My heart cries out for Moab; her fugitives flee to Zoar, to Eglath-shelishiyah. For at the ascent of Luhith they go up weeping; on the road to Horonaim they raise a cry of destruction;
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss is the deep, unexpected empathy within this prophecy of judgment. Despite Moab's history of opposition, the prophet's "heart cries out" for them, feeling their desperate flight like his own. The imagery of "fugitives" fleeing and weeping towards Zoar paints a vivid, human picture of their terror and sorrow.
My heart cries out for Moab; her fugitives flee to Zoar, to Eglath-shelishiyah. For at the ascent of Luhith they go up weeping; on the road to Horonaim they raise a cry of destruction;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage paints a picture of desperate flight and lamentation for the people of Moab as their land is invaded. The prophet expresses deep sorrow, describing the Moabites fleeing south towards the town of Zoar, weeping as they ascend the challenging paths of Luhith and crying out in terror along the road to Horonaim. This vivid imagery of escape and distress sets the stage for the full lamentation that follows in the subsequent verses.
Why would Isaiah, a prophet of God, cry out with compassion for Moab, a nation known for its enmity towards Israel?
This verse opens with a profound expression of empathy: 'My heart cries out for Moab.' This isn't just a prediction of disaster, but a window into the prophet's own soul.
Compassion Amidst Judgment
What does the desperate flight of the Moabites, described with such vivid imagery, tell us about their impending doom?
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The latter part of the verse paints a stark picture of panic and despair as the Moabites flee their homeland.
Scenes of Desperation
What is the mysterious 'heifer of three years old' and what does it reveal about the Moabites or their cry?
The phrase 'an heifer of three years old' is one of the most debated parts of this verse, offering several layers of interpretation.
Possible Meanings
Isaiah's prophecy against Moab isn't just a distant prediction but a heartfelt lament during a time of intense regional upheaval. The surrounding events, particularly the rise of Assyrian and later Babylonian power, underscore the reality of the threats faced by nations in the Levant, giving weight to the prophet's words.
c. 9th Century BC
Mesha's Rebellion Against Israel
King Mesha of Moab revolted against Israel, likely asserting Moab's independence and expanding its territory. This event is recorded on the Moabite Stone and hints at ongoing conflict and shifting power dynamics in the region.
Late 8th Century BC
Assyrian Expansion Southward
The Neo-Assyrian Empire expanded its reach into the Levant. While this specific chapter of Isaiah focuses on Moab, the broader context of Assyrian dominance set the stage for regional instability and future conquests that would impact kingdoms like Moab.
c. 730-720 BC
Assyrian Campaigns in the Levant
Assyrian kings like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II conducted military campaigns throughout the region, subjugating various kingdoms, including those east of the Jordan River. Moab likely felt the pressure and threat of Assyrian power during this period.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion Under Sennacherib
Sennacherib, king of Assyria, launched a massive invasion of the Levant, conquering many cities in Judah and surrounding areas. While Jerusalem was famously besieged, the wider campaign likely affected Moab, contributing to the sense of impending doom.
c. 605 BC
Babylonian Conquest of Judah Begins
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon began his campaigns against the weakening Neo-Assyrian Empire and its successor states. This marked the rise of Babylonian power, which would soon lead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people.
c. 590s BC
Babylonian Deportations from Judah
Following rebellions, Nebuchadnezzar conducted several deportations of Judeans to Babylon. This period of exile and national crisis for Judah was contemporary with the anticipated judgment on Moab, highlighting a shared experience of divine discipline.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Prophecy Against Moab
Isaiah delivers his prophecy concerning Moab, lamenting the impending destruction and exile of its people. The prophet's heart aches for the Moabites as he foresees their flight and cries of despair.
This passage directly parallels Isaiah's lament, also describing the cry of Moab's fugitives with imagery of a heifer's lowing, emphasizing the shared prophetic sorrow for this nation's impending doom.
Genesis 19:22The mention of Zoar as a place of refuge for Moab's fugitives echoes its historical role as a sanctuary for Lot, highlighting how places of past deliverance can become desperate destinations in times of crisis.
Isaiah 16:9This verse shares Isaiah's deep, personal anguish over Moab's suffering, underscoring that prophetic pronouncements of judgment often come from a place of profound empathy and sorrow, not just condemnation.
Jeremiah 48:5This parallel text also describes the ascent of Luhith and the way to Horonaim in the context of Moab's destruction, reinforcing the geographical and emotional landscape of their flight and despair.
cambridgeIsaiah 15:5: "My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction."
5 . ( Jeremiah 48:34 ; Jeremiah 48:5 ; Jeremiah 48:3 ) The new theme is introduced by an expression of the writer’s sympathy with the homeless fugitives: My heart crieth out for Moab (cf. Isaiah 16:9 ; Isaiah 16:11 ). his fugitives ] R.V. renders le…
clarkeIsaiah 15:5: "My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction."
My heart shall cry out for Moab "The heart of Moab crieth within her" - For לבי libbi, my heart, the Septuagint reads לבו libbo, his heart, or לב leb; the Chaldee, לבו libbo. For בריחיה bericheyha, the Syriac reads ברוחה berocheh; and so likew…
What's easy to miss is the deep, unexpected empathy within this prophecy of judgment. Despite Moab's history of opposition, the prophet's "heart cries out" for them, feeling their desperate flight like his own. The imagery of "fugitives" fleeing and weeping towards Zoar paints a vivid, human picture of their terror and sorrow.
This passage paints a picture of desperate flight and lamentation for the people of Moab as their land is invaded. The prophet expresses deep sorrow, describing the Moabites fleeing south towards the town of Zoar, weeping as they ascend the challenging paths of Luhith and crying out in terror along the road to Horonaim. This vivid imagery of escape and distress sets the stage for the full lamentation that follows in the subsequent verses.
This passage paints a picture of desperate flight and lamentation for the people of Moab as their land is invaded. The prophet expresses deep sorrow, describing the Moabites fleeing south towards the town of Zoar, weeping as they ascend the challenging paths of Luhith and crying out in terror along the road to Horonaim. This vivid imagery of escape and distress sets the stage for the full lamentation that follows in the subsequent verses.
"My heart cries out for Moab; her fugitives flee to Zoar, to Eglath-shelishiyah. For at the ascent of Luhith they go up weeping; on the road to Horonaim they raise a cry of destruction;" — What's easy to miss is the deep, unexpected empathy within this prophecy of judgment. Despite Moab's history of opposition, the prophet's "heart cries out" for them, feeling their desperate flight li…
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Last reviewed October 2026