Isaiah 15:1
The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence;
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Moab occupied the plateau east of the Dead Sea, a fertile agricultural region. Historical enmity existed since Israel's wilderness journey when Moab refused passage (Numbers 22-25) and hired Balaam to curse Israel. By Isaiah's time (740-700 BCE), Moab existed as an Assyrian vassal state. Archaeological evidence from Dibon and other Moabite sites shows destruction layers from this period. The Mesha Stele (c. 840 BCE) demonstrates Moab's proud defiance of Israel, boasting of victories over Israel's King Omri. This prideful nationalism made Moab's humiliation especially significant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's judgment of nations outside Israel demonstrate His universal sovereignty and justice?
- What does the prophet's compassion for enemies (Moab) teach us about combining truth and love in confronting sin?
- In what ways does sudden judgment "in the night" warn against presuming on God's patience?
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Analysis & Commentary
The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence. The Hebrew word massa (burden/oracle) introduces divine judgment pronouncements. Moab, descended from Lot's incestuous union (Genesis 19:30-37), maintained a complex relationship with Israel—sometimes ally, often adversary. The repetitive structure "in the night...laid waste" emphasizes sudden, unexpected devastation. Ar and Kir, Moab's principal cities, represent the nation's strength and pride. Their simultaneous destruction "in the night" suggests divinely orchestrated military conquest, likely the Assyrian invasions under Tiglath-Pileser III (732 BCE) or Sargon II (715 BCE). God's sovereignty extends beyond Israel to judge all nations according to His righteous standards. The prophet's compassion for Moab (verses 5, 9) demonstrates that divine judgment brings no pleasure to God (Ezekiel 33:11), yet His holiness demands response to sin.