Isaiah 16:7
Therefore let Moab wail for Moab, let everyone wail. Mourn, utterly stricken, for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't lamenting literal building foundations; scholars point out the original Hebrew word likely refers to "raisin cakes," a delicacy, or possibly even "men" as in the foundation of the city's people. The imagery shifts from grand structures to the loss of something cherished and vital, perhaps even the people themselves, making the lament deeply personal and concrete.
This passage is part of a larger oracle against Moab, following a plea for refuge for Moabite exiles in Judah. The preceding verses describe Moab's pride and arrogance, setting the stage for God's judgment. This verse directly laments the impending destruction of Kir-hareseth, a significant Moabite city, and the profound suffering the entire nation will endure because of it.
Why would the prophet say Moab will wail for Moab? It sounds like a deep, internal grief that consumes the nation.
The verse opens with a powerful image of collective sorrow: "Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl." This isn't just about external enemies causing destruction; it's a national breakdown.
Echoes of Grief
The repetition emphasizes the totality of the lament. It suggests that grief will spread like wildfire, with one segment of Moab mourning for another, or perhaps the survivors mourning for the fallen. It signifies an all-encompassing despair where the nation itself becomes the object of its own sorrow.
A Nation Undone
This internal mourning points to a self-inflicted wound. It's the sound of a people realizing their own choices have led to ruin. Their pride, their misplaced trust, their rejection of God's ways – all of it comes crashing down, leaving nothing but grief for what they were and what they have lost.
The verse mentions mourning for "raisin cakes" or "foundations." What could this strange detail signify about the true loss Moab faces?
The specific mention of mourning for "raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth" (or alternatively, "foundations") is peculiar but deeply symbolic. While some scholars debate the exact translation, the consensus points to a loss far greater than just physical structures.
More Than Just Stones
If "foundations" is taken literally, it implies the utter destruction of the city, leaving only the base. However, many scholars lean towards the interpretation of "raisin cakes" (or similar delicacies associated with the harvest). This shifts the focus from mere structures to the products of their land and labor – their prosperity, their livelihood, and perhaps even their religious feasts.
Symbols of Life and Hope
Kir-hareseth was a significant city, likely known for its produce. Mourning for its "raisin cakes" or "foundations" means mourning for the very things that sustained them: their economy, their delicacies, their security, and their heritage. It's a lament for the loss of their vital resources and the future that those resources represented. The destruction isn't just of buildings, but of the life and sustenance they provided.
Understand the original words
yalal · Hebrew Verb
To express deep sorrow or lamentation, often in response to judgment, loss, or spiritual destruction.
nakah · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
A state of being overwhelmed by calamity or divine judgment, often implying a crushing of the spirit or physical destruction.
ashishah · Hebrew Noun
Dried grapes or compressed fruit cakes, often used for food or in religious offerings. In this context, they represent the agricultural prosperity and luxury that is being lost.
This prophecy against Moab is deeply rooted in the geopolitical tensions of the 8th century BC, specifically the overwhelming power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. The Moabites' pride and defiance in the face of this threat are central to Isaiah's lament over their coming devastation, particularly the fall of their key cities like Kir-hareseth.
c. 730s BC
Assyrian Imperial Expansion
The Neo-Assyrian Empire under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III began a period of intense military expansion, subjugating surrounding nations and demanding tribute.
c. 730s-720s BC
Moabite Pride and Defiance
Moab, along with other regional powers, likely maintained a proud and defiant stance against Assyrian dominance, possibly refusing tribute or seeking alliances elsewhere.
c. 715-705 BC
Sennacherib's Reign and Campaigns
The Assyrian king Sennacherib continued aggressive military campaigns, further solidifying Assyrian control over the region and likely impacting Moab's independence.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Campaigns in Judah
Sennacherib's invasion of Judah, though ultimately unsuccessful in capturing Jerusalem, created widespread instability and fear throughout the Levant.
This passage directly parallels Isaiah 16:7, even substituting 'men' for the debated word 'foundations' or 'raisin cakes,' highlighting the widespread devastation and mourning.
Isaiah 15:1-9This preceding chapter specifically details the lament over Moab, setting the stage for the intense grief described in chapter 16 regarding the destruction of cities like Kir-hareseth.
2 Kings 3:4-27This historical account describes a military campaign against Moab that led to the desecration of Kir-hareseth (Kir Moab), providing a historical backdrop for the prophecy of its destruction and the ensuing wailing.
Hosea 3:1-2This passage uses a similar Hebrew word translated as 'raisin cakes' (or 'flagons of wine'), connecting it to a context of divine judgment and the people's straying, which resonates with the lament over Moab's lost delicacies and her 'stricken' state.
cambridgeIsaiah 16:7: "Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken."
7 . the foundations ] R.V. renders rightly raisin-cakes . These cakes of compressed grapes are mentioned less as an article of commerce than as a delicacy used at religious feasts (cf. Hosea 3:1 , R.V.). The word never means “foundations.” The parallel passage in Jeremiah substitutes the tamer “men.” Kir-hareseth is the same as Kir-heres ( Isaiah…
barnesIsaiah 16:7: "Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken."
Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab - One part of the nation shall mourn for another; they shall howl, or lament, in alternate responses. Jerome renders it, 'the people (shall howl) to the city; the city to the provinces.' The general idea is, that there would be an universal lamentation throughout the land. This would be the punishment which would…
This verse isn't lamenting literal building foundations; scholars point out the original Hebrew word likely refers to "raisin cakes," a delicacy, or possibly even "men" as in the foundation of the city's people. The imagery shifts from grand structures to the loss of something cherished and vital, perhaps even the people themselves, making the lament deeply personal and concrete.
This passage is part of a larger oracle against Moab, following a plea for refuge for Moabite exiles in Judah. The preceding verses describe Moab's pride and arrogance, setting the stage for God's judgment. This verse directly laments the impending destruction of Kir-hareseth, a significant Moabite city, and the profound suffering the entire nation will endure because of it.
This passage is part of a larger oracle against Moab, following a plea for refuge for Moabite exiles in Judah. The preceding verses describe Moab's pride and arrogance, setting the stage for God's judgment. This verse directly laments the impending destruction of Kir-hareseth, a significant Moabite city, and the profound suffering the entire nation will endure because of it.
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During Isaiah's Ministry (c. 701 BC)— this verse
Isaiah's Prophecy Against Moab
Isaiah delivers this prophecy, lamenting Moab's impending destruction and its pride, likely in the context of the surrounding regional turmoil and Assyrian threat.
Following Isaiah's Ministry
Moab's Decline
Historical events suggest Moab eventually fell under the sway of conquering empires, losing its independence and suffering significant destruction, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy.
"Therefore let Moab wail for Moab, let everyone wail. Mourn, utterly stricken, for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth." — This verse isn't lamenting literal building foundations; scholars point out the original Hebrew word likely refers to "raisin cakes," a delicacy, or possibly even "men" as in the foundation of the ci…
