Isaiah 16:6

We have heard of Moab's pomposity, his exceeding pride and conceit, his overflowing arrogance. But his boasting is empty.

Study Bible

We have heard
This phrase indicates a collective awareness or acknowledgment of a message or report. In the Hebrew context, the verb "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama) often implies not just auditory reception but also understanding and consideration. Historically, this suggests that the message about Moab's pride was widely known among the surrounding nations, emphasizing the gravity and notoriety of Moab's situation.

of Moab’s pride
The term "pride" (גֵּאוּת, ge'ut) in Hebrew conveys arrogance and haughtiness. Moab, a nation descended from Lot, often found itself in conflict with Israel. This pride is not just a personal failing but a national characteristic that has led to Moab's downfall. Biblically, pride is frequently condemned as it leads to a separation from God, who desires humility and dependence on Him.

his exceeding pride and conceit
The repetition and intensification of Moab's pride through "exceeding pride" and "conceit" (גַּאֲוָה, ga'avah) highlight the depth of Moab's arrogance. This is a literary device used to emphasize the severity of their sin. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such pride would have been seen as a challenge to divine authority, warranting judgment.

his overflowing arrogance
The imagery of "overflowing" suggests that Moab's arrogance is not contained but spills over, affecting others. This can be seen as a metaphor for how pride can lead to destructive actions and attitudes that impact not just the individual or nation but also their neighbors. In Scripture, God often opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

but his boasting is empty
The phrase "boasting is empty" (בַּדִּים, baddim) indicates that Moab's self-aggrandizement is without substance or truth. This reflects a biblical principle that human pride and self-reliance are ultimately futile. Historically, Moab's boasts of strength and security were proven false as they faced divine judgment and military defeat.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moab
An ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is known for its pride and arrogance, which is a central theme in this verse.

2. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book. He prophesied during a time of great political turmoil and moral decline in Israel and Judah.

3. Pride and Arrogance
The central themes of this verse, highlighting Moab's excessive self-importance and the consequences of such attitudes.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
Pride is a destructive force that can lead to downfall. As Christians, we are called to humility, recognizing our dependence on God rather than our own abilities.

Empty Boasting
Boasting without substance is futile. Our confidence should be in the Lord, not in our own achievements or status.

God's Opposition to the Proud
Scripture consistently shows that God opposes the proud. We should strive to cultivate humility in our lives, seeking God's grace and favor.

Reflecting on Our Attitudes
Regular self-examination is crucial. We should ask ourselves if pride is creeping into our lives and take steps to address it through prayer and accountability.

Learning from Moab's Example
The account of Moab serves as a warning. We should learn from their mistakes and seek to live in a way that honors God, avoiding the pitfalls of pride and arrogance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the pride of Moab in Isaiah 16:6 compare to the pride described in other parts of the Bible, such as Proverbs 16:18 and Obadiah 1:3-4?

2. In what ways can pride manifest in our own lives, and how can we guard against it?

3. How does the concept of "empty boasting" apply to modern-day situations, and what can we do to ensure our confidence is rooted in God?

4. Reflect on a time when pride led to a negative outcome in your life. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it help you grow spiritually?

5. How can we cultivate humility in our daily lives, and what role does prayer play in this process? Consider James 4:6 in your response.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks about pride leading to destruction, which parallels the warning given to Moab about the consequences of their arrogance.

James 4:6
This New Testament verse emphasizes that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, reinforcing the message in Isaiah about the dangers of pride.

Obadiah 1:3-4
The pride of Edom is addressed here, similar to Moab's pride, showing a consistent biblical theme that pride precedes downfall.