Isaiah 16:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 16:14
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.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 16 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, wisdom, judgment. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-14: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 16:14
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.
Analysis
"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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Jeremiah 48:42
- Glory: Isaiah 21:16, 23:9