Isaiah 16, as explained by Halley’s Bible Handbook, It describes a prophecy of judgment against Moab for its pride, which was a continuation of the message in chapter 15. It calls for Moab to send a flock of lambs as a tribute to Jerusalem, symbolizing their need to submit to Judah and the ruler of Judah’s land. A flock of lambs is no great issue for Moabites. However, it also reveals that Moab’s arrogance led to the destruction of its prosperity and a devastating downfall. 

Moab’s desperate plea and punishment

• The chapter begins with a plea for Moab to send *a lamb as a tribute to the ruler of Judah, a gesture of seeking favor and protection.

*Probably a flock of sheep. Some translations read “lamb” while others use the plural form … “lambs.”

• Isaiah describes Moab as being like a “fluttering bird” pushed from the nest, showing their helplessness and confusion as they are fleeing an oppressor. A baby bird.
• Look at Deuteronomy 2:9. They were not to destroy Moab and take their land. King David, Israel’s greatest king, was one-quarter Moabite. His paternal grandmother Ruth was from Moab, and David entrusted his father and mother to the protection of the king of Moab when he was a fugitive from Saul (1Samual_22:3-4).

The Ultimate Destruction and judgement of Moab

• Despite their attempts to find refuge, the prophecy states that Moab’s gods were unable to help them.
• The judgment is described as a devastating downfall, with the destruction of their vineyards and a wailing cry throughout the land.
  • NOTE: There is no MOAB today. Moabites were not simply scattered but slaughtered. There is no promise from God that they will retrieve their lands as promised to Israel.
• Isaiah emphasizes that Moab’s pride and arrogance are the cause of their judgment.
• Within three years, what is left of Moab’s glory and power would be destroyed, leaving only a small remnant of scattered survivors. 
• The land of Moab, specifically the area called Ar, had already been given by God to the descendants of Lot as their possession.

Lessons from the prophecy

• The danger of pride: The prophecy serves as a warning against excessive pride and arrogance, which can lead to self-destruction. This is stilltrue today.
• The consequence of late repentance: Moab is condemned for waiting until it was too late to repent.
  • Sincere repentance is never “too late” if there is life, many Bible verses warn that those who delay repentance are likely to find it difficult to turn to God in late life. It MUST be a real thing. It is not a nearby life-preserver one can grasp as their ship (life) is obviously sinking.
• God’s mercy and justice: God’s actions toward Moab demonstrate his mercy and desire for righteousness, while also carrying out justice against those who oppose him.
• The importance of submission: The prophecy illustrates the importance of submitting to God’s authority and accepting the help that he offers, instead of relying on one’s own strength and pride.
• A message of hope: The prophecy offers a glimmer of hope for the future, suggesting that God’s kingdom will be established on mercy and that he will quickly bring righteousness. 

We insert this map to help readers mind-map the many cities, kingdoms, and locations mentioned by Isaiah. Some of these locations did not exist at the same time as did Isaiah’s writing. This is called proximity-help. This map is to help the reader find locations that Isaiah mentions in scripture.

Kingdoms change as do nations. People migrate and are forced to move by conquering enemies … a practice by the Babylonian and the Assyrian. The Philistine here are the Gaza people in today’s news.

There are no Moab or Moabites today. Their kingdom is all part of Jordan. Yes, names have been changed over time. Moabite culture was centered on agriculture and animal husbandry in a fertile land. They with a polytheistic religion that prominently featured the god Chemosh. Again, sending a tribute was not an issue for Moab, but they refused. Their pride got in the way.

They had a language similar to Hebrew. This is a no-brainer since they are/were relatives of Israelis. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, was the ancestor of the Moabites through one of his two daughters. At the fleeing of the twelve Tribes of Israel from Egypt, Moabites were part of the Canaanites mentioned in the Bible. Genesis19:36-37 (cntrl/click or tap) state that Lot’s eldest daughter bore a son naming him Moab.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

The “Burden against Moab”: 

V1: This chapter is explicitly titled an “oracle” or “burden” against Moab. Moab is the subject of this prophecy because it mistreated Israel, *refusing to let the Israelites pass through its land, and as a result, God will bring judgment upon it.

*Inference to refusing passage by Israelites goes all the way back to when Moses asked for minimal passage through Moab while leaving Egypt. Ar was the capital of Moab. Just like the name Babylon, the Bible sometimes uses “Ar” to refer to the entire nation of Moab. 

The noun ‘ar (עָר) is used to describe an enemy or adversary. The Bible sometimes uses ‘ar to define the entire nation of Moab. Today this area is inside Jordan (Genesis_19:30-38). There was a Moabite connection with Israel. They were related to Israel because Lot was Abraham’s nephew. Because of this, God told Israel in Deuteronomy_2:9 to not destroy Moab and take their land.

V2: This verse is part of a larger prophecy against the nation of Moab. It details a prophecy of judgment and destruction. Nebo and Medeba if Moab have already suffered destruction or a pending destruction. The Bible is not specific other than it has been or would be destroyed. Their wailing and crying was not limited to Nebo and Medeba destruction, but more of a concern that they would be next in line for destruction.

V3: As noted in verse 2, yes, they were fearful of their own skins, but it included their fear of their destruction as a nation. King David had put the Moabites under tribute to Israel then became a tributary of the Assyrian Empire in the late 8th century BCE. Following that their conquerors were the Babylonians, the Persians and later, the Greeks. Eventually they fell to Rome. Now we know what happened to the Moabites, bitter enemies of Israel.

The Nabataeans occupied the land of Moab just before their conquest by the Romans. They are often identified with the Nabayat of Assyrian records. The Genesis 25:13 (or Nabaioth), was the firstborn son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13).

NOTE: Life’s lineage can become a bit complexing. We only trace the connections to past people to help us understand where, when, how, and who, that makes history both earthly and scriptural. Such as… The listing of Ishmael’s twelve sons in Genesis 25:13is significant because God had promised Hagar that Ishmael would “father twelve princes” who would become the heads of their own tribes.

V4: *Heshbon and Elealeh, cities of Moab, are east of the Jordan River. They too will fall. Their cry and fear of destruction will spread throughout the area into neighboring nations. These two former cities of Moab would have been in modern-day Jordan.

*These two cities are in territory that was originally given to the Israelite tribes of Gad and Reuben (Numbers 32:1–5). 

V5: “My heart shall cry out for Moab…” The word “cry” (zaw-ak’ ) is shriek in the Hebrew. It is much more meaningful than in the English word cry. The Moabite army trembles in their souls, so distraught that they could not defeat the invasion by a powerful enemy.

V6 &7: These two verses help us understand how TOTAL was the destruction in Moab. Up to this point in this article, chapter 15 defines and describes the finality of Moab. It doesn’t even exist today, but southern Jordan does. WE should note, all this destruction to Moab is due to their animosity of Israel. What might this relate to end time or the animosity in the UN and the world today? It will be the same thing. HeEd this as a warning o’ world.

V8: “For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab; the wailing thereof unto Eglaim, and the wailing thereof unto Beer-elim.” A fascinating bit of information is the name Eglaim. It is potentially linked to “En-eglaim” in Ezekiel 47, a location where fishermen will spread nets in a future, revitalized Dead Sea during the millennial reign of Christ.

V9: “For the waters of Dimon will be full of blood.” Dimon may be Dibon. The name “Dimon” may have been chosen to sound like the Hebrew word for “blood.

• A Near-Future Prophecy: Isaiah specified that this judgment on Moab would be fulfilled within three years of his prophecy. Isaiah 16:14 points this out so we know it is not part of End Time. Chapter 16 is next.

It will be nothing short of elimination of the Moabites. They do not exist today, other than, perhaps, a very few coat-tail people who do not know who they are.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

This post should have been last week. Sorry for the technical issue of posting

V1: This verse is a tell-all per mankind in and after end time. Mercy on Jacob is self-evident. “Jacob” can be none other than his descendants. Keep in mind that this Bible conflict with the Jews suffering goes back to Genesis. The REAL conflict is between God and Lucifer/Satan/serpent. God created a Chosen People to be His light to the world through Abraham-Isaac-Jacob. However, this does NOT exclude Gentiles. We see this in verse one. God will continue to choose Israel (the 12 tribes); to resettle them in His Promised Land. The ancient city of Babylon remains a ruined archaeological site located in modern-day Iraq. Once a thriving metropolis, the city is now largely unexcavated and is a UNESCO World Heritage site being conserved for future tourism. A different meaning for “Babylon” also exists. In some cultural and religious contexts, the name refers to a system of oppression.  

The Promised Land is two-fold. First, it is the traditional land promised to Abaham. Second, the promise of a kingdom that has yet to come.

Let’s look at number 2. Why? Because it has yet to happen. Many Bible commentators, but not all, miss this point. “…and strangers will join them.” That too has yet to happen. It isn’t going to happen during the Tribulation. That time will be a very bad for Israel, land and people. It is during the Millennial reign of Christ. Key biblical prophecies of this include visions from Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah. These texts predict a future where Jerusalem becomes the center of worship for all nations during the aftermath of the Tribulation. These are visitors, i.e. the strangers mentioned in verse one. Jerusalem is central to God’s universal kingdom, and gentile nations join in His worship. In the Hebrew, the word for “strangers” is gêyr. This translates “a foreigner: – alien, sojourner, stranger” [H1481]. It does not mean occupants. There may be some but not many.

V2: Amazingly, in verse 2 we have something that has seldom happened. Traditionally Israelites have been expelled from foreign countries. Here in the first sentence of verse 2, we find foreigners paying for, aiding, and taking Israelite to Jerusalem. Many strangers recognizing the God intervened circumstances “ and will CLING to the house of Jacob”. They will remain as servants and maids [v2b]. Zechariah 8:23 states: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you…”

NOTE: Verses 3 to 11 are the fall of the king of Babylon. This again is a two-fold use of the word Babylon.

V3: “In that day of the Lord” Isaiah assure his fellow Israelis that a day is coming when the House of Jacob will no longer be suppressed at home or in foreign lands. Here the name Babylon is a synonym for nations and people who traditionally and historically abused Israelites as a people. “…You will take up this saying (V5-11) against the King of Babylon.” The Bible describes the “joy of the earth” at Babylon’s fall in both Isaiah and Jeremiah. Where it says the earth far exceeds just a few local nations. Look at the world today as nations and kingdoms line up against Israel. This includes all of them.

The rest for Israel during End Time includes gentiles. The Bible describes the “joy of the earth” at Babylon’s fall in both Isaiah and Jeremiah. This includes all believers. See Matthew 11:28. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”. What will apply to the Israelis during the Millennial reign will include both Israeli and Gentile believers. Some promises from God will be exclusive to His chosen people, Israel.

NOTE: Why we at ahabiblemoments do not think this is simply a reference to the release of Jews from Babylon as some commentaries state. Israel’s joy is overwhelming. In verse one we read of the House of Jacob; In verse two we read of the house of Israel.

V4: This verse introduces the remaining and fascinating verses in chapter 14. The “king” mentioned in verse 4, i.e. the king of Babylon, is actually Satan. Babylon is the earth. Prophecy often has both a near and a distant fulfillment. This is one of those times.

Since the remainder of chapter 14 is one continuous prophecy, we will cease investing your reading time at verse 4. The next several verses itemize nations, places, and people who will fall under God’s End Time judgement. In short …this means everyone. Us at ahabiblemoments included.

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025

In examining this passage, it’s important to recognize the deliberate choice of language and its theological implications. The distinction between LORD and Lord is not merely stylistic but carries deep significance in understanding the nature and authority ascribed to God in the original Hebrew texts. By highlighting these nuances, the author sets the stage for a richer interpretation of Isaiah’s prophetic message and its relevance to both historical and spiritual contexts.

Before we begin this article, has anyone noticed that this particular passage uses the spelling LORD instead of Lord? Recall from a previous article a few weeks back that LORD [all caps] yehôvâh is different from Lord Adonai [caps versus lowercase]. LORD represents God’s personal name, YHWH, while Lord is a translation of “Adonai,” meaning “my Lord” or “master”. Isaiah uses YHWH in this passage.

Briefly… Isaiah describes God’s judgment against the oppressiveness of Satan Lucifer, Babylon, Assyria, Philistia, then in the next chapter, Isaiah adds Moab to this list.  Keep it in mind that Lucifer is called the King, or better said, the god of earth. We find this in 2 Corinthians 4:4 where it states that the “god of this age” has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel. This doesn’t mean man has lost his option of choice. It does mean man has the option of knowing good fruit and bad fruit. Blinded means man does not know the difference.

The fall of Satan:

V12 – 15: Here we get a very good description of “O’ Lucifer” [v12]. Satan claims to be and once was the Son of the morning sun (the meaning of his name in Heaven). He has weakened the nations, claims to ascend to a throne above God, convinced in his heart that he is equal to God or perhaps greater [verse 14b]. He will sit in the north looking south from all sides, yet Isaiah writes …you O’ Satan (you); V15) will be brought down to Sheol (hell), the lowest depths of the pit. This is during the Millennial Reign of Jesus.

V16-17: “Those who see you will look [shaw-gakh’] at you will use a narrow glance …”  [as if out of the corner of or squinted eyes]. This infers to make a glance at something suspiciously. In their minds people will question if this is the same one who commanded the world prior to the return of Jesus return? One who made the world tremble, shook kingdoms, made the world a wilderness, destroyed the cities, refused to release his captives…? This verse serves as a prophecy of Satan’s downfall, highlighting his oppressive nature and ultimately contrasting himself with the mercy and justice of God.

V17: Clarification… (NKJV) “who did not open the houses of his prisoners”. Those who are headed to or contained in hell, there is no way Satan is willing or can return them to a life on earth giving them a second chance at salvation. He does not want a single person to believe in Jesus Christ/God.

V18: Oddly. This verse is contrasting Gentiles with Israelis who are making this glancing look. How do we suspect this to be true? The word “nations” is gôy in the Hebrew. This word means a foreign nation; hence a Gentile.

V19-21: This is an extension of the previous verse and accusations. *Some commentaries identify these verses as the ancient king of Babylon. Keep it in mind that the name Babylon can be a synonym for other nations and people outside of God’s will. Look at verse 26. It shows God’s execution of His will is to nations and not just Babylon.

*This is the plan that concerns all of the earth…

Babylon Destroyed

V22-24: Once again we find one of those present and future uses of the name Babylon. It is true that the place called Babylon will be a place never to be occupied after it’s gradual decline. Cyrus the Great and his forces entered the city through the dried-up bed of the Euphrates River while the King was hosting a major festival. While the initial conquest was swift and led to Babylon’s loss of political independence, afterwords it declined over centuries to total abandonment. It was destroyed over time by nature and her abandoning population.

Assyria Destroyed

AHA MOMENT: Asshur, the second son of Shem; also, his descendants and the country occupied by them (that is, Assyria). Shem was the son of Noah (H804). One would wonder how experiencing the Great Flood, s/he would not walk the narrow path of God. Shem didn’t.

V25: This verse probably refers to Israel and the burdens and hatred aimed at them over the centuries will be lifted i.e. the Millennial Reign. Satan will be in the bottomless pit and people will be left to OUR free choice without Satan trying to influence our choices and decision making. HOWEVER, there will still be choice.

V26: This verse is why the previous verses are using the name Babylon as a synonym for the evil on earth and in it. “This is the purpose that is purposed against the whole earth”. Verse 26 leaves little room for God’s judgment being isolated to Assyria.

V27: God will once again rule over His creation. Isaiah says: “who dares to try and reverse the will of God.” There is none, no, not one.

Philistia Destroyed

One by one we find out the destiny of the world (earth). The fate of evil itself that manifests through humans, continues in the next couple of chapters.

NOTE: The Assyria we just discussed is the fate of earth. Chapter 21 is the fate of the actual Babylon.

V28: Philistia is GAZA today. Since Israel, mostly the Tribe of Dan, did not conquer Gaza (Philistines) when Joshua assigned territories for each Tribe of Israel, they have been a thorn in the side of Israel to this very day.

V29: During his reign, King Ahaz of Judah faced attacks from the Philistines, who, along with the Edomites, invaded cities in Judah while the kingdom was weakened by the Assyrians. Ahaz sought the help of Assyria to ward off the attacks of the Philistines and Edomites. Recall that the Edomites descended from Esau, Isaac’s brother. The “rod” mentioned in verse 29 is the combined forces of Judah and Assyria. Ahaz is an abbreviation of Jehoahaz II. His reign was next to the last king of Judah, King Hezekiah, his father. Some theologians see this as a future judgment of “modern Philistines,” that is, Palestinians or Palestinians of Gaza.

V31: Do not rejoice Philistia. “Smoke will come from the north.” This applied back then and today. Isaiah 14:31 is a warning to those who oppose God and His people, demonstrating the futility of relying on human strength or alliances in the face of God’s inevitable judgment. Might this be a prophetic warning for today’s Israelis?

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025