Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 15

Verses 1-9

ISAIAH - CHAPTER 15

ORACLE CONCERNING MOAB, (Verse 1-9)

1. The Moabites were the descendants of Lot, through incestuous union with his oldest daughter (Genesis 19:37); their land was the mountainous plateau East of the Dead Sea. They had been perpetual enemies of Israel.

2. The whole land is pictured as being in mourning, (Verse 1-4).

a. On the housetops, in the streets and broad ways, there is weeping, wailing, sackcloth, baldness of head and shaven beards, (Leviticus 21:5; Jeremiah 48:37-38; comp. Isaiah 22:4).

b. Moab is laid waste, brought to naught, and made desolate -suddenly and "in the night".

3. In pity, Isaiah’s heart cries out for Moab - her waters made desolate, her grass withered, with no green thing left, (Verse 5-6; comp. Jeremiah 4:19-20; Jeremiah 31:18).

4. The abundance they have stored up for themselves is seen being carried away over the brook of willows, (Verse 7; comp. 2 Kings 3:19; 2 Kings 3:25; Isaiah 30:6-7; Jeremiah 48:36).

5. That a great slaughter has taken place is evidenced by the fact that: "The waters of Dimon are full of blood", (Verse 8-9a).

6. And still further calamity is to befall the remnant that has escaped, (Verse 9 b; comp. 2 Kings 17:24-26; Jeremiah 5:6; Jeremiah 15:3; Jeremiah 50:17).