elevating this oracle beyond a simple pronouncement of doom. Finally, the verse profoundly conveys the **Loss of Prosperity and Joy**, demonstrating how earthly wealth, material abundance, and fleeting celebrations are ultimately transient and can be swiftly and completely removed when a nation, like Moab, turns away from God and His righteous ways, culminating in the cessation of the "shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bewail (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** From H1058, a primitive root meaning "to weep; generally to bemoan." This word signifies a deep, heartfelt sorrow, often expressed with tears and lamentation. In this context, it underscores the prophet's profound grief, which can also be understood as reflecting God's own sorrow over the impending destruction, despite its necessity as a judgment for Moab's pride and sin.
* **vine (Hebrew, _gephen'_):** From H1612, meaning "a vine (as twining), especially the grape." The "vine of Sibmah" was particularly famous for its high-quality grapes and abundant yield, symbolizing Moab's agricultural wealth, prosperity, and indeed, its very vitality and source of joy. Its destruction represents the complete economic, cultural, and spiritual ruin of the nation.
* **shouting (Hebrew, _hêydâd'_):** From H1959, meaning "acclamation; shout(-ing)." This term specifically refers to the joyous shouts, songs, and celebratory sounds of grape-gatherers during the harvest season. Its "fall" signifies the complete cessation of these festive celebrations, replaced by silence, wailing, and the absence of any reason for joy, marking the end of Moab's prosperity, happiness, and national identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah:"** The prophet Isaiah, speaking with deep personal empathy and perhaps as God's mouthpiece, expresses intense sorrow. The phrase "with the weeping of Jazer" indicates that the lament will be as widespread and profound as the mourning in Jazer itself, a once-fertile region now associated with desolation. The "vine of Sibmah" represents the pinnacle of Moab's agricultural wealth, a key source of its national pride and joy, now destined for utter destruction.
* **"I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh:"** This vivid and hyperbolic imagery deepens the prophet's lament, portraying his tears as literally watering the devastated lands of Heshbon and Elealeh, two prominent Moabite cities. This emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the grief and the sheer extent of the desolation, suggesting a sorrow so vast it could metaphorically irrigate the parched land. It powerfully underscores the personal and empathetic nature of the lament, highlighting the prophet's profound identification with the suffering.
* **"for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen."** This final clause provides the explicit reason for the intense lament. The joyous shouts, celebratory songs, and festive acclamations that once accompanied the gathering of summer fruits and the main harvest have completely ceased. The "fall" of this shouting signifies the total end of Moab's agricultural prosperity, its festive seasons, and its national joy, replaced by silence, desolation, and widespread mourning, marking the complete collapse of their way of life.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 16:9 is profoundly rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and sorrowful picture of desolation through evocative phrases such as the "weeping of Jazer," the "vine of Sibmah," and the "shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest." The prophet employs striking **Personification** when he declares, "I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh," attributing human characteristics (being watered by tears) to the inanimate cities, thereby significantly deepening the emotional impact and conveying the overwhelming nature of the lament. The "vine of Sibmah" functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just agricultural wealth but Moab's national prosperity, vitality, and primary source of joy; its destruction thus becomes a potent symbol of the nation's complete and irreversible downfall. The phrase "water thee with my tears" also contains elements of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the sheer volume of tears to emphasize the overwhelming depth of sorrow felt by the prophet, a sorrow that reflects a divine grief over the necessity of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 16:9 powerfully illustrates the profound theological principle that God's justice, while undeniably severe against pride, idolatry, and rebellion, is often accompanied by a deep and pervasive divine sorrow. The prophet's lament, mirroring God's own heart, reveals that judgment is not a source of delight for the Almighty but rather a necessary and painful consequence of sin and persistent disobedience. This passage underscores the transient and fleeting nature of earthly prosperity and joy, serving as a poignant reminder that true security and lasting celebration are not found in material abundance, worldly achievements, or national pride, but solely in alignment with God's righteous will. The tragic fall of Moab's harvest shouts stands as a stark and sobering reminder that all earthly blessings are ultimately gifts from God and can be swiftly removed when a nation or individuals turn away from Him, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of all that is not rooted in the eternal.

* [Jeremiah 48:33](/jeremiah/48-33 "Jeremiah 48:33 - Jeremiah's Lament over Moab's Harvest")
* [Hosea 9:1-2](/hosea/9-1-2 "Hosea 9:1-2 - Israel's Harvest of Sorrow")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 16:9 offers a multi-layered and profound invitation to personal and communal reflection. First, it compels us to soberly consider the gravity of sin, particularly the insidious nature of pride and idolatry, and the inevitable, often devastating, consequences that follow, both for nations and for individuals. God's justice is unwavering, and His judgments, though painful, are always righteous and just. Second, the prophet's profound and empathetic lament, which mirrors God's own sorrow, challenges us to cultivate a heart of genuine empathy and compassion, even for those who are experiencing the difficult and painful consequences of their own choices. It reminds us that while we must abhor sin, we are simultaneously called to grieve over the brokenness, suffering, and lost potential that sin inevitably causes in the world. Finally, the verse serves as a sober and timely warning against placing our ultimate trust, hope, or identity in fleeting earthly prosperity, material wealth, or temporary joys. Our "shouting" for success, possessions, or worldly accolades can "fall" and cease at any moment, revealing their ephemeral nature. True and lasting joy, profound peace, and enduring security are found only in a steadfast, obedient, and worshipful relationship with God, whose kingdom and eternal promises endure forever, providing an unshakeable foundation for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaiah's lament for Moab challenge your understanding of God's character, particularly the interplay between His unwavering justice and His profound compassion?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be placing undue trust or finding your ultimate security in "summer fruits and harvest" (i.e., material prosperity, worldly achievements, or fleeting pleasures) rather than in God alone?**
* **Considering the prophet's empathy, how can you cultivate a deeper heart of compassion and lament for those who are suffering, even when their suffering is a direct consequence of their own actions or choices?**

### FAQ
**Why does Isaiah, or God, lament the destruction of Moab, an enemy nation?**

Answer: The lament over Moab's destruction, particularly evident in [Isaiah 16:9](/isaiah/16-9 "Isaiah 16:9 - Isaiah's Lament for Moab"), reveals a profound and often overlooked theological truth about God's character. While God is perfectly just and must indeed judge sin and pride (as seen in Moab's arrogance, referenced in [Isaiah 16:6](/isaiah/16-6 "Isaiah 16:6 - Moab's Pride")), He unequivocally states that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather desires their repentance and life ([Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance")). The prophet's weeping can thus be understood as a powerful expression of divine pathos—God's deep sorrow over the necessity of judgment, even for those who oppose Him and rebel against His ways. This lament highlights His immense compassion and His enduring desire for all humanity to turn to Him, even as His righteousness and holiness demand accountability for sin. It humanizes the divine judgment, showing that it is not a cold, detached act but one accompanied by grief over lost potential, human suffering, and the tragic consequences of rebellion against a loving Creator.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The lament over the "vine of Sibmah" and the "fallen shouting" in [Isaiah 16:9](/isaiah/16-9 "Isaiah 16:9 - Isaiah's Lament for Moab") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the destruction of a physical harvest, but in the profound sorrow experienced by God over humanity's spiritual lostness and the subsequent ultimate triumph over sin and death through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Isaiah wept over Moab's desolation, Jesus Himself, the embodiment of divine compassion, wept over Jerusalem, lamenting their rejection of Him and foretelling the coming judgment ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). The "vine of Sibmah" symbolizes fleeting earthly prosperity and joy, which are temporary and vulnerable to destruction; in stark contrast, Christ declares Himself to be the "true vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")), from whom all genuine spiritual life, enduring fruitfulness, and lasting joy eternally flow. The "shouting" for thy summer fruits" represents temporary, earthly celebrations and the fleeting happiness derived from worldly abundance. In profound contrast, the "shouting" of true and eternal joy and celebration is found in the triumphant victory of Christ over sin, death, and the grave, culminating in the ultimate harvest of souls for His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 14:14-16](/revelation/14-14-16 "Revelation 14:14-16 - The Harvest of the Earth")). The sorrow of judgment expressed in Isaiah points forward to the ultimate Lamb of God, who, through His own immeasurable suffering and tears ([Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Christ's Prayers and Tears")), bore the full weight of judgment for humanity's sin, thereby offering a path to everlasting joy, an unfading inheritance, and a living hope that transcends all earthly sorrow ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope Through 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

Jeremiah 40:12

Even all the Jews returned out of all places whither they were driven, and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, unto Mizpah, and gathered wine and summer fruits very much.

Jeremiah 40:10

As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah to serve the Chaldeans, which will come unto us: but ye, gather ye wine, and summer fruits, and oil, and put [them] in your vessels, and dwell in your cities that ye have taken.

Isaiah 15:4

And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh: their voice shall be heard [even] unto Jahaz: therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his life shall be grievous unto him.

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.

Isaiah 9:3

Thou hast multiplied the nation, [and] not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, [and] as [men] rejoice when they divide the spoil.

Judges 9:27

And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode [the grapes], and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.

Jeremiah 48:32

O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer: thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach [even] to the sea of Jazer: the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage.