Send the lamb to the ruler of the land, from Sela, by way of the desert, to the mount of the daughter of Zion.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just about sending a gift; it's a strategic plea for sanctuary. The prophet is directing the Moabites, likely refugees, to send their tribute from Sela, a remote rock fortress known for its flocks, through the wilderness, the dangerous path toward Zion, essentially offering their wealth for safety and refuge. This emphasizes their desperation and the precarious journey they must undertake to find safety under Judah's protection.
Send the lamb to the ruler of the land, from Sela, by way of the desert, to the mount of the daughter of Zion.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Amidst prophecies of judgment against Moab, Isaiah offers counsel to the distressed Moabites, suggesting they send a lamb as tribute to the ruler of Judah. This act of submission and renewed allegiance is to be sent from Sela, a prominent city, through the desert, towards Jerusalem, signaling a plea for protection as their own land faces invasion.
Why would a prophet tell a nation in distress to send a 'lamb'?
This verse calls on Moab to send a "lamb" to the ruler of Judah. This isn't just any animal; it's a specific act of submission and tribute.
What's so significant about the journey from 'Sela' through the 'wilderness'?
The specific mention of sending the tribute "from Sela, by way of the desert" adds crucial geographical and strategic context to Moab's desperate situation.
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Why is the destination of this tribute not just a king, but 'the mount of the daughter of Zion'?
The ultimate destination for this tribute is not merely the king of Judah, but specifically "the mount of the daughter of Zion." This elevates the act beyond a political submission to a spiritual one.
Understand the original words
kar · Hebrew Noun
A young sheep or goat, frequently used in the Old Testament as a sacrificial animal to atone for sin or as a tribute offered to a superior. Symbolically, it often represents innocence, vulnerability, and submission.
Tsiyon · Hebrew Proper Noun
The capital city of the Davidic kingdom, frequently used metonymically for the people of God, the site of the Temple, and the place of God's presence and reign. It serves as a symbol of hope, security, and the future Messianic kingdom.
This verse speaks to a complex geopolitical moment where Moab, a nation historically paying tribute to Israel and then revolting, finds itself under pressure from larger empires. Facing potential invasion and displacement, Moab is advised by Isaiah to renew its tribute, but this time to the king of Judah, highlighting Judah's relative strength and the shifting regional powers.
c. 9th century BC
Moab's Tribute to Israel
The king of Moab, Mesha, pays a significant tribute of sheep and rams to the king of Israel, indicating Moab's vassal status.
c. 853 BC
Moabite Revolt
After King Ahab of Israel's death, Moab revolts and ceases paying tribute to Israel, breaking their vassalage.
c. 730s BC
Assyrian Expansion Westward
The Neo-Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III begins a significant expansion into the Levant, increasing pressure on surrounding kingdoms and potentially displacing populations.
c. 715 BC
Ashdod Conspiracy and Assyrian Reprisals
Ashdod leads a revolt against Assyria, which is brutally suppressed. This event likely caused instability and displacement, potentially pushing refugees towards Moab.
c. 705 BC
Death of Sargon II of Assyria
The death of the Assyrian king Sargon II sparks widespread revolts among vassal states, creating a period of uncertainty and opportunity for kingdoms like Moab to seek new alliances or protection.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Moab Sends Tribute to Judah
Facing threats and upheaval, Moab is urged by the prophet Isaiah to send tribute ('the lamb') to the ruler of Judah. This suggests a shift in allegiance or a desperate plea for protection from Judah.
This passage directly explains the historical context of Moab's tribute of lambs to Israel, directly informing Isaiah's command for Moab to send tribute to Judah.
Jeremiah 48:11This verse describes Moab's continued pride and self-reliance, paralleling the arrogance that Isaiah is warning against and highlighting the consequences of ignoring divine counsel.
Psalm 121:1This psalm speaks of looking to the 'hills' for help, which resonates with Isaiah's instruction to send tribute to 'the mount of the daughter of Zion,' indicating Zion as the source of true security and salvation.
Romans 11:12Paul discusses how the Gentiles' rejection of Israel led to a greater blessing for the world, mirroring Isaiah's message that Moab's potential turning to Judah could lead to restored relationship and a broader demonstration of God's favor.
cambridgeIsaiah 16:1: "Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion."
1 . Send ye the lamb ] R.V. the lambs . The imper. expresses dramatically the result of the deliberations of the Moabites. The word “lamb” is to be taken collectively; it denotes the tribute in kind which the Moabites had been accustomed to pay to the kings of Israel ( 2 Kings 3:4 ), but which they now propose to send to the king of Judah, the “ruler of the land” (of Edo…
wesleyIsaiah 16:1: "Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion."
16:1 Send - The prophet continues his prophecy against Moab, and gives them counsel what to do, to prevent, if possible, the desolation. Make your peace with God, by sacrifice, for all your injuries done to him, and to his people. Sela - An eminent city of Moab, seated upon a rock. Unto the mount - Unto the temple upon mount Zion.
This isn't just about sending a gift; it's a strategic plea for sanctuary. The prophet is directing the Moabites, likely refugees, to send their tribute from Sela, a remote rock fortress known for its flocks, through the wilderness, the dangerous path toward Zion, essentially offering their wealth for safety and refuge. This emphasizes their desperation and the precarious journey they must undertake to find safety under Judah's protection.
Amidst prophecies of judgment against Moab, Isaiah offers counsel to the distressed Moabites, suggesting they send a lamb as tribute to the ruler of Judah. This act of submission and renewed allegiance is to be sent from Sela, a prominent city, through the desert, towards Jerusalem, signaling a plea for protection as their own land faces invasion.
Amidst prophecies of judgment against Moab, Isaiah offers counsel to the distressed Moabites, suggesting they send a lamb as tribute to the ruler of Judah. This act of submission and renewed allegiance is to be sent from Sela, a prominent city, through the desert, towards Jerusalem, signaling a plea for protection as their own land faces invasion.
"Send the lamb to the ruler of the land, from Sela, by way of the desert, to the mount of the daughter of Zion." — This isn't just about sending a gift; it's a strategic plea for sanctuary. The prophet is directing the Moabites, likely refugees, to send their tribute from Sela, a remote rock fortress known for…
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Last reviewed October 2026