Isaiah 15: Oracles

Or-a-cle: A message from God given through a priest or priestess.

Beginning in Isaiah 14 and continuing through the next several chapters, we find many oracles delivered by the prophet concerning the nations around Judah.

Assyria is mentioned first, in Isaiah 14:24-27.  The message is one of destruction for Assyria's forces in Judah.  "I will break the Assyrian in my land, and on my mountains trample him under foot; his yoke shall be removed from them, and his burden from their shoulders" (14:25).  Although the Assyrian power was mighty in Isaiah's day, the prophet foresees that it will not be successful in conquering Judah completely.

Philistia is discussed next, in Isaiah 14:28-32.  The Philistines had apparently rejoiced at the death of King Ahaz of Judah, regarding him as "the rod" that struck them (14:29.)  They are glad that the rod is now broken, but Isaiah warns them that they have false hope.  A new leader will emerge from Ahaz's root, and Isaiah says, "from the root of the snake will come forth an adder, and its fruit will be a flying fiery serpent" (14:29).  Easy days are NOT ahead for the Philistines, according to Isaiah (14:31).

A third oracle is directed at Moab which takes up chapters 15 and 16.  Isaiah 15 describes the desolation and loss that has come upon Moab.  Its cities have been laid waste and its people mourn and cry out.  The prophet says, "For a cry has gone around the land of Moab; the wailing reach Eglaim, the wailing reaches to Beer-elim" (vs. 8).  Unfortunately, the oracle of Isaiah is not concluded.  There is more bad news in store for Moab.