Isaiah 16

“We have heard of Moab’s pride – how very proud he is – his haughtiness, his pride, his arrogance, and his empty boasting.” Isaiah 16:6 (HCSB)

Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the Moabites covers two chapters: 15-16.  Chapter 15 gives a picture of total destruction.  16 gives some of the causes of Moab’s downfall.  The devastation is complete, and the story receives even fuller treatment in Jeremiah 48.  Within a short period, Isaiah’s words were fulfilled.  Assyria came onto Moab, marching southward and driving those that escaped the sword into the territory of Edom.  City after city had fallen, and most of the places mentioned can still be located.  The picture of Moab that the Lord wants us to remember is of their arrogance.

Living in Israel 100 years after Isaiah, Jeremiah repeats Isaiah’s charge, adding for further clarity that God’s patience had run out:

“Make him drunk, because he has exalted himself against the Lord.  Moab will wallow in his own vomit, and he will also become a laughingstock.” Jeremiah 48:26 (HCSB)

Moab had wealth in terms of sheep.  We find this in 2 Kings 3:4. In Isaiah 16:1, Moab is asked to send tribute to Jerusalem.  The picture of the Moabites crossing the border into Edom with their family treasures is a graphic portrayal of the insecurity of riches.

Hysterical women are running southward, away from the aggressor; they are like young birds shaken out of their nests and fluttering about on the floor below.  (16:2)

Those who defy God turn to religion for justification.  Man’s religions are his greatest crimes.  Moab is no different, but even as she presents herself at high places, it is only to wear herself out.  Her praying is to no avail.  Jesus said the same thing about pagan religion:

“And when you pray, do not babble on like pagans, for they think that by their many words they will be heard.”  Matthew 6:7 (BSB)

Nothing but grief comes to those who defy God.  And this is only a PICTURE of what awaits all who ultimately defy Him.

But all is not dark.  In a display of Divine pity, God cries out for Moab. (15:5; 16:7, 9, 11) Isaiah is an evangelist as much as he is a prophet of judgment.  He, unlike Jonah, longs that his enemies turn to God and find salvation.  He takes no delight in the death of the wicked.  Isaiah speaks more than the facts of the gospel; he speaks God’s heart for sinners, as well.

“‘Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?’  This is the declaration of the Lord God.  ‘Instead, don’t I take pleasure when he turns from his ways and lives?’” Ezekiel 18:23 (HCSB)