Isaiah 16: Wail For Moab

"Therefore let Moab wail, let everyone wail for Moab.  Mourn, utterly stricken, for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth" (vs. 7).

In Isaiah 16, the prophet foresees a time of restoration for Judah (vs. 5), but the news is grim for Moab.  The coming years will bring that nation to its knees, and it will not rise again.

Chapter 16 is full of imagery concerning the profound weeping and wailing and overall sadness for the fallen nation:

• Let Moab wail (vs. 7)
• Let everyone wail for Moab (vs. 7)
• Mourn, utterly stricken (vs. 7)
• I weep with the weeping of Jazer (vs. 9)
• I drench you with my tears (vs. 9)
• The shout...has ceased (vs. 9)
• Joy and gladness are taken away (vs. 10)
• No songs are sung (vs. 10)
• No shouts are raised (vs. 10)
• The vintage-shout is hushed (vs. 10)
• My heart throbs like a harp for Moab (vs. 11)

In spite of all this grieving, it is for naught.  Here is the prophet's verdict on Moab's future: "When Moab presents himself, when he wearies himself upon the high place, when he comes to his sanctuary to pray, he will not prevail.  This was the word that the Lord spoke concerning Moab in the past.  But now the Lord says, In three years, like the years of a hired worker, the glory of Moab will be brought into contempt, in spite of all its great multitude; and those who survive will be very few and feeble" (vs. 12-14).

The days of the glory of Moab are over.  Wail for Moab, indeed!