Isaiah 16: The Burden of Moab (Part 2)

I. Moab's Hope (1-5)

This chapter continues the prophecy on the destruction of the Moabites by the Assyrians. 

The Moabites used to be a tribute to Israel during the times of David, but has rebelled against Judah after the death of Ahab. But now the surviving Moabites appealed to Zion (Jerusalem) for refuge, by sending tributes with a lamb (probably symbolizing livestocks.)  (16:1) 

The Moabites were described as "fleeing birds": "Like fleeing birds, like a scattered nest, so are the daughters of Moab at the fords of the Arnon." (16:2)

The Jews were asked to aid the Moabites in seeking refuge and shelter: "let the outcasts of Moab

sojourn among you; be a shelter to them from the destroyer." (16:4) 

Isaiah prophesies that when the oppressors are gone, "then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness in the tent of David one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness.” (16:5)   This gives hope to both Israel and Moab that Jesus will reign at the end. 

II. Moab's Pride (6-12)

The Moabites deserved the calamity because of their pride, arrogance and insolence (16:6). so they will be repaid with mourning and will lose everything. 

With sadness, God lamented over the end of Moab's glory:

"Therefore I weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vine of Sibmah; I drench you with my tears, O Heshbon and Elealeh; for over your summer fruit and your harvest the shout has ceased.

And joy and gladness are taken away from the fruitful field, and in the vineyards no songs are sung,

no cheers are raised; no treader treads out wine in the presses; 

I have put an end to the shouting. Therefore my inner parts moan like a lyre for Moab, and my inmost self for Kir-hareseth.: (16:9-11)

III. Moab's End (13-14)

God said that Moab's effort to "go to their high places" to plea to their gods will be a waste of time. Moab has a chief god called "Chemosh", whom they sacrifice children to. One of Chemosh' altar was built by Solomon outside of Jerusalem.  

Instead, God decreed that within 3 years, Moab will cease to exist as a nation, and the remaining citizens left will be very few. (v13)