Isaiah Chapter 16 · Verse 12
And it shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, that he shall come to his sanctuary to pray; but he shall not prevail.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֧ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֧ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִֽי
H3588
כִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִרְאָ֛ה
And it shall come to pass when it is seen
H7200
נִרְאָ֛ה
And it shall come to pass when it is seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מוֹאָ֖ב
that Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֖ב
that Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
6 of 14
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וּבָ֧א
that he shall come
H935
וּבָ֧א
that he shall come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
מִקְדָּשׁ֛וֹ
to his sanctuary
H4720
מִקְדָּשׁ֛וֹ
to his sanctuary
Strong's:
H4720
Word #:
11 of 14
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֖ל
to pray
H6419
לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֖ל
to pray
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
12 of 14
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
Cross References
Isaiah 15:2He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.Jeremiah 48:35Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.1 Kings 18:29And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.Numbers 23:28And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon.Numbers 22:39And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjath-huzoth.Numbers 23:14And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.
Historical Context
Moab's high places were outdoor worship sites dedicated to Chemosh, their national deity. Archaeological excavations reveal altars, standing stones, cult objects. In crisis, Moabites intensified worship of traditional gods—the human instinct toward religion in trouble. However, Chemosh couldn't deliver (1 Kings 11:7 calls him "the abomination of Moab"). This prophecy mocks religious activity disconnected from truth. The failure of Moabite prayer vindicated Yahweh as the only true God.
Questions for Reflection
- What does futile prayer at high places teach about religious sincerity versus truth?
- How does false gods' failure in crisis demonstrate only the true God provides refuge?
- How do people today exhaust themselves in ineffective religious activities rather than coming to Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
When Moab appears at high places, exhausting themselves in prayer to false gods, it proves ineffective—"he shall not prevail." Desperate religious activity reveals idolatry's impotence. They go to sanctuary to pray but accomplish nothing. Religious zeal directed toward false gods is futile—sincerity doesn't validate falsehood. Reformed theology emphasizes only prayer directed to the true God through Christ avails. All other religious activity, however earnest, fails to turn aside judgment. Moab's frantic but futile prayers contrast with effective prayer rooted in covenant relationship with Yahweh.