Read Isaiah 16.
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).
The Moabites prided themselves in not needing God. They had their
own beliefs. Selfishly and smugly they went 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 prophecy 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 totally reliable.
"Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens." (Psalm
119:89)
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