Isaiah Chapter 16

A Prophecy of Moab's Devastation

1Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion.

2For 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.

3Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth.

4Let 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.

5And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.

6We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so.

7Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken.

8For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even unto Jazer, they wandered through the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea.

9Therefore 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.

10And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease.

11Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh.

12And it shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, that he shall come to his sanctuary to pray; but he shall not prevail.

13This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning Moab since that time. 14But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Moab’s Destruction
(Zephaniah 2:8–11)

1 Send the lambs for the ruler of the land from Selah to the wilderness, to the mountain of the daughter of Zion.

2 For it will be that as wandering birds, as a scattered nest, so will the daughters of Moab be at the fords of the Arnon.

3 Give counsel! Execute justice! Make your shade like the night in the midst of the noonday! Hide the outcasts! Don’t betray the fugitive!

4 Let my outcasts dwell with you! As for Moab, be a hiding place for him from the face of the destroyer. For the extortioner is brought to nothing. Destruction ceases. The oppressors are consumed out of the land.

5 A throne will be established in loving kindness. One will sit on it in truth, in the tent of David, judging, seeking justice, and swift to do righteousness.

6 We have heard of the pride of Moab, that he is very proud; even of his arrogance, his pride, and his wrath. His boastings are nothing.

7 Therefore Moab will wail for Moab. Everyone will wail. You will mourn for the raisin cakes of Kir Hareseth, utterly stricken.

8 For the fields of Heshbon languish with the vine of Sibmah. The lords of the nations have broken down its choice branches, which reached even to Jazer, which wandered into the wilderness. Its shoots were spread abroad. They passed over the sea.

9 Therefore I will weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vine of Sibmah. I will water you with my tears, Heshbon, and Elealeh: for on your summer fruits and on your harvest the battle shout has fallen.

10 Gladness is taken away, and joy out of the fruitful field; and in the vineyards there will be no singing, neither joyful noise. Nobody will tread out wine in the presses. I have made the shouting stop.

11 Therefore my heart sounds like a harp for Moab, and my inward parts for Kir Heres.

12 It will happen that when Moab presents himself, when he wearies himself on the high place, and comes to his sanctuary to pray, that he will not prevail.

13 This is the word that Yahweh spoke concerning Moab in time past. 14 But now Yahweh has spoken, saying, “Within three years, as a worker bound by contract would count them, the glory of Moab shall be brought into contempt, with all his great multitude; and the remnant will be very small and feeble.”

Moab’s Destruction
(Zephaniah 2:8–11)

1 Send the tribute lambs

to the ruler of the land,

from Sela in the desert

to the mount of Daughter Zion.

2 Like fluttering birds

pushed out of the nest,

so are the daughters of Moab

at the fords of the Arnon:

3 “Give 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.

4 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,

5 in loving devotion a a throne will be established

in the tent of David.

A judge seeking justice and hastening righteousness

will sit on it in faithfulness.

6 We have heard of Moab’s pomposity,

his exceeding pride and conceit,

his overflowing arrogance.

But his boasting is empty.

7 Therefore let Moab wail;

let them wail together for Moab.

Moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth,

you who are utterly stricken.

8 For the fields of Heshbon have withered,

along with the grapevines of Sibmah.

The rulers of the nations

have trampled its choicest vines,

which had reached as far as Jazer

and spread toward the desert.

Their shoots had spread out

and passed over the sea. b

9 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.

10 Joy and gladness are removed from the orchard;

no one sings or shouts in the vineyards.

No one tramples the grapes in the winepresses;

I have put an end to the cheering.

11 Therefore my heart laments for Moab like a harp,

my inmost being for Kir-heres. c

12 When Moab appears on the high place,

when he wearies himself

and enters his sanctuary to pray,

it will do him no good.

13 This is the message that the LORD spoke earlier concerning Moab. 14 And now the LORD says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts the years, Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, with all her many people. And those who are left will be few and feeble.”

Footnotes:

5 a Forms of the Hebrew chesed  are translated here and in most cases throughout the Scriptures as loving devotion ; the range of meaning includes love , goodness , kindness , faithfulness , and mercy , as well as loyalty to a covenant .
8 b Or and had gone as far as the sea ; that is, probably the Dead Sea
11 c Kir-heres  is a variant of Kir-hareseth ; see verse 7.

A Prophecy of Moab's Devastation

1Send ye a lamb to the ruler of the land, From Selah in the wilderness, Unto the mount of the daughter of Zion.

2And it hath come to pass, As a wandering bird, a nest cast out, Are daughters of Moab, at fords of Arnon.

3Bring ye in counsel, do judgment, Make as night thy shadow in the midst of noon, Hide outcasts, the wanderer reveal not.

4Sojourn in thee do My outcasts, O Moab, Be a secret hiding-place to them, From the face of a destroyer, For ceased hath the extortioner, Finished hath been a destroyer, Consumed the treaders down out of the land.

5And established in kindness is the throne, And one hath sat on it in truth, in the tent of David, Judging and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.

6We have heard of the pride of Moab -- very proud, His pride, and his arrogance, and his wrath, Not right are his devices.

7Therefore howl doth Moab for Moab, all of it doth howl, For the grape-cakes of Kir-Hareseth it meditateth, Surely they are smitten.

8Because fields of Heshbon languish, The vine of Sibmah, Lords of nations did beat her choice vines, Unto Jazer they have come, They have wandered in a wilderness, Her plants have spread themselves, They have passed over a sea.

9Therefore I weep with the weeping of Jazer, The vine of Sibmah, I water thee with my tear, O Heshbon and Elealeh, For -- for thy summer fruits, and for thy harvest, The shouting hath fallen.

10And removed have been gladness and joy from the fruitful field, And in vineyards they sing not, nor shout, Wine in the presses treadeth not the treader, Shouting I have caused to cease.

11Therefore my bowels for Moab as a harp do sound, And mine inward parts for Kir-Haresh.

12And it hath come to pass, when it hath been seen, That weary hath been Moab on the high place, And he hath come unto his sanctuary to pray, And is not able.

13This is the word that Jehovah hath spoken unto Moab from that time, 14And now hath Jehovah spoken, saying, 'In three years, as years of an hireling, Lightly esteemed is the honour of Moab, With all the great multitude, And the remnant is little, small, not mighty!'

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Isaiah 16?

1.1Introduction to Isaiah 16

1.2Context of Isaiah 16

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.5Isaiah 16 Unique Insights

1.6Isaiah 16 Connections to Yeshua

1.7Isaiah 16 Scriptural Echoes

1.8Isaiah 16 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Isaiah 16?

Introduction to Isaiah 16

Isaiah 16 continues the oracle concerning Moab from the previous chapter, presenting a poignant picture of divine judgment tempered with mercy. This chapter stands as one of the most emotionally charged sections of Isaiah’s prophecies, where we witness God’s heart both for justice and compassion, even towards Israel’s historical enemies. The prophet’s words weave together themes of refuge, pride, and ultimate restoration, creating a tapestry that reveals deep spiritual truths about God’s character and His dealings with all nations.

Context of Isaiah 16

This chapter forms the second part of a larger oracle concerning Moab that began in Isaiah 15. The immediate context shows Moab in a state of complete devastation, with its people fleeing southward for refuge. This prophecy was likely delivered during a time when Assyria was threatening the entire region, though its implications extend far beyond that historical moment.

Within the broader context of Isaiah’s prophecies, this chapter fits into a series of oracles concerning various nations (Isaiah 13-23). These oracles demonstrate יהוה’s sovereignty over all peoples, not just Israel. The Moabite oracle is particularly significant because of Moab’s complex relationship with Israel, dating back to their origins through Lot. This historical connection adds layers of meaning to the prophecy’s themes of pride, judgment, and potential restoration.

Furthermore, this chapter connects to the larger biblical narrative of God’s redemptive plan. The imagery of sending lambs to the ruler of the land (Isaiah 16:1) echoes sacrificial themes that point toward the Messiah, while the references to David’s throne (Isaiah 16:5) tie directly to messianic prophecies that would find their fulfillment in Yeshua.

Ancient Key Word Study

Send (שִׁלְחוּ / shilchu) – This imperative verb opening verse 1 carries ceremonial and diplomatic significance. In ancient Near Eastern context, sending tribute was an act of submission and recognition of authority. The root שלח appears throughout Scripture in contexts of both divine commissioning and human diplomatic relations.
Lamb (כַר / kar) – Beyond its literal meaning, this term carried rich sacrificial connotations in Hebrew thought. Its usage here as tribute points to both political submission and religious implications, foreshadowing the Lamb of God concept developed fully in the New Testament.
Ruler (מֹשֵׁל / moshel) – This term specifically denotes legitimate authority and governance. Its root משל connects to the concept of representative rule and appears in messianic prophecies throughout the Hebrew Bible.
Daughter (בַּת / bat) – Used metaphorically for the population of Moab, this term carries connotations of vulnerability and dependence. In prophetic literature, it often represents the collective identity of a people group.
Pride (גָּאוֹן / gaon) – A key theme in the chapter, this Hebrew term denotes both dignity and arrogance. Its usage here particularly emphasizes the negative aspects of self-exaltation that leads to downfall.
Throne (כִּסֵּא / kisse) – This term in verse 5 carries strong messianic overtones, particularly when connected with chesed (loving-kindness) and justice. It represents both temporal and eternal authority.
Weep (בָּכָה / bachah) – The emotional intensity of this verb reveals the depth of Moab’s distress. Its repetitive use creates a dirge-like quality in the prophecy, emphasizing the severity of divine judgment.
Remnant (שְׁאָר / she’ar) – A theological term of great significance in Isaiah, representing those who survive judgment and carry hope for future restoration. Its usage here extends God’s redemptive purposes beyond Israel to other nations.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 1’s instruction to “Send lambs” (שִׁלְחוּ־כַר) was chosen over potential alternatives like “bring tribute” (הָבִיאוּ מִנְחָה) to specifically echo the sacrificial system and David’s historical relationship with Moab. The lamb imagery carries both political and spiritual significance, pointing toward the ultimate Lamb of God.
The phrase “like a wandering bird” (כְּעוֹף נוֹדֵד) in verse 2 was selected over simpler terms for displacement to emphasize vulnerability and disorientation. The metaphor connects to broader biblical themes of exile and seeking refuge.
The term “throne” (כִּסֵּא) in verse 5 appears with specific attributes of chesed and truth, chosen over possible alternatives like “kingdom” (מַמְלָכָה) to emphasize the personal nature of righteous governance rather than just institutional power.
The repeated use of weeping terminology (יִבְכֶּה) in verses 7-9 was chosen over other expressions of sorrow to create an emotional resonance that reflects both divine and human grief over judgment.
The phrase “cruel (נוֹגֵשׂ) has ceased” in verse 4 employs a specific term for oppressor that connects to Exodus themes, chosen over more general terms for enemy to emphasize deliverance from systemic oppression.

Isaiah 16 Unique Insights

Can a Bible Come to Life over a Coffee?

This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

I’m ready

The chapter contains a fascinating prophetic paradox where Moab, historically one of Israel’s bitter enemies, is called to seek refuge in Zion. This invitation reflects the universal scope of God’s redemptive purposes, extending beyond ethnic and national boundaries. The Targum Jonathan, an ancient Aramaic paraphrase, interprets this as a messianic prophecy where the nations would ultimately find shelter under the Messiah’s reign.

The reference to David’s throne in verse 5 carries particular significance in Jewish tradition. The Midrash Rabbah draws parallels between this throne and the promise of an eternal Davidic kingdom, seeing it as a clear messianic reference. The combination of chesed (loving-kindness) and truth established in justice points to the perfect rule of the Messiah, where mercy and truth meet together (Psalm 85:10).

The imagery of trampled raisin-cakes (verse 7) holds deeper significance in ancient Near Eastern religious practices. These were often associated with fertility cult worship, and their destruction symbolizes not just economic loss but the futility of false religious systems. This reinforces the prophetic message that true security comes only through submission to יהוה.

The weeping of Jazer (verse 9) creates a powerful anthropomorphism where even nature mourns the judgment on Moab. This poetic device, common in prophetic literature, suggests that divine judgment has cosmic implications, affecting the entire created order. The rabbinical commentary Pesikta de-Rav Kahana connects this to the concept that creation itself awaits redemption.

Isaiah 16 Connections to Yeshua

The chapter’s opening command to send lambs as tribute finds its ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The political submission symbolized by tribute becomes a picture of spiritual submission to the Messiah’s authority.

The description of the throne established in chesed (verse 5) directly points to Yeshua’s role as the promised Son of David. His kingdom uniquely combines perfect justice with mercy, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a ruler who “will judge seeking justice and hastening righteousness.” This connects with New Testament declarations of Yeshua as the righteous judge and merciful high priest (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Isaiah 16 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates deeply with other biblical passages, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected themes. The concept of finding refuge under God’s wings (implied in verse 4) echoes Ruth’s declaration of trust in יהוה (Ruth 2:12), particularly significant given Ruth’s Moabite heritage.

The promise of a throne established in chesed connects to Nathan’s prophecy to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16) and finds ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua’s eternal kingdom. The theme of pride leading to destruction parallels similar warnings in Proverbs 16:18 and is later echoed in James 4:6.

The imagery of widespread weeping and mourning recalls Jeremiah’s laments and points forward to the ultimate day of reckoning described in Revelation 1:7. The agricultural devastation described mirrors covenant curses in Deuteronomy 28 while also anticipating creation’s redemption in Romans 8:19-22.

Isaiah 16 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own hearts regarding pride and submission to God’s authority. Moab’s story serves as a warning about the destructive nature of pride while also offering hope through genuine repentance and submission to divine authority. The promise of a throne established in chesed reminds us that God’s judgment is always tempered with mercy for those who humble themselves.

In our daily walk, we’re called to reflect on where we might be resisting God’s authority through pride or self-sufficiency. The chapter encourages us to seek refuge in the Messiah’s kingdom, where justice and mercy meet perfectly. Just as Moab was called to send lambs as tribute, we’re invited to offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

Did You Know

The city of Kir-hareseth mentioned in verse 7 was one of Moab’s strongest fortresses, its name literally meaning “city of potsherds” or “city of the sun.” Archaeological evidence shows it was surrounded by impressive walls up to 40 feet thick.
The reference to “waters of Nimrim” connects to an area known for its abundant springs and agricultural fertility, making its drying up particularly significant as a sign of divine judgment.
The “raisin-cakes of Kir-hareseth” mentioned were not just food items but had religious significance in ancient Canaanite worship practices, often associated with fertility rites.
The three-year time frame mentioned for Moab’s judgment parallels other prophetic time markers in Isaiah and suggests a period of complete divine determination.
The phrase “fugitives of Moab” may reference a historical event when Moabites sought refuge in Edom during Assyrian invasions, though the prophecy extends beyond any single historical fulfillment.
The mention of David’s throne carries particular significance as historical records show Moab had been tributary to David’s kingdom, making this both a historical reference and messianic prophecy.
Ancient Jewish traditions record that the “outcasts” mentioned in verse 4 included converts from Moab who found refuge among God’s people, pointing to the universal scope of divine mercy.

Have you been blessed?

This website has over 46,000 Biblical resources, made possible through the generosity of the 0.03% of supporters like you. If you’ve been blessed today, please consider sending a gift.

send a gift

Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

Articles: 46871

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments