Isaiah 15
Isaiah 15 is a chapter that contains God’s prophecy of judgment against Moab. The prophet Isaiah foretells the major cities of Moab and the tragedies and sorrows that will befall its people, as if singing them. This chapter is structured poetically and portrays how the destruction of Moab comes swiftly and widely, filling the people with cries of lamentation, sadness, and emptiness.
1verseThe burden of Moab. For in a night, Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nothing. For in a night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nothing.
2verseThey have gone up to Bayith, and to Dibon, to the high places, to weep. Moab wails over Nebo and over Medeba. Baldness is on all of their heads. Every beard is cut off.
3verseIn their streets, they clothe themselves in sackcloth. In their streets and on their housetops, everyone wails, weeping abundantly.
4verseHeshbon cries out with Elealeh. Their voice is heard even to Jahaz. Therefore the armed men of Moab cry aloud. Their souls tremble within them.
5verseMy heart cries out for Moab! Her nobles flee to Zoar, to Eglath Shelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of Luhith with weeping; for on the way to Horonaim, they raise up a cry of destruction.
6verseFor the waters of Nimrim will be desolate; for the grass has withered away, the tender grass fails, there is no green thing.
7verseTherefore they will carry away the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have stored up, over the brook of the willows.
8verseFor the cry has gone around the borders of Moab, its wailing to Eglaim, and its wailing to Beer Elim.
9verseFor the waters of Dimon are full of blood; for I will bring yet more on Dimon, a lion on those of Moab who escape, and on the remnant of the land.
The Structure and Flow of This Chapter
- Verses 1-2: It mentions that Ar and Kir, the central cities of Moab, are destroyed in a single night. This emphasizes the swiftness and shock of judgment.
- Verses 3-4: The people of Moab perform deep acts of mourning, such as crying out in the streets and on the rooftops and putting on heavy sackcloth.
- Verses 5-9: Sorrow and tears spread throughout the entire region of Moab, and all areas—including Blamion, Elalah, Dibon, and Nimrim—are laid waste. Near the end of the text as well, it repeatedly emphasizes that Moab’s sorrow and disaster continue.
The Overall Meaning of Isaiah 15
This chapter shows that neither human power before God nor the fortitude of a city can last forever. Moab sometimes stood against Israel and at other times was a close neighbor, but in the face of judgment, it becomes clear that everyone is merely weak. Readers today can also be reminded through these words that we should rely on God with humility, not with pride or self-reliance.
Points to Ponder
- In the scenes where the sorrow of Moab is portrayed, we come to recognize our human weakness. It would be good to reflect on whether we admit that our strength and boasting cannot last forever, and live accordingly.
- Even amid suffering and judgment, take time to reflect on why God is delivering such a message, what His will is, and what lessons He gives to me.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Take a moment to think about whether what I am holding onto is truly God—or rather the sense of stability in the world or my own ability.
- When I feel troubled and weak, let us steady our hearts so that we do not only grieve like the people of Moab, but develop an attitude of going to God and seeking help.
