Isaiah Chapter 16 · Verse 8
For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even unto Jazer, they wandered through the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בַּעֲלֵ֤י
the lords
H1167
בַּעֲלֵ֤י
the lords
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
7 of 19
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
גוֹיִם֙
of the heathen
H1471
גוֹיִם֙
of the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
8 of 19
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
הָלְמ֣וּ
have broken down
H1986
הָלְמ֣וּ
have broken down
Strong's:
H1986
Word #:
9 of 19
to strike down; by implication, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
11 of 19
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
יַעְזֵ֥ר
even unto Jazer
H3270
יַעְזֵ֥ר
even unto Jazer
Strong's:
H3270
Word #:
12 of 19
jaazer or jazer, a place east of the jordan
נָגָ֖עוּ
thereof they are come
H5060
נָגָ֖עוּ
thereof they are come
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
תָּ֣עוּ
they wandered
H8582
תָּ֣עוּ
they wandered
Strong's:
H8582
Word #:
14 of 19
to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both
מִדְבָּ֑ר
through the wilderness
H4057
מִדְבָּ֑ר
through the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
15 of 19
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
נִטְּשׁ֖וּ
are stretched out
H5203
נִטְּשׁ֖וּ
are stretched out
Strong's:
H5203
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive
Cross References
Isaiah 15:4And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh: their voice shall be heard even unto Jahaz: therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his life shall be grievous unto him.Numbers 32:38And Nebo, and Baal-meon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.
Historical Context
Moab's plateau provided excellent viticulture. Heshbon and Sibmah wines were renowned and exported throughout the region. Archaeological surveys confirm extensive ancient terrace systems for grape cultivation. Assyrian and Babylonian military policy included destroying fruit trees and vines (2 Kings 3:19, 25). Systematic agricultural destruction contributed to Moab's depopulation and disappearance as a distinct nation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does agricultural destruction illustrate judgment removing economic foundations of pride?
- What does withering vines teach about fruitlessness apart from the True Vine?
- How do temporal economic judgments prefigure final judgment's comprehensive destruction?
Analysis & Commentary
Agricultural devastation extends to Heshbon and Sibmah's famous vineyards. Fields languish, choice vines are destroyed, vines that reached Jazer and wandered through wilderness are broken down. "Lords of the heathen" (foreign rulers) breaking vines indicates systematic destruction of economic infrastructure. Ancient warfare targeted agriculture to create famine and prevent recovery. Spiritually, this depicts how sin destroys fruitfulness—life apart from the True Vine (John 15) produces temporary prosperity that judgment withers.