Isaiah 16:7

Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab. Moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth, you who are utterly stricken.

Study Bible

Therefore let Moab wail
The word "wail" in Hebrew is "yalal," which conveys a deep, mournful cry, often associated with lamentation and mourning. In the context of Isaiah, this wailing is a response to impending judgment and destruction. Moab, a nation often in conflict with Israel, is depicted here as facing divine retribution. Historically, Moab was a neighboring nation east of the Dead Sea, often at odds with Israel. The call for Moab to wail signifies the seriousness of their plight and the inevitability of God's judgment due to their pride and idolatry.

let them wail together for Moab
The repetition of "wail" emphasizes the collective nature of the mourning. It is not just an individual lament but a national outcry. The phrase "together for Moab" suggests a unity in their suffering and a shared recognition of their fate. This collective mourning can be seen as a call to repentance, a theme prevalent throughout the prophetic books. The unity in lamentation also highlights the communal aspect of ancient Near Eastern societies, where the fate of the individual was closely tied to the fate of the nation.

Lament and grieve over the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth
The term "lament" is another expression of deep sorrow, while "grieve" adds an element of personal loss and emotional pain. The "raisin cakes" are significant as they were likely a delicacy or a staple product of Kir-hareseth, a major city in Moab. These cakes could also have been used in pagan worship, which would add a layer of spiritual significance to their loss. Kir-hareseth, known today as Kerak, was a fortified city, and its mention here underscores the totality of Moab's devastation. The loss of such a product symbolizes the broader economic and cultural collapse that accompanies divine judgment. This serves as a reminder of the futility of relying on material goods and cultural achievements in the face of God's sovereign will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moab
An ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a nation that both opposed and interacted with Israel.

2. Kir-hareseth
A significant city in Moab, known for its production of raisin cakes, which were likely a symbol of prosperity and cultural identity.

3. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah and surrounding nations, including Moab.

4. Lamentation
The act of mourning or expressing deep sorrow, often in response to judgment or calamity.

5. Raisin Cakes
A product of Kir-hareseth, symbolizing the wealth and cultural pride of Moab, which would be lost due to impending judgment.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Pride
Moab's lamentation is a direct result of its pride and self-reliance. We must be cautious of pride in our own lives, recognizing that it can lead to downfall.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is real and affects nations and individuals. We should live with an awareness of God's righteousness and justice.

The Importance of Mourning
Lamentation is a biblical response to sin and judgment. It is important to grieve over sin and its consequences, both personally and corporately.

Cultural Symbols and Idolatry
The raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth symbolize cultural pride and idolatry. We should examine our lives for any cultural or material idols that may take precedence over our relationship with God.

Hope in Repentance
While judgment is certain, the Bible consistently offers hope through repentance. Turning back to God can restore and renew us.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the lamentation of Moab teach us about the consequences of national and personal pride?

2. How can we apply the concept of biblical lamentation in our own lives when facing personal or communal sin?

3. In what ways do cultural symbols or material possessions become idols in our lives, similar to the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth?

4. How does the judgment of Moab in Isaiah 16:7 relate to the broader biblical theme of God's justice and mercy?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's discipline. How did it lead you to repentance and restoration? How can this passage encourage you in that process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 48
This chapter also speaks of the judgment against Moab, echoing the themes of lamentation and destruction found in Isaiah 16:7.

Lamentations 1
The book of Lamentations provides a broader context for understanding the biblical theme of lament, as it mourns the destruction of Jerusalem.

Psalm 60
This psalm mentions Moab as a "washbasin," symbolizing its subjugation and the judgment of God upon it.

2 Kings 3
This passage describes a military campaign against Moab, providing historical context for the tensions between Israel and Moab.