Chapters 15 & 16 will be reviewed as a unit, as it a cycle of judgment against Moab, with the attending exaltation of Christ in the midst of it.
Isaiah 15:1-4 (HCSB) An oracle against Moab ... Every head
is shaved; every beard is cut off. In its streets they wear sackcloth; on its
rooftops and in its public squares everyone wails, falling down and weeping.
... the soldiers of Moab cry out, and they tremble.
The pagan nations that surrounded Israel are being judged.
This vision squares with what we know about the kingdom of God that is in our
midst - God's anger is meted out against those who surround us; as the world
rages against the Lord and His people. Even the strong and proud of the world
will cry out in fear as they tremble before their Creator.
Verses 5 -9 continue: Moab's fugitives flee, weeping; the
land is desolate, withered; their wealth is useless - unable to grow food!
Their wailing becomes unbearable as their rivers fill with blood and YHWH
brings "a lion" (the Lion of Judah?) to consume those who escape.
Interestingly, the KJV and its variants have "lions" while Young's
Literal and myriad others (including Strong's) have a singular lion. IF it is
"lions" it must be temporal, a pride of lions literally pouncing on
Moabites. IF it is "a lion" it fits into the vision of
judgment/redemption, focused on Christ Jesus that characterizes this book.
In the first few verses of chapter 16 Moab sends people to
mount Zion, seeking refuge and counsel. "Like a bird fleeing, forced from
its nest ... Give us counsel, shelter us in the heat of the day ... hide the
refugees ... be a refuge for Moab from the aggressor." (verses 1-4). As in
the days of Rahab, the pagans have heard of YHWH and they know who His people
are. In their distress, they cry out for mercy from the One who is pouring our
judgment on them.
Isaiah 16:5 (HCSB) Then in the tent of David a throne will
be established by faithful love. A judge who seeks what is right and is quick
to execute justice will sit on the throne forever.
Here is a clear reference to the promised Messiah, the shoot
of Jesse, the Son of David, who will take David's throne - established by
FAITHFUL LOVE! He will do what is right and will mete out justice quickly,
"Because the sentence against a criminal act is not carried out quickly,
the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit crime." (Eccl 8:11).
Isaiah 16:6-7 (HCSB) We have heard of Moab’s pride— how very
proud he is— his haughtiness, his pride, his arrogance, and his empty boasting.
Therefore let Moab wail; let every one of them wail for Moab. Mourn, you who
are completely devastated, for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth.
Those in Zion know about the pride of Moab, their arrogant
self-sufficiency. They seek after pagan delicacies (raisin cakes), yet all they
will do is wail and mourn for they are completely devastated. There is no peace
for the wicked! Their grapes have withered for the rulers of the other pagan
nations have trampled her vines to furthest reaches of Moab's borders (vs 8).
Isaiah 16:10 "Joy and rejoicing have been removed from
the orchard; no one is singing or shouting for joy in the vineyards. No one
tramples grapes in the winepresses. I have put an end to the shouting."
God's judgment has put an end to Moab's boasting in her material wealth. In Rev 6 we see the rich and powerful of the
world (Moab, Babylon) crying out for the mountains to fall on them and hide
them from wrath of the Lamb; but there is no hiding place apart from being in
Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 16:12 (HCSB)
When Moab appears on the high place, when he tires himself out and comes
to his sanctuary to pray, it will do him no good.
Pagan religion will offer so solace when the Son of Man
returns to judge the nations. False religion will lose its allusion of comfort
when the darkness it requires is stripped away by the Light that exposes every
wicked way.
Isaiah 16:13-14 (HCSB) This is the message that the LORD
previously announced about Moab. And now the LORD says, “In three years, as a
hired worker counts years, Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt,
in spite of a very large population. And those who are left will be few and
weak.”
YHWH had previously spoken against Moab and now (at the time
of Isaiah's writing) there were only 3 years left until Assyria would wear Moab
out, leaving the few survivors weak, with no vineyards, no wealth.
Hebrews 1:1-2 (HCSB) Long ago God spoke to the fathers by
the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, He
has spoken to us by ⌊His⌋ Son. God has appointed Him heir
of all things and made the universe through Him.
What was spoken long ago was for our benefit. But when
Christ came and spoke, the time of ignorance is over.
Hebrews 1:10-13 (HCSB) In the beginning, Lord, You
established the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands; they will
perish, but You remain. They will all wear out like clothing; You will roll
them up like a cloak, and they will be changed like a robe. But You are the
same, and Your years will never end. Now to which of the angels has He ever
said: Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool?
All authority in heaven and earth has been given to the One
who created all things, who have His life for His sheep, and is coming again to
judge the world, gather His people, and make all things new.
Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart!
There will come a day when it's too late and mercy will be no more.
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