The Explanation of Moab’s Fall
March 30, 2021
Commentary
Instead of coming to Jerusalem, with the Assyrian armies coming, the Moabites fled all the way south to strongholds in Edon, such as the city of Petra (v. 1), which was about 50 miles south of Moab’s southern border. From here the Moabites sent an appeal to the king of Judah to give them asylum from the enemy (vv. 2-4). But Isaiah warns them that it will take more than a request. They will need to submit to the king of Judah and pay tribute by sending animals. Then a kingdom of love will be set up, and someone from David’s family will rule with fairness (v. 5). They wanted Judah’s help, but they did not want Judah’s God.
Isaiah exposes the pride and conceit of Moab (v. 6) The people of Moab should have realized their helplessness before the Assyrians and turned to God, through their neighbor Israel, but they refused to do so. As a result, the fruitfulness and productivity of their land would be stopped (vv. 7-10). While the treading of grapes (squeezing the juice by mashing them with their bare feet) had been a time of great joy at the end of the harvest season, it would soon be ended because the people ignored God and rebelled against Him (v. 10). The invading army and the drought which would accompany it would wipe out Moab’s chances for survival. There was great sympathy for Moab (v. 11). The prophecy closes with an explanation about Moab’s fall (vv. 12-14). Moab is to become “weary on the high place,” which no doubt refers to the temples of her pagan gods.
Application
Isaiah 16:1– 14 (NET)
1 Send rams as tribute to the ruler of the land, from Sela in the wilderness to the hill of Daughter Zion.
2 At the fords of the Arnon the Moabite women are like a bird that flies about when forced from its nest.
3 “Bring a plan, make a decision. Provide some shade in the middle of the day. Hide the fugitives! Do not betray the one who tries to escape.
4 Please let the Moabite fugitives live among you. Hide them from the destroyer!” Certainly the one who applies pressure will cease; the destroyer will come to an end; those who trample will disappear from the earth.
5 Then a trustworthy king will be established; he will rule in a reliable manner, this one from David’s family. He will be sure to make just decisions and will be experienced in executing justice.
6 We have heard about Moab’s pride— their great arrogance— their boasting, pride, and excess. But their boastful claims are empty.
7 So Moab wails over its demise — they all wail! Completely devastated, they moan about what has happened to the raisin cakes of Kir Hareseth.
8 For the fields of Heshbon are dried up, as well as the vines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations trample all over its vines, which reach Jazer and spread to the wilderness; their shoots spread out and cross the sea.
9 So I weep along with Jazer over the vines of Sibmah. I will saturate you with my tears, Heshbon and Elealeh, for the conquering invaders shout triumphantly over your fruit and crops.
10 Joy and happiness disappear from the orchards, and in the vineyards no one rejoices or shouts; no one treads out juice in the wine vats — I have brought the joyful shouts to an end.
11 So my heart constantly sighs for Moab, like the strumming of a harp, my inner being sighs for Kir Hareseth.
12 When the Moabites plead with all their might at their high places, and enter their temples to pray, their prayers will be ineffective.
13 This is the message the Lord previously announced about Moab. 14 Now the Lord makes this announcement: “Within exactly three years Moab’s splendor will disappear, along with all her many people; there will be only a few insignificant survivors left.”