For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain, and Moab shall be trampled down in his place, as straw is trampled down in a dunghill.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse contrasts God's protective presence with the utter destruction of enemies. The image of Moab being "trampled down... as straw is trampled down in a dunghill" is so stark that it emphasizes not just defeat, but a complete and ignominious reduction to worthlessness.
For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain, and Moab shall be trampled down in his place, as straw is trampled down in a dunghill.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a grand vision of God's future triumph and the establishment of His kingdom. It follows a prophecy of God destroying death and wiping away all tears, culminating in a joyous celebration. Now, the focus shifts to the fate of God's enemies, specifically the nation of Moab, contrasting their destruction with God's protective presence over His holy mountain.
What does it mean for God's 'hand' to 'rest' on a mountain? It’s more than just a physical location; it's about His active, protective presence.
The imagery of God's 'hand resting' on 'this mountain' (referring to Mount Zion, representing God's people and presence) signifies a permanent, settled, and protective engagement. Unlike the mobile presence associated with the tabernacle or the eventual departure from Jerusalem, God's hand signifies His unwavering commitment and security for His church.
Why pick on Moab? This ancient nation, an enemy of Israel, becomes a powerful symbol for all who oppose God's people.
The specific mention of Moab being 'trodden down' serves a symbolic purpose. Moab, a nation with a long history of antagonism towards Israel, represents all the enemies of God's church. This imagery highlights the ultimate and decisive defeat that awaits all who stand against God and His purposes.
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The image of straw being 'trodden down in a dunghill' is visceral. What does this extreme comparison tell us about the fate of God's enemies?
The simile comparing Moab's defeat to straw being 'trodden down in a dunghill' is intentionally graphic and demeaning. It conveys not just destruction, but utter contempt and insignificance. This isn't a glorious battle; it's the complete annihilation and disposal of something worthless.
Some scholars note a possible play on words, linking 'dunghill' to a Moabite city or a place of refuse, intensifying the shame associated with their destruction.
Understand the original words
yad Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
The supreme authority and creative power of God, often symbolizing His active involvement in history to protect His people or bring judgment upon their enemies.
The prophecy against Moab, alongside the promise of God's presence on Zion, gains resonance in the context of the Babylonian exile. It speaks to a future where God's people, though scattered and oppressed, will see their enemies (represented by Moab) brought low, while God's protective hand rests eternally on His people and His holy mountain.
c. 840 BC
Moabite Stone Inscribed
King Mesha of Moab records his victories against Israel and his devotion to his god Chemosh, highlighting the historical animosity and rivalry between Moab and Israel.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian Dominance
The Neo-Assyrian Empire begins to exert significant military and political pressure on the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, influencing regional dynamics and power struggles.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel
The Assyrian Empire conquers and deports the population of the northern Kingdom of Israel, scattering its people and weakening its influence, which would have been known to Isaiah.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria campaigns in Judah, besieging Jerusalem. Although Jerusalem is spared, the surrounding cities are devastated, creating a climate of fear and divine judgment.
c. 605-562 BC
Babylonian Captivity
The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquers Judah, deporting its population to Babylon. This period marks a significant turning point in Jewish history, leading to exile and a reevaluation of God's relationship with His people.
c. 550 BC
Persian Empire Rises
The Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great begins its rapid expansion, eventually conquering Babylon and allowing the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem.
c. 6th Century BC— this verse
Prophecies of Isaiah Applied to Post-Exilic Era
Isaiah's prophecies, including visions of God's ultimate triumph and judgment on nations like Moab, are interpreted and applied by the people during and after the Babylonian exile, offering hope and a future vision.
This passage specifically names Madmenah, a Moabite city, which is likely alluded to in Isaiah's imagery of Moab being trampled like straw in a dunghill (madmenah).
Psalm 83:10-12This psalm describes God's enemies being treated like 'dung on the ground,' mirroring the humiliation and utter destruction of Moab depicted in Isaiah.
Ezekiel 25:8-11This prophecy details God's judgment against Moab for their actions against Israel, providing further context for Moab's consistent role as an adversary and a target of divine wrath.
Matthew 28:20This verse speaks of Jesus' promise to 'be with you always, to the very end of the age,' echoing the idea from Isaiah 25:10 that God's hand will 'rest' protectively on his people's 'mountain' (the Church).
bensonIsaiah 25:10: "For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill."
Isaiah 25:10 . For in this mountain — In the gospel church; (he alludes to mount Zion, which was a type of it;) shall the hand of the Lord rest — His powerful and gracious presence (which is often signified in Scripture by God’s hand) shall have its constant and settled abode: it shall not move from place to place, as it formerly did, wi…
cambridgeIsaiah 25:10: "For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill."
10 . The fate of Moab is contrasted with that of Israel. It is as if one hand of Jehovah rested lightly and protectingly on Zion while the other crushes and extinguishes Moab. under him ] means “under himself,” i.e. in the place where he (Moab) stands. for the dunghill ] R.V. in the water of the dunghill rightly follows the consonantal t…
The verse contrasts God's protective presence with the utter destruction of enemies. The image of Moab being "trampled down... as straw is trampled down in a dunghill" is so stark that it emphasizes not just defeat, but a complete and ignominious reduction to worthlessness.
This passage is part of a grand vision of God's future triumph and the establishment of His kingdom. It follows a prophecy of God destroying death and wiping away all tears, culminating in a joyous celebration. Now, the focus shifts to the fate of God's enemies, specifically the nation of Moab, contrasting their destruction with God's protective presence over His holy mountain.
This passage is part of a grand vision of God's future triumph and the establishment of His kingdom. It follows a prophecy of God destroying death and wiping away all tears, culminating in a joyous celebration. Now, the focus shifts to the fate of God's enemies, specifically the nation of Moab, contrasting their destruction with God's protective presence over His holy mountain.
"For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain, and Moab shall be trampled down in his place, as straw is trampled down in a dunghill." — The verse contrasts God's protective presence with the utter destruction of enemies. The image of Moab being "trampled down... as straw is trampled down in a dunghill" is so stark that it emphasizes…
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Last reviewed October 2026