Isaiah 16:14
But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The three-year timeframe likely refers to Assyrian campaigns under Tiglath-Pileser III or Sargon II (730s-710s BCE). Hired laborers contracted for specific periods, carefully tracking time until freedom—thus "years of an hireling" means exactly three years. Moab suffered multiple invasions: Assyrian (732, 715 BCE), Babylonian (6th century), eventually disappearing by Persian period. Progressive reduction from "great multitude" to "small feeble remnant" occurred over centuries. By New Testament times, Moabites existed only as historical memory.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the three-year timeframe teach about God's sovereign control over historical details?
- How does Moab's glory becoming contempt illustrate the principle that God humbles the proud?
- How do progressive judgments over time demonstrate both divine patience and certain justice?
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Analysis & Commentary
"Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble." God sets specific timeframe: three years precisely measured "as years of an hireling" (contracted laborer counting exactly). This specificity demonstrates sovereign control over history's details. Moab's "glory" will be "contemned" (niklah—brought into contempt, despised). Their "great multitude" becomes "very small and feeble." This fulfilled as invasions progressively reduced Moab until they disappeared as distinct nation. Theologically, prideful glory inevitably faces humiliation; God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.