1 Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion.
2 For 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.
3 Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth.
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.
5 And 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.
6 We 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.
7 Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely [they are] stricken.
8 For 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.
9 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.
10 And 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.
11 Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh.
12 And 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.
13 This [is] the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning Moab since that time.
14 But 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.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 16
Isaiah Chapter 16 is a prophetic message directed towards Moab, a neighboring nation to Israel. This chapter reflects the socio-political context of the time, addressing the plight of Moab and its people as they face impending judgment and destruction. The chapter is characterized by a tone of lamentation and a call for compassion towards the Moabites, highlighting themes of exile, loss, and the need for refuge.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- Verses 1-5: A Call for Refuge
These verses depict a plea for Moab to seek refuge in Judah. The imagery of sending a lamb to the ruler of the land symbolizes the desire for peace and protection.
- Verses 6-9: Lamentation for Moab
This section expresses sorrow over Moab’s pride and downfall. It highlights the devastation of the land and the mourning of its people.
- Verses 10-12: The End of Joy
The joy and celebration that once characterized Moab are now gone, replaced by desolation and despair. The chapter emphasizes the loss of agricultural abundance.
- Verses 13-14: Prophecy of Judgment
The chapter concludes with a prophetic declaration regarding the duration of Moab’s judgment, indicating that it will last for three years.
Thematic Analysis
Isaiah 16 explores several significant themes:
- Judgment and Destruction
The chapter serves as a warning of impending judgment against Moab for its pride and idolatry. The consequences of sin are evident as the nation faces devastation.
- Compassion and Refuge
Despite the judgment, there is a call for compassion. The plea for Moab to seek refuge in Judah highlights the importance of mercy even in the face of judgment.
- Loss and Mourning
The imagery of lamentation illustrates the deep sorrow experienced by the Moabites. The loss of joy and abundance serves as a reminder of the fragility of prosperity.
- Hope and Restoration
While the chapter primarily focuses on judgment, it also hints at the possibility of future restoration, suggesting that the consequences of sin are not the end of the story.
Historical Context
The historical context of Isaiah 16 is crucial for understanding its message. During the time of Isaiah, Moab was often in conflict with Israel and Judah. The Assyrian threat loomed large, and many nations, including Moab, faced the consequences of their alliances and actions. The chapter reflects the geopolitical realities of the time and the moral and spiritual failings of Moab.
Conclusion
Isaiah Chapter 16 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of pride and idolatry while also emphasizing the need for compassion and refuge. The chapter encapsulates the tension between judgment and mercy, reflecting the broader themes present throughout the book of Isaiah. It encourages readers to consider the importance of humility and the potential for restoration even in the face of dire circumstances.
