Isaiah 15:1-9 & Isaiah 16:1-14
Q.1. What will happen to Moab? Why? Who were the Moabites? Does God provide a way of escape for Moab? How will Moab be blessed? – (Isa.15:1-9 & Isa.16:1-14 c.f. Gen.19:37)
Moab was the oldest son of Lot, born to Lot’s own daughter ((Gen.19:37). The Moabites were continually a thorn in Israel’s side, especially so during the time of the false prophet Balaam (Num.chpts.22-25). This prophecy of the destruction of Moab would be completed – within three years (16:14). The contract had been drawn up and would be fulfilled. The wealth in which Moab trusted would evaporate, and most people would be killed or taken captive (Isa.15:7-8). All Moab’s merriment would be turned to weeping (Isa.16:7). Did this destruction make God’s heart, or the prophet’s heart glad? No – My heart cries out over Moab … So I weep … I drench you with tears! (Isa.15:5; 16:9 & 11). In the midst of the gloom, God predicted a return of hope at a future time – A throne will even be established in lovingkindness, and a judge will sit on it in faithfulness in the tent of David; Moreover, he will seek justice and be prompt in righteousness (Isa.16:5). Just as God chose Ruth the Moabitess to be included in Christ’s ancestry, so Moab was encouraged to – send the tribute lamb to the ruler of the land … to the mountain of the daughter of Zion (Isa.16:1 c.f. Zech.14:16; Mt.1:5). Thus, it seems that God will preserve a remnant of Moab, who will acknowledge King Jesus during His thousand-year reign from Mount Zion, on a renovated Planet Earth. God is full of lovingkindness and grace toward penitent sinners.