Moab had been attacked by Assyria in the previous chapter. The people scattered and ran for their lives. However, the reference to Sela in verse 1 seems to indicate they ran further south. Judah would have been a safe haven for them.
1. Why did this happen to Moab? (vv.6-7, 12)
As in each case of judgment, its root focus is spiritual and on the surface is arrogance. Moab worshiped Baal and rejected the true and living God. When the pressure was on, instead running to the safety of Judah, they ran in the opposite direction geographically and spiritually. There was only silence in their vain attempts to pray to their man-made Baal (v.12). They prided themselves in not needing God. They had their own beliefs. Selfishly and smugly going their own way, deeper into sin, they actually boasted about it. The LORD dealt decisively with their insolence.
2. Where is justice against the oppressor? (vv.4-5)
In previous chapters, Isaiah prophesied the destruction of Assyria. Notice how quickly in this context Isaiah mentions ultimate justice by the ultimate judge. One day, Messiah Himself will sit on the throne of David in Jerusalem. His judgment will be characterized by love, faithfulness, and righteousness.
But that is not all. God gave Isaiah an exact prophesy in verse 14 that what happened to Moab and their nation is only the first part. "In three years" more destruction will come. Isaiah served a very long time as a prophet. If anyone wanted to, or could, discredit the veracity and reliability of God's word and using Isaiah to deliver His messages, this could have done it. Three years later, God's word and Isaiah's ministry continued to be exactly reliable.
"Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens." (Psalm 119:89)
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