Isaiah 16:14
And now the LORD says, "In three years, as a hired worker counts the years, Moab's splendor will become an object of contempt, with all her many people. And those who are left will be few and feeble."
And now the LORD says,

The God of Israel speaks with sovereign authority over Moab, proving that every nation stands accountable before Him.

Jer 48:1 Concerning Moab, this is what the LORD of Hosts,…
Ezk 25:8 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Moab and Seir…
2Ki 19:20 Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah:…

“In three years,

The appointed judgment has a fixed and near fulfillment, leaving Moab no grounds for false security.

2Ki 17:5 Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land,…
2Ki 18:10 And at the end of three years, the Assyrians captured it.…

as a hired worker counts the years,

The period will not be shortened or extended. As a laborer carefully marks the end of his contract, the LORD has determined the exact time for Moab’s downfall.

Isa 21:16 For this is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year,…
Job 7:1 Is not man consigned to labor on earth?…
Job 14:6 look away from him and let him rest, so he can enjoy his day…

Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt,

Moab’s wealth, military strength, cities, and proud reputation will not preserve her. The nation that exalted itself will become a testimony to the humiliation of human pride under God’s judgment.

Jer 48:26 “Make him drunk, because he has magnified himself”…
Jer 48:29 We have heard of Moab’s pomposity, his pride…
Zep 2:10 they shall have in return for their pride,…

with all her many people.

The devastation will reach beyond rulers and fortified places to the nation’s broad population and public life.

Num 22:3-4 and Moab was terrified of the people…
Jer 48:42 Moab will be destroyed as a nation because he vaunted…
Isa 10:19 The remaining trees of its forests will be so few…

And those who are left will be few and feeble.”

A small remnant will survive, but without the former strength and glory of Moab. The LORD’s judgment demonstrates that power, prosperity, and national pride are temporary when they are set against His rule.

Deu 28:62 You who were as numerous as the stars in the sky…
Amo 5:3 This is what the Lord GOD says: “The city that marches out…
Ezk 21:7 And when they ask, ‘Why are you groaning?’…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The sovereign God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Isaiah, declaring His judgment and plans.

2. Isaiah
The prophet through whom God delivers His message. Isaiah's role is to communicate God's will and future events to the people.

3. Moab
A nation east of Israel, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is known for its pride and idolatry, and here it faces impending judgment.

4. Hired Worker
A metaphor used to describe the precision and certainty of the timing of Moab's downfall, as a hired worker would meticulously count his days of labor.

5. Judgment
The event of Moab's impending downfall, which is a direct result of their pride and opposition to God.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Timing
God's declarations are precise and certain. Just as a hired worker counts his days, God's timing is perfect and assured.

The Consequences of Pride
Moab's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Nations and individuals alike must humble themselves before God.

The Certainty of God's Word
When God speaks, His words are fulfilled. Believers can trust in the reliability and truth of God's promises and warnings.

The Remnant Principle
Even in judgment, God often preserves a remnant. This principle encourages hope and repentance, knowing that God is merciful.

Reflecting on Our Own Lives
Consider areas where pride or self-reliance might be leading us away from God. Seek humility and dependence on Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the metaphor of a "hired worker" enhance our understanding of God's timing in Isaiah 16:14?

2. In what ways does the judgment of Moab reflect the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations?

3. How can we apply the lesson of Moab's pride and downfall to our personal lives and spiritual walk?

4. What other biblical examples illustrate the principle of a remnant being preserved, and how does this encourage us today?

5. How can we ensure that we are listening to and heeding God's warnings in our own lives, as seen in the prophecy against Moab?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 15
Provides context for the judgment against Moab, describing the lament and destruction that will come upon the nation.

Jeremiah 48
Expands on the prophecy against Moab, detailing the reasons for their judgment, including pride and false security.

Deuteronomy 2:9
Offers historical context about Moab's relationship with Israel and God's initial command not to harass Moab.

Psalm 60:8
Illustrates the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations, including Moab.

Amos 2:1-3
Another prophetic declaration against Moab, emphasizing God's justice and the consequences of their actions.
Lament Over MoabE. Johnson Isaiah 16:7-14
People
David, Isaiah
Places
Arnon, Elealeh, Heshbon, Jazer, Kir-hareseth, Moab, Sela, Sibmah, Zion
Topics
Account, Along, Bound, Contemned, Contempt, Contemptible, Contract, Count, Degraded, Despised, Esteemed, Feeble, Glory, Hired, Hireling, Honour, Impotent, Lightly, Mighty, Moab, Moab's, Multitude, Nothing, Payment, Population, Remnant, Rest, Saying, Says, Servant, Shame, Speaketh, Speaks, Spite, Splendor, Spoken, Strength, Survive, Survivors, Wax, Within, Worker, Working
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 16:14

     5888   inferiority

Library
Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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