Isaiah 15:1
An oracle concerning Moab. Because Ar of Moab is laid waste in a night, Moab is undone; because Kir of Moab is laid waste in a night, Moab is undone.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse emphasizes the suddenness of Moab's destruction, not just by describing it happening "in a night," but by repeating the entire phrase twice. This stark repetition, framing the fall of two key cities, underscores the overwhelming and swift nature of the disaster that befell the nation.
This prophecy begins with a stark announcement of Moab's sudden and devastating downfall, focusing on the destruction of its two key cities, Ar and Kir. The prophet emphasizes that this catastrophe struck swiftly, "in the night," signaling a complete and unexpected collapse that leaves the entire nation undone. What follows will explore the widespread mourning and desperate flight of the Moabite people in the wake of this ruinous event.
Imagine your most important cities, the heart of your nation, wiped out. Not over years of war, but in a single night. What does that tell us about God's power?
This prophecy against Moab opens with a stark declaration of devastation. Two key cities, Ar and Kir, are struck with utter destruction. The phrase 'in the night' isn't just about timing; it emphasizes the suddenness and unexpectedness of the blow. This wasn't a slow decline, but a swift, shocking obliteration, highlighting how quickly worldly power can crumble.
The Bible often uses the word 'burden' for prophecies against nations. What does this 'burden' reveal about God's perspective on Moab?
The prophecy begins with the title 'An oracle concerning Moab,' often translated as 'The burden of Moab.' This 'burden' signifies a heavy message, a judgment that weighs upon the nation. It's not a neutral observation of events, but a divine pronouncement.
Understand the original words
massa' · Hebrew Noun
A prophetic utterance or burden received from God, often carrying a message of judgment or woe against a nation or group of people.
Mo'ab · Hebrew Proper Noun
The ancient kingdom situated east of the Dead Sea, frequently in conflict with Israel and often serving as a symbol of pride and opposition to God's people, facing divine judgment.
shadad · Hebrew Verb
A term used to describe physical or metaphorical destruction, desolation, or ruin, often resulting from divine judgment or warfare.
This prophecy likely addresses the devastating Assyrian military campaigns, possibly Sennacherib's invasion around 701 BC, which struck swiftly and suddenly, bringing ruin to Moab's key cities and causing widespread panic and mourning.
c. 850 BC
Moabite Rebellion
After a period of Israelite dominance, Moab, under King Mesha, revolts against Israel, successfully reclaiming territory north of the Arnon River. This event highlights the long-standing tension and conflict between Israel and Moab.
c. 730s BC
Assyrian Expansion into the Region
The Neo-Assyrian Empire begins to exert its influence and power over the region, leading to increased pressure on smaller kingdoms like Moab, Israel, and Judah. This sets the stage for future conquests and exiles.
c. 711 BC
Ashdod Conspiracy and Sargon II's Response
Moab, along with other regional powers, may have been involved in or threatened by the Ashdod conspiracy against Assyria. Sargon II's subsequent military actions in the region served as a warning to these states.
c. 705 BC
Death of Sargon II and Assyrian Instability
The death of the Assyrian king Sargon II led to a period of instability and rebellions among Assyrian vassals. This created an opportunity for some nations, potentially including Moab, to assert independence or form alliances.
This passage echoes Isaiah's oracle against Moab, mirroring the language of judgment and destruction upon their cities and land, showing a consistent prophetic condemnation of Moab's arrogance.
Ezekiel 25:8-11This prophecy against Moab is also a judgment for their pride and their act of vengeance against the people of Judah, demonstrating a recurring theme of divine retribution against Moab for their animosity towards God's people.
Numbers 21:28-29This earlier passage describes the Amorites' taunt against Moab, highlighting Moab's historical vulnerability and the loss of their cities, setting a context for Isaiah's prophecy of renewed devastation.
2 Kings 3:4-5This historical account details Moab's rebellion against Israel and the subsequent war, showing the deep-seated conflict and the eventual oppression of Moab, which underlies the prophetic judgments.
cambridgeIsaiah 15:1: "The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence;"
1 . The verse stands somewhat apart from the sequel of the poem. It announces the catastrophe which has placed the entire country at the mercy of the invaders, viz. the fall of the two chief cities of Moab. What follows is a description, not of the further progress of the campaign, but first of the universal mourning ca…
clarkeIsaiah 15:1: "The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence;"
Because in the night - בליל beleil. That both these cities should be taken in the night is a circumstance somewhat unusual; but not so material as to deserve to be so strongly insisted upon. Vitringa, by his remark on this word, shows that he was dissatisfied with it in its plain and obvious meaning, and is forced to h…
The verse emphasizes the suddenness of Moab's destruction, not just by describing it happening "in a night," but by repeating the entire phrase twice. This stark repetition, framing the fall of two key cities, underscores the overwhelming and swift nature of the disaster that befell the nation.
This prophecy begins with a stark announcement of Moab's sudden and devastating downfall, focusing on the destruction of its two key cities, Ar and Kir. The prophet emphasizes that this catastrophe struck swiftly, "in the night," signaling a complete and unexpected collapse that leaves the entire nation undone. What follows will explore the widespread mourning and desperate flight of the Moabite people in the wake of this ruinous event.
This prophecy begins with a stark announcement of Moab's sudden and devastating downfall, focusing on the destruction of its two key cities, Ar and Kir. The prophet emphasizes that this catastrophe struck swiftly, "in the night," signaling a complete and unexpected collapse that leaves the entire nation undone. What follows will explore the widespread mourning and desperate flight of the Moabite people in the wake of this ruinous event.
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c. 701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Campaign in Judah and Neighboring Regions
Assyrian King Sennacherib marches his armies through the region, subjugating various cities and territories, including Judah. While the primary focus was on Judah, this campaign likely impacted and terrified Moab.
"An oracle concerning Moab.
Because Ar of Moab is laid waste in a night,
Moab is undone;
because Kir of Moab is laid waste in a night,
Moab is undone." — The verse emphasizes the *suddenness* of Moab's destruction, not just by describing it happening "in a night," but by repeating the entire phrase twice. This stark repetition, framing the fall of two…