◄ Isaiah 15 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The Burden against Moab Isaiah 15, though filled with grief and despair, serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of earthly powers in the face of God's divine judgment. It's a call to seek wisdom and humility, to understand that our worldly triumphs can be fleeting. Ultimately, this chapter prompts us to question our own place within God's grand narrative, urging us to strive for a life rooted in faith, compassion, and righteousness. Verses 1-4: The Dire Prophecy for Moab Isaiah begins by unveiling a divine prophecy foretelling the destruction of Moab's fortified cities, Ar and Kir, in a single night. The chapter then illustrates the aftermath of the devastation – the people of Dibon go to high places to weep, Nebo and Medeba are filled with mourning, and even the warriors of Moab cry out in agony. Verses 5-9: A Land in Mourning The latter part of the chapter paints a picture of complete desolation. The prophet describes the citizens of Moab fleeing to Zoar and Eglath Shelishiyah, crying out as they go. Their lamentation is echoed throughout the land, from the waters of Nimrim to the banks of the Arnon. The once fertile land turns barren, the spring waters dry up, and the grass becomes withered, symbolizing the profound grief that has befallen the land. Isaiah 15 is a heartfelt prophecy of impending disaster that will befall the nation of Moab, a historic enemy of Israel. This chapter underscores the sovereignty of God over all nations and paints a vivid image of the mourning and distress that will ensue due to the divine judgment. It signifies the transience of earthly powers and reminds the readers of the ultimate supremacy of God's will. Teaching Points The Burden of Moab Isaiah 15:1 begins with An oracle concerning Moab, indicating a divine message of judgment. This sets the tone for the entire chapter, emphasizing God's authority over nations. Desolation and Mourning Verses 2-4 describe the widespread mourning and desolation in Moab. The people are depicted as shaving their heads and wearing sackcloth, traditional signs of grief and repentance. The Cry of Moab In verse 5, Isaiah expresses compassion, saying, My heart cries out for Moab. This highlights the prophet's empathy even amidst pronouncing judgment, reflecting God's own sorrow over sin. The Collapse of Moab's Strength Verses 6-9 detail the destruction of Moab's agricultural wealth and military strength, illustrating the futility of relying on earthly resources instead of God. Practical Applications Reflect on National Pride Consider how national pride and self-reliance can lead to downfall. Are there areas where we, as individuals or as a nation, need to humble ourselves before God? Empathy in Judgment Like Isaiah, we should maintain a heart of compassion even when confronting sin and its consequences in others. Dependence on God Evaluate where you place your trust. Are you relying on material wealth or human strength, or are you depending on God? People 1. Moab Moab is the central subject of Isaiah 15. It was a nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. The chapter prophesies the destruction and lamentation of Moab. 2. Ar Ar is a city in Moab mentioned in Isaiah 15:1. It is one of the locations that will face ruin. 3. Kir Kir is another city in Moab mentioned alongside Ar in Isaiah 15:1. It is also prophesied to be destroyed. 4. Dibon Dibon is a city in Moab mentioned in Isaiah 15:2. The people of Dibon are described as going up to the high places to weep. 5. Nebo Nebo is a location in Moab mentioned in Isaiah 15:2. It is associated with mourning and lamentation. 6. Medeba Medeba is another city in Moab mentioned in Isaiah 15:2. It is also a place of mourning. 7. Heshbon Heshbon is a city in Moab mentioned in Isaiah 15:4. It is described as crying out, and its voice is heard as far as Jahaz. 8. Elealeh Elealeh is a city in Moab mentioned in Isaiah 15:4. It is paired with Heshbon in the lamentation. 9. Zoar Zoar is a small city mentioned in Isaiah 15:5. It is described as a place to which the fugitives of Moab flee. 10. Eglath-shelishiyah This is a location mentioned in Isaiah 15:5. It is part of the path of the fugitives. 11. Luhith Luhith is a location mentioned in Isaiah 15:5. It is described as a place of weeping. 12. Horonaim Horonaim is a city mentioned in Isaiah 15:5. It is associated with cries of destruction. Places 1. Ar This is a city in Moab. The Hebrew root for Ar is "עָר" (ʿār), which means "city." It is mentioned as a place that will be laid waste. 2. Kir Another city in Moab, Kir is often associated with a fortress or stronghold. The Hebrew root "קִיר" (qîr) means "wall" or "fortress." 3. Dibon A city located in Moab, known for its high places. The Hebrew root "דִּיבֹן" (dîḇôn) is the name of the city itself. 4. Nebo A mountain and city in Moab, associated with idol worship. The Hebrew root "נְבוֹ" (nəḇô) refers to the name of the city and the mountain. 5. Medeba A city in Moab, known for its plains. The Hebrew root "מֵידְבָא" (mêḏəḇāʾ) is the name of the city. 6. Heshbon A significant city in Moab, often mentioned in the context of its pools and waters. The Hebrew root "חֶשְׁבּוֹן" (ḥešbôn) is the name of the city. 7. Elealeh A city near Heshbon, known for its vineyards. The Hebrew root "אֶלְעָלֵא" (ʾelʿālê) is the name of the city. 8. Jahaz A location in Moab where battles took place. The Hebrew root "יָהַץ" (yāhaṣ) is the name of the place. 9. Zoar A small city near the Dead Sea, often associated with refuge. The Hebrew root "צֹעַר" (ṣōʿar) means "small" or "insignificant." 10. Horonaim A city in Moab, mentioned in the context of distress. The Hebrew root "חֹרֹנַיִם" (ḥōrōnāyim) is the name of the city. 11. Eglath-shelishiyah A location in Moab, possibly a place of pasture. The Hebrew root "עֶגְלַת שְׁלִישִׁיָּה" (ʿeḡlaṯ šəlîšîyâ) refers to a "third Eglath" or "three-year-old heifer." 12. Luhith A location in Moab, known for its ascent. The Hebrew root "לוּחִית" (lûḥîṯ) is the name of the place. 13. Nimrim A place in Moab associated with waters. The Hebrew root "נִמְרִים" (nimrîm) is the name of the place. Events 1. Destruction of Ar and Kir "Ar in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night!" (Isaiah 15:1). The prophecy begins with the sudden destruction of two key cities in Moab, Ar and Kir, emphasizing the swiftness and completeness of the devastation. 2. Weeping at Dibon "They go up to Dibon, to the high places to weep. Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba; every head is shaved, every beard is cut off." (Isaiah 15:2). The people of Moab ascend to Dibon to mourn, showing signs of deep grief and humiliation by shaving their heads and beards. 3. Public Mourning "In their streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping." (Isaiah 15:3). The mourning extends throughout the city, with people donning sackcloth and expressing their sorrow openly. 4. Cry of Heshbon and Elealeh "Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far away as Jahaz. Therefore the armed men of Moab cry out, and their souls tremble within them." (Isaiah 15:4). The cries of distress from Heshbon and Elealeh reach distant places, causing fear and trembling among Moab's warriors. 5. Desolation of Waters of Nimrim "The waters of Nimrim are dried up, and the grass is withered; the vegetation is gone, and the greenery is no more." (Isaiah 15:6). The drying up of the waters signifies a severe drought, leading to the withering of vegetation and loss of fertility in the land. 6. Carrying of Possessions "So they carry their wealth and belongings over the Brook of the Willows." (Isaiah 15:7). The Moabites are forced to flee, taking their possessions with them across the Brook of the Willows, indicating displacement and exile. 7. Wailing Reaches Eglaim and Beer Elim "For their outcry echoes to the border of Moab. Their wailing reaches Eglaim; it is heard in Beer Elim." (Isaiah 15:8). The lamentation spreads throughout the region, reaching even the distant areas of Eglaim and Beer Elim. 8. Overflowing Waters of Dimon "The waters of Dimon are full of blood, but I will bring more upon Dimon—a lion upon the fugitives of Moab and upon the remnant of the land." (Isaiah 15:9). The waters of Dimon are described as being filled with blood, symbolizing violence and death, with further calamities prophesied, including attacks by a lion on the survivors. Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. This verse underscores the theme of pride leading to downfall, as seen in Moab's story. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. This Beatitude connects to the mourning in Moab, offering hope for those who turn to God in their grief. Jeremiah 48 Another prophecy against Moab, providing further context and insight into God's dealings with the nation. Prayer Points Pray for Humility Ask God to reveal areas of pride in your life and to cultivate a spirit of humility. Intercede for Nations Pray for your nation and others, that they would turn to God and seek His guidance and protection. Compassionate Hearts Request that God would give you a heart of compassion, like Isaiah's, to care for those facing judgment and hardship. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Isaiah's prophecy of Moab's destruction illustrate the theme of divine sovereignty? 2. What are some of the ways that the Moabites express their grief and despair in this chapter? 3. How does the sudden destruction of Moab compare with other instances of divine judgment in the Bible? 4. In what ways does the theme of transience of earthly powers resonate with you personally? 5. How might Isaiah 15 shape our understanding of God's judgment and mercy? 6. How can the images of grief and mourning in this chapter influence our empathy towards others? 7. How can we apply the lessons of the Moabites' downfall to modern societies and nations? 8. If you were in the place of the Moabites, how would you react to the prophecy of impending disaster? 9. How do the imagery and language used in Isaiah 15 affect the emotional impact of the prophecy? 10. What lessons can we learn from the mourning of Moab and apply to our handling of personal loss or societal tragedies today? 11. How does the suffering of the Moabites align with or contradict your understanding of God’s character? 12. What would a modern-day "Moab" look like and how can we prevent such a downfall? 13. How does this chapter shape our understanding of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments? 14. Why is it important to interpret Isaiah’s prophecy in its historical and cultural context? 15. How does Isaiah 15 resonate with current global issues like war, migration, or climate change? 16. How might this chapter challenge or affirm your views on divine justice? 17. How should the lamentation over Moab influence our approach to enemies or those who have wronged us? 18. How does the concept of divine sovereignty in Isaiah 15 influence your understanding of personal freedom and responsibility? 19. How might the theme of mourning in Isaiah 15 guide us in comforting others in times of distress? 20. Given the transient nature of earthly powers illustrated in Isaiah 15, how should we approach our ambitions, successes, and failures in life? Topics 1. The Burden Against Moab The chapter opens with a prophecy or "burden" against Moab, indicating impending judgment. The term "burden" (Hebrew: מַשָּׂא, ^massa^) often signifies a weighty message of doom or judgment. Isaiah 15:1 states, "An oracle concerning Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night!" 2. Lamentation and Mourning The Moabites are depicted as mourning and lamenting over their cities and high places. This reflects the deep sorrow and despair that will come upon them. Isaiah 15:2 says, "Dibon goes up to its temple, to its high places to weep; Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off." 3. Desolation of Moabite Cities The prophecy describes the desolation and destruction of Moabite cities, emphasizing the totality of the devastation. Isaiah 15:3-4 highlights this: "In the streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping. Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far away as Jahaz." 4. The Flight of Moab's People The people of Moab are portrayed as fleeing in terror, seeking refuge from the coming destruction. This is a common theme in prophetic literature, where judgment leads to displacement. Isaiah 15:5 states, "My heart cries out for Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah." 5. The Waters of Nimrim The drying up of the waters of Nimrim symbolizes the loss of resources and sustenance, further illustrating the severity of Moab's judgment. Isaiah 15:6 notes, "The waters of Nimrim are dried up, and the grass is withered; the vegetation is gone, and nothing green is left." 6. Offerings and Weeping The Moabites are depicted as bringing offerings to their high places, yet their efforts are in vain, as they are met with weeping and mourning. This reflects the futility of relying on false gods. Isaiah 15:7-8 states, "So the wealth they have acquired and stored up they carry away over the Brook of the Willows. For their outcry echoes to the border of Moab." 7. The Cry of Moab The chapter concludes with the pervasive cry of Moab, symbolizing the widespread impact of the judgment. Isaiah 15:9 captures this: "The waters of Dimon are full of blood, but I will bring more upon Dimon—a lion upon the fugitives of Moab and upon the remnant of the land." Themes 1. Destruction and Desolation The chapter opens with a prophecy of destruction against Moab: "Ar in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night!" (Isaiah 15:1). The Hebrew word for "devastated" (שָׁדַד, shadad) conveys a sense of complete ruin and desolation, emphasizing the totality of the judgment. 2. Lamentation and Mourning The Moabites are depicted as mourning their fate: "Dibon goes up to its temple, to its high places to weep" (Isaiah 15:2). The theme of lamentation is underscored by the repeated references to weeping and mourning, reflecting the deep sorrow and despair of the people. 3. National Humiliation The prophecy describes the humiliation of Moab: "Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off" (Isaiah 15:2). Shaving the head and cutting the beard were signs of mourning and disgrace in ancient Near Eastern cultures, symbolizing the nation's shame and subjugation. 4. Widespread Suffering The suffering extends throughout the land: "On the rooftops of Moab and in its public squares there is nothing but mourning" (Isaiah 15:3). This theme highlights the pervasive nature of the calamity, affecting all levels of society. 5. Divine Judgment The overarching theme is the divine judgment against Moab: "The waters of Nimrim are dried up" (Isaiah 15:6). The drying up of waters symbolizes God's direct intervention and the withdrawal of His blessings, leading to the land's barrenness. 6. Refugee Crisis The chapter also touches on the theme of displacement: "The cry of distress echoes to Eglaim; their lamentation reaches Beer-elim" (Isaiah 15:8). The movement of people seeking refuge underscores the chaos and desperation resulting from the judgment. 7. Inevitability of Prophecy The certainty of the prophecy is emphasized: "The waters of Dimon are full of blood" (Isaiah 15:9). The imagery of blood-filled waters signifies the inevitable fulfillment of God's word, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty and the inescapability of His decrees. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions