Isaiah Chapter 16 · Verse 1
Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion.
Original Language Analysis
שִׁלְחוּ
Send
H7971
שִׁלְחוּ
Send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 10
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
כַ֥ר
ye the lamb
H3733
כַ֥ר
ye the lamb
Strong's:
H3733
Word #:
2 of 10
a ram (as full-grown and fat), including a battering-ram (as butting)
מִדְבָּ֑רָה
to the wilderness
H4057
מִדְבָּ֑רָה
to the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
6 of 10
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
הַ֖ר
unto the mount
H2022
הַ֖ר
unto the mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
8 of 10
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
Cross References
Isaiah 10:32As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.2 Kings 3:4And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.2 Kings 14:7He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.2 Samuel 8:2And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts.
Historical Context
Historically, Moab paid tribute to Israel during periods of Israelite strength (2 Kings 3:4). The Mesha Stele records Moab's rebellion against this arrangement. Sela (meaning "rock," later Greek Petra) served as a fortress city in Edomite territory, but Moabite refugees fled there seeking safety. The tribute route through wilderness to Jerusalem reflects the harsh geographical realities of the region. This prophecy's fulfillment came when various invasions forced Moabites to seek refuge in Judah, acknowledging the very sovereignty they previously rejected.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Moab's plea to send tribute reveal about the humbling effect of divine judgment on national pride?
- How does this historical tribute prefigure all nations' ultimate need to submit to Christ's kingship?
- In what ways does crisis reveal the insufficiency of earthly powers and drive people to seek higher authority?
Analysis & Commentary
The plea to "send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land" represents Moab's tribute offering to Judah, seeking political protection and refuge. The Hebrew kar (lamb) likely refers to the required tribute—Moab's economy centered on sheep-rearing (2 Kings 3:4 mentions Moab's king rendering 100,000 lambs annually). "From Sela to the wilderness unto the mount of the daughter of Zion" traces the tribute route from Petra (Edom/Moab border) through wilderness to Jerusalem. This reverses Moab's historical pride—seeking help from Israel/Judah whom they despised. The address to "ruler of the land" acknowledges Davidic sovereignty. Reformed covenant theology sees this as picture of nations ultimately needing to submit to the true King—prefiguring Christ's universal reign when every knee bows (Philippians 2:10-11).