Isaiah Chapter 15 — The Burden of Moab
Isaiah 15 presents a prophecy of judgment against the nation of Moab, depicting a state of sudden devastation and widespread public mourning.
1The burden of Moab.
2They have gone up to Bayith, and to Dibon, to the high places, to weep. Moab wails over Nebo and over Medeba. Baldness is on all of their heads. Every beard is cut off.
3In their streets, they clothe themselves in sackcloth. In their streets and on their housetops, everyone wails, weeping abundantly.
4Heshbon cries out with Elealeh. Their voice is heard even to Jahaz. Therefore the armed men of Moab cry aloud. Their souls tremble within them.
5My heart cries out for Moab! Her nobles flee to Zoar, to Eglath Shelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of Luhith with weeping; for on the way to Horonaim, they raise up a cry of destruction.
6For the waters of Nimrim will be desolate; for the grass has withered away, the tender grass fails, there is no green thing.
7Therefore they will carry away the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have stored up, over the brook of the willows.
8For the cry has gone around the borders of Moab, its wailing to Eglaim, and its wailing to Beer Elim.
9For the waters of Dimon are full of blood; for I will bring yet more on Dimon, a lion on those of Moab who escape, and on the remnant of the land.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Isaiah 15:2
“They have gone up to Bayith, and to Dibon, to the high places, to weep. Moab wails over Nebo and over Medeba. Baldness is on all of their heads. Every beard is cut off.”
This verse illustrates the extreme cultural signs of mourning and national distress used in the ancient Near East.
Isaiah 15:6
“For the waters of Nimrim will be desolate; for the grass has withered away, the tender grass fails, there is no green thing.”
It highlights the ecological and agricultural collapse that accompanied the military defeat of Moab.
Isaiah 15:9
“For the waters of Dimon are full of blood; for I will bring yet more on Dimon, a lion on those of Moab who escape, and on the remnant of the land.”
This concluding verse emphasizes the severity of the judgment, suggesting that even those who escape the initial slaughter face further threats.
Chapter Summary
Isaiah Chapter 15 introduces a prophecy or 'burden' against Moab. The text describes a swift and catastrophic destruction striking major Moabite cities including Dibon, Nebo, and Medeba. The impact is so severe that the people engage in intense public displays of grief, such as shaving their heads and beards and wearing sackcloth. From Heshbon to Jahaz, the sounds of wailing fill the air. The prophecy details the flight of refugees toward Zoar as they witness the desolation of their land, where even the waters of Nimrim dry up and vegetation withers. The chapter concludes by illustrating the desperation of those carrying their remaining possessions across the border, while the waters of Dimon run red with blood, symbolizing the continued suffering of the remnant of the land.
Frequently Asked Questions
In prophetic literature, a 'burden' refers to a heavy message or prophecy of judgment. In this context, it signifies the weight of the coming destruction that will fall upon the nation of Moab.
Shaving the head and beard was a traditional ancient Near Eastern practice to express deep sorrow, mourning, and shame. It symbolizes the total loss of dignity and the immense grief caused by the destruction of their cities.
Cities like Dibon, Nebo, Heshbon, and Jahaz are depicted as centers of wailing and despair. The text suggests they have been overtaken or destroyed, forcing the inhabitants to flee as refugees toward the southern borders.
Study Note
Isaiah 15 is notable for its dense geographical references, identifying many specific Moabite locations to illustrate the comprehensive nature of the regional catastrophe.
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