INTRODUCTION:

These two chapters (Isaiah 15-16) discusses the downfall and judgment upon Moab. “For centuries Moab, east of the Dead Sea, had been an enemy of Israel. In Israel’s wilderness wanderings, Moabite women seduced Israel’s men (Num. 31:15–17). In the time of the Judges Israel was oppressed by Moab for 18 years (Jud. 3:12–14). Saul fought Moab (1 Sam. 14:47) and David defeated Moab (2 Sam. 8:2, 12). Solomon was influenced by his wives to build an altar to Moab’s god Chemosh (1 Kings 11:7–8). Mesha, Moab’s king, had to pay tribute to Ahab, king of Israel (2 Kings 3:4). After Ahab died (in 853 B.C.) Mesha rebelled against Joram (also called Jehoram) but was defeated (2 Kings 3:5–27). The destruction of Moab described in Isaiah 15–16 caused the Moabites, under Assyrian attack, to flee south to Edom.” [John A. Martin, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, 1985, 1, 1063].

Teaching Outline:

1. Lament over Moab (Isa. 15:1–4)
2. Moab’s flight from the enemy (Isa. 15:5–9).
3. Protection for Israel (Isa 16:1–5)
4. The pride of Moab (Isa 16:6–12)
5. The destruction of Moab (Isa 16:13–14)

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

[1] What is the main content of the chapter? The downfall of Moab. This chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter (see Isa 15:1–16:14). “Moab is to be laid waste and the people will flee—not that it will do them any good (15:9). A poetic description of the devastation describes weeping and wailing, with which Isaiah eventually joins in. There is no trace of gloating here. This solemn message concludes with an ‘update’ warning that judgement is only three years away (16:14).” [Andrew Thomson, Opening Up Isaiah, Opening Up Commentary, (Leominster: Day One, 2012), 62].

[2] Who became the ruler of the land? (16:1) Israel. This phrase acknowledges the Moabites’ past status as subjects of Israel (See 2 Kgs 3:4–8).

[3] Why would Moab send ‘the lamb’ to the ruler of Judah? (16:1) This verse talks of the tribute paid to the king of Israel. By so doing, they submitted themselves to God again. “This kind of tribute is described in 2 Kings 3:4-5, where Mesha, King of Moab, who once paid tribute to Israel, stopped doing so when King Ahab of Israel died. Here, Isaiah counsels Moab to resume this payment of tribute.” (David Guzik).

[4] What is the meaning of Zion/ the daughter of Zion? (16:1) Zion is another name for Jerusalem, “Zion” symbolized God’s choice of that city as His dwelling place. His presence was to be in the midst of His people. There (in Jerusalem) was a Tempe, called after God’s name. (see Isa 1:8).

[5] Why are the daughters of Moab pictured as ‘a wandering bird thrown out of the nest?’ (16:2) This is a confused state of Moab under the hand of God’s judgment. They were helpless, weak, defenseless and vulnerable. Their only option was to submit themselves to Israel and its King again.

[6] How does Isaiah plead with the rulers of Judah to hide the outcasts of Moab? (16:3) “Take counsel, execute judgment; Make your shadow like the night in the middle of the day; Hide the outcasts, Do not betray him who escapes.” (Isaiah 16:3, NKJV) In requesting for protection in Zion, the daughters of Moab were to be protected: equal social justice under the law.

[7] What specific instruction did God give concerning the refugees? (16:4) “Let our outcasts of Moab dwell among you; be a sheltered hiding place to them from the destroyer. When the extortion and the extortioner have been brought to nought, and destruction has ceased, and the oppressors and they who trample men are consumed and have vanished out of the land,” (Isaiah 16:4, AMP)

Note: “In the book of Ruth, a family from Judah sojourns in Moab during a famine (see Ruth 1:1–4). In 1 Sam 22:3, David leaves his parents with the king of Moab. As distant relatives, the Moabite refugees may have expected a reciprocal welcome.” (Faithlife Study Bible)

[8] What momentous promise is made in verse 5? One day God would bring an end to oppression, destruction and aggression (v. 4). “Then in mercy and loving-kindness shall a throne be established, and One shall sit upon it in truth and faithfulness in the tent of David, judging and seeking justice and being swift to do righteousness.” (Isaiah 16:5, AMP)

“God in His love (ḥeseḏ, “loyalty”) will see that the One from the house of David, the Messiah, will sit on David’s throne (2 Sam. 7:16) and judge the world fairly (in justice and righteousness, a frequent topic in Isaiah’s book; cf. Isa. 9:7; 11:4; 28:6; 32:16; 33:5; 42:1, 3–4; 51:5). Only through Judah could this be accomplished; the forces of Moab were obviously inadequate.” [John A. Martin, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, 1985, 1, 1063].

[9] What was the chief sin of the Moabites? (16:6) Pride —- “We have heard of the pride of Moab— He is very proud— Of his haughtiness and his pride and his wrath; But his lies shall not be so.” (Isaiah 16:6, NKJV)

Pride is the besetting sin of all peoples. Pride leads to other forms of evil such as:

• A hard heart (Ps 36:2)
• A malicious spirit (Ps 119:85)
• Contempt for God (Ps 10:4; 2 Ki 19:22)
• Contempt for others (Ps 123:4; Pr 21:24)
• Injustice (Ps 119:78; Ps 56:2)
• Oppression (Ps 10:2; Hab 2:4-5)
• Quarrelling (Pr 13:10).
• Self-deception (Gal 6:3)
• Spiritual blindness (Jer 43:2)
• Violence (Ps 73:6; Ps 86:14)

Pride and arrogancy were outstanding weakness of Moab and primary reasons for its destruction.

• “We have heard the pride of Moab (He is exceedingly proud), Of his loftiness and arrogance and pride, And of the haughtiness of his heart.” (Jeremiah 48:29, NKJV)
• “This they shall have for their pride, Because they have reproached and made arrogant threats Against the people of the Lord of hosts.” (Zephaniah 2:10, NKJV)