God will also destroy Moab. Moab was a small country to the south and east of Israel. The founder of the people of Moab was the son born of the incestuous relationship between Lot and one of his daughters, when his daughters made Lot drunk, after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:30-38). The Moabites settled in the plains to the south-east of Israel, in what is modern-day Jordan. At times, the Moabites were great enemies of Israel. It was the Balak, king of Moab, who hired Balaam the prophet, hoping that he could curse Israel (Numbers 22-25). It was Eglon, king of Moab, who oppressed Israel in the days of the Judges (Judges 3:12-30). During the time of Saul and David, Israel established a firm control over Moab, but later kings of Israel were not always able to keep them under Israeli dominance.

At the same time, there was a Moabite connection with Israel. First, they were related to Israel because Lot was Abraham’s nephew. Because of this, God told Israel in Deuteronomy 2:9 that they were not to destroy Moab and take their land. David, Israel’s greatest king was one-quarter Moabite. His paternal grandmother Ruth was from Moab, and David entrusted his father and mother to the protection of the king of Moab when he was a fugitive from Saul (1 Samuel 22:3-4). For these reasons, there is a great deal of sadness and empathy on Isaiah’s part as he describes the coming judgment on Moab.

1. Sudden destruction in the night (vs. 1)

There was silence in Kir, a city of Moab. But it was a lull before the storm.

2. Crying and howling for sorrow (vs. 2-5)

The picture is of a Moabite man fleeing the destruction of his city, running to his temple and his pagan gods for protection and mourning. They head for their “high places”. At this invasion, and as a result of it, there will be great distress and mourning in Moab. Unlike the false prophets, God’s prophets often show compassion in their words. The Messianic throne is mentioned. They are to flee to there.

3. The rainfall will stop (vs. 6)

No wonder the people are crying, there will not be any rain for the farms. The beautiful plains of Moab were wonderful grazing land. But now, under the hand of God’s judgment, the green grass has withered away.

4. The people will run away (vs. 7-8)

The picture is of fleeing refugees, carrying with them all their possessions. Their pain in the midst of judgment is evident to all. Everyone around the borders of Moab sees God’s judgment against them.

5. A wild lion will catch them (vs. 9)

If the judgment of the night attack did not complete the work of judgment, God would send lions upon him who escapes. God will finish His work of judgment!

Categories: Isaiah