Isaiah 15

¹ 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;

² He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads [shall be] baldness, [and] every beard cut off.

³ In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.

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.

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.

⁶ For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing.

⁷ Therefore the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have laid up, shall they carry away to the brook of the willows.

⁸ For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab; the howling thereof unto Eglaim, and the howling thereof unto Beerelim.

⁹ For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood: for I will bring more upon Dimon, lions upon him that escapeth of Moab, and upon the remnant of the land.

Overview of Isaiah Chapter 15

Isaiah Chapter 15 is a prophetic oracle concerning Moab, a neighboring nation to Israel. The chapter presents a vivid picture of the impending judgment and destruction that will befall Moab due to its pride and idolatry. The tone is somber and filled with lamentation, reflecting the deep sorrow over the devastation that is to come.

Structure of the Chapter

The chapter can be divided into several key sections:

1. Verses 1-4: The Announcement of Destruction
   • The chapter begins with a proclamation of Moab’s destruction.
   • Specific cities, such as Ar and Kir, are mentioned as being devastated.
   • The imagery of weeping and mourning highlights the severity of the situation.
2. Verses 5-9: The Lament for Moab
   • These verses express the deep sorrow felt for the people of Moab.
   • The text describes the fleeing of Moabites and their cries of anguish.
   • The chapter concludes with a vivid description of the land being desolate and the people suffering from the consequences of their actions.

Thematic Analysis

Several key themes emerge throughout Isaiah Chapter 15:

• Judgment and Destruction:

  The primary theme is the divine judgment against Moab. The chapter illustrates how the nation will face consequences for its sins and idolatry.

• Lamentation:

  The chapter is filled with cries of mourning, emphasizing the emotional weight of the destruction. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of divine judgment.

• Pride and Idolatry:

  Moab’s downfall is linked to its pride and reliance on false gods. This serves as a warning against the dangers of turning away from the true God.

Imagery and Language

The language used in Isaiah 15 is rich and evocative, utilizing vivid imagery to convey the severity of Moab’s plight:

• Desolation:

  The chapter describes cities and lands that are left desolate, creating a stark image of destruction.

• Weeping and Mourning:

  The emotional expressions of the Moabites serve to humanize the narrative, allowing readers to empathize with their suffering.

• Symbolism:

  The references to specific cities and geographical locations symbolize the broader implications of judgment on the entire nation.

Theological Implications

Isaiah Chapter 15 raises important theological questions and reflections:

• God’s Sovereignty:

  The chapter affirms God’s control over nations and history, highlighting that no nation is beyond His judgment.

• The Consequences of Sin:

  It serves as a reminder that turning away from God leads to dire consequences, both for individuals and nations.

• The Call to Repentance:

  While the chapter focuses on judgment, it implicitly calls for repentance and a return to faithfulness to God.

Conclusion

Isaiah Chapter 15 is a powerful and poignant oracle that encapsulates the themes of judgment, lamentation, and the consequences of pride and idolatry. Through its vivid imagery and emotional depth, the chapter serves as a reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God and the inevitable outcomes that follow. It invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the nations they inhabit, urging a return to faithfulness and humility before God.