Isaiah Chapter 16 · Verse 9
Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֡ן
H3651
כֵּ֡ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
אֲרַיָּ֙וֶךְ֙
I will water
H7301
אֲרַיָּ֙וֶךְ֙
I will water
Strong's:
H7301
Word #:
8 of 18
to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites)
וְאֶלְעָלֵ֑ה
and Elealeh
H500
וְאֶלְעָלֵ֑ה
and Elealeh
Strong's:
H500
Word #:
11 of 18
elale or elaleh, a place east of the jordan
כִּ֧י
H3588
כִּ֧י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
קֵיצֵ֛ךְ
for thy summer fruits
H7019
קֵיצֵ֛ךְ
for thy summer fruits
Strong's:
H7019
Word #:
14 of 18
harvest (as the crop), whether the product (grain or fruit) or the (dry) season
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
קְצִירֵ֖ךְ
and for thy harvest
H7105
קְצִירֵ֖ךְ
and for thy harvest
Strong's:
H7105
Word #:
16 of 18
severed, a limb (of a tree, or simply foliage)
Historical Context
These cities formed Moab's agricultural heartland. Ancient warfare timed campaigns to harvest season—capturing food supplies while denying them to enemies. Vintage shouts were ironically replaced by war cries. Isaiah's compassion for enemies reflects the prophetic tradition—Jeremiah similarly mourned Judah's judgment while proclaiming it. This differentiates true prophets from false ones who either minimize judgment or announce it gleefully.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Isaiah's grief for enemies model proper Christian response to divine judgment?
- What does watering ruins with tears teach about sin's tragedy despite justice demanding consequences?
- How should conviction about righteous judgment coexist with genuine sorrow?
Analysis & Commentary
"I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh." Despite Moab's enmity, Isaiah mourns their devastation—true prophetic compassion. "I will water thee with my tears" uses irrigation imagery ironically—tears water ruins instead of nourishing vines. Battle cries falling upon harvest indicate war destroying abundance. The prophet weeps not because judgment is unjust, but because sin's consequences are tragic. This models Christian response: unwavering in truth, yet genuinely sorrowful. Christ wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41) while pronouncing judgment.