Isaiah 16
BSB1 Send the tribute lambs to the ruler of the land, from Sela in the desert to the mount of Daughter Zion. 2 Like fluttering birds pushed out of the nest, so are the daughters of Moab at the fords of the Arnon: 3 “Give us counsel; render a decision. Shelter us at noonday with shade as dark as night. Hide the refugees; do not betray the one who flees. 4 Let my fugitives stay with you; be a refuge for Moab from the destroyer.” When the oppressor has gone, destruction has ceased, and the oppressors have vanished from the land, 5 in loving devotion a throne will be established in the tent of David. A judge seeking justice and hastening righteousness will sit on it in faithfulness. 6 We have heard of Moab’s pomposity, his exceeding pride and conceit, his overflowing arrogance. But his boasting is empty. 7 Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab. Moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth, you who are utterly stricken. 8 For the fields of Heshbon have withered, along with the grapevines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations have trampled its choicest vines, which had reached as far as Jazer and spread toward the desert. Their shoots had spread out and passed over the sea. 9 So I weep with Jazer for the vines of Sibmah; I drench Heshbon and Elealeh with my tears. Triumphant shouts have fallen silent over your summer fruit and your harvest. 10 Joy and gladness are removed from the orchard; no one sings or shouts in the vineyards. No one tramples the grapes in the winepresses; I have put an end to the cheering. 11 Therefore my heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir-heres. 12 When Moab appears on the high place, when he wearies himself and enters his sanctuary to pray, it will do him no good. 13 This is the message that the LORD spoke earlier concerning Moab. 14 And now the LORD says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts the years, Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, with all her many people. And those who are left will be few and feeble."
Study Notes — Isaiah 16
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 16
- Themes from Isaiah 16
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 16
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a description of the Moabites' desperate attempts to escape the judgment that is coming upon them, as they send their daughters to the king of Judah to seek refuge (Isaiah 16:1-5). However, God declares that He will judge Moab for its pride and wickedness, and that its cities will be destroyed (Isaiah 16:6-12). The chapter then turns to a message of hope, as God promises to restore the Moabites if they will turn to Him and trust in His mercy (Isaiah 16:13-14). The chapter concludes with a declaration of God's sovereignty and power, as He promises to bring justice and redemption to all nations (Isaiah 16:15). Throughout the chapter, Isaiah emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's mercy and sovereignty, and warns against the dangers of pride and rebellion against Him.
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah chapter 16 is part of a larger section of the book of Isaiah that deals with God's judgment against the nations. The chapter is addressed to the nation of Moab, which was a neighboring country of Judah. The chapter is likely dated to the late 8th century BC, during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The chapter is significant because it emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, and urges the nations to turn to Him in repentance.
Heart Application
The chapter has several practical applications for the reader. First, it emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's mercy and sovereignty. Second, it warns against the dangers of pride and rebellion against God. Third, it urges the reader to turn to God in repentance and seek His mercy. By applying these principles to our lives, we can experience God's mercy and justice, and live in a way that is pleasing to Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah chapter 16 is a prophecy against the nation of Moab, which was known for its pride and wickedness. God declares that He will judge Moab for its sins, but also offers a message of hope for those who will turn to Him and trust in His mercy. The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking His mercy, and warns against the dangers of pride and rebellion against Him. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of turning to God in repentance and seeking His mercy, as seen in Isaiah 16:5.
Voices from the Church
“The judgment of God is a terrible thing, but it is also a merciful thing, for it is a call to repentance and a reminder of God's sovereignty and power.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The throne of mercy and justice that God will establish in the tent of David is a symbol of the kingdom of God, which will be established when Jesus Christ returns to earth.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Judgment of Moab (Isaiah 16:1-5) — The chapter begins with a description of the Moabites' desperate attempts to escape the judgment that is coming upon them.
- The Destruction of Moab's Cities (Isaiah 16:6-12) — God declares that He will judge Moab for its pride and wickedness, and that its cities will be destroyed.
- The Call to Repentance (Isaiah 16:13-14) — The chapter includes a call to repentance, as God urges the Moabites to turn to Him and trust in His mercy.
- The Establishment of the Throne of Mercy and Justice (Isaiah 16:15) — The chapter concludes with a declaration of God's sovereignty and power, as He promises to establish a throne of mercy and justice in the tent of David.
- Conclusion — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's mercy and sovereignty, and warns against the dangers of pride and rebellion against Him.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, as He declares that He will judge Moab and establish a throne of mercy and justice in the tent of David.
- The Importance of Repentance
- The chapter includes a call to repentance, as God urges the Moabites to turn to Him and trust in His mercy.
- The Mercy of God
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's mercy, as He promises to show mercy to those who will turn to Him and trust in His mercy.
- The Judgment of God
- The chapter describes the judgment that will come upon Moab, as God declares that He will judge the nation for its pride and wickedness.
Lessons from Isaiah 16
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter warns against the dangers of pride and rebellion against God, and emphasizes the importance of humility and trust in His mercy and sovereignty.
- The Mercy of God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's mercy, as He promises to show mercy to those who will turn to Him and trust in His mercy.
- The Judgment of God — The chapter describes the judgment that will come upon Moab, as God declares that He will judge the nation for its pride and wickedness.
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter includes a call to repentance, as God urges the Moabites to turn to Him and trust in His mercy.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, as He declares that He will judge Moab and establish a throne of mercy and justice in the tent of David.
Themes from Isaiah 16
- Judgment and Mercy — The chapter describes the judgment that will come upon Moab, but also offers a message of hope for those who will turn to God and trust in His mercy.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, as He declares that He will judge Moab and establish a throne of mercy and justice in the tent of David.
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter includes a call to repentance, as God urges the Moabites to turn to Him and trust in His mercy.
- The Mercy of God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's mercy, as He promises to show mercy to those who will turn to Him and trust in His mercy.
- The Kingdom of God — The chapter points forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who will sit on the throne of David and bring justice and redemption to all nations.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the main theme of Isaiah chapter 16, and how does it relate to the rest of the book of Isaiah?
- How does the chapter describe the judgment that will come upon Moab, and what does this reveal about God's character?
- What is the significance of the throne of mercy and justice that God will establish in the tent of David, and how does this relate to the coming of Jesus Christ?
- What is the call to repentance in the chapter, and how does it relate to the importance of trusting in God's mercy and sovereignty?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking His mercy, and what are the dangers of pride and rebellion against Him?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Judgment of Moab (Isaiah 16:1-5)
| Isaiah 16:1 | The chapter begins with a description of the Moabites' desperate attempts to escape the judgment that is coming upon them. |
| Isaiah 16:2 | The Moabites send their daughters to the king of Judah to seek refuge, but God declares that He will not accept their offerings. |
| Isaiah 16:3 | The Moabites are urged to make a plan to save themselves, but God declares that He will judge them for their pride and wickedness. |
| Isaiah 16:4 | The Moabites are warned that they will be destroyed, and that their cities will be laid waste. |
| Isaiah 16:5 | The chapter concludes with a declaration of God's sovereignty and power, as He promises to establish a throne of mercy and justice in the tent of David. |
2. The Destruction of Moab's Cities (Isaiah 16:6-12)
| Isaiah 16:6 | God declares that He will judge Moab for its pride and wickedness, and that its cities will be destroyed. |
| Isaiah 16:7 | The Moabites are warned that they will be laid waste, and that their cities will be destroyed. |
| Isaiah 16:8 | The Moabites are urged to weep and mourn for their destruction, but God declares that He will not accept their tears. |
| Isaiah 16:9 | The Moabites are warned that they will be judged for their pride and wickedness, and that their cities will be laid waste. |
| Isaiah 16:10 | The chapter concludes with a declaration of God's sovereignty and power, as He promises to bring judgment upon Moab. |
| Isaiah 16:11 | The Moabites are warned that they will be destroyed, and that their cities will be laid waste. |
| Isaiah 16:12 | The chapter concludes with a declaration of God's sovereignty and power, as He promises to bring judgment upon Moab. |
3. The Call to Repentance (Isaiah 16:13-14)
| Isaiah 16:13 | The chapter includes a call to repentance, as God urges the Moabites to turn to Him and trust in His mercy. |
| Isaiah 16:14 | The Moabites are warned that they will be judged for their pride and wickedness, but God declares that He will show mercy to those who will turn to Him and trust in His mercy. |
4. The Establishment of the Throne of Mercy and Justice (Isaiah 16:15)
| Isaiah 16:15 | The chapter concludes with a declaration of God's sovereignty and power, as He promises to establish a throne of mercy and justice in the tent of David. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah chapter 16?
The main theme of Isaiah chapter 16 is the judgment of God against the nation of Moab, and the call to repentance for those who will turn to Him and trust in His mercy. As seen in Isaiah 16:1-5, God declares that He will judge Moab for its pride and wickedness, but also offers a message of hope for those who will turn to Him.
How does the chapter describe the judgment that will come upon Moab?
The chapter describes the judgment that will come upon Moab as a destruction of its cities and a laying waste of its land. As seen in Isaiah 16:6-12, God declares that He will judge Moab for its pride and wickedness, and that its cities will be destroyed.
What is the significance of the throne of mercy and justice that God will establish in the tent of David?
The throne of mercy and justice that God will establish in the tent of David is a symbol of the kingdom of God, which will be established when Jesus Christ returns to earth. As seen in Isaiah 16:5, God promises to establish a throne of mercy and justice in the tent of David, and this is a reminder of His sovereignty and power.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 16:1 → Genesis 19:37 | The Moabites are descended from Lot, and their history is marked by conflict with the Israelites. In Genesis 19:37, we see the origins of the Moabites and their relationship to the Israelites. |
| 2 | Isaiah 16:5 → Matthew 1:1 | The throne of mercy and justice that God will establish in the tent of David is a symbol of the kingdom of God, which will be established when Jesus Christ returns to earth. In Matthew 1:1, we see the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His connection to the throne of David. |
| 3 | Isaiah 16:6 → Proverbs 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. In Proverbs 16:18, we see the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. |
| 4 | Isaiah 16:10 → Joel 3:2 | The valley of decision is a symbol of the judgment that will come upon the nations. In Joel 3:2, we see the valley of decision and the judgment that will come upon the nations. |
| 5 | Isaiah 16:12 → Revelation 20:11-15 | The judgment that will come upon Moab is a symbol of the final judgment that will come upon all nations. In Revelation 20:11-15, we see the final judgment and the destruction of all that is evil. |
| 6 | Isaiah 16:13 → Acts 2:38 | The call to repentance in the chapter is a reminder of the importance of turning to God and trusting in His mercy. In Acts 2:38, we see the call to repentance and the importance of trusting in God's mercy. |
| 7 | Isaiah 16:14 → Romans 11:25-26 | The mercy of God is a reminder of His sovereignty and power. In Romans 11:25-26, we see the mercy of God and His plan to save all Israel. |
| 8 | Isaiah 16:15 → Hebrews 1:8 | The throne of mercy and justice that God will establish in the tent of David is a symbol of the kingdom of God, which will be established when Jesus Christ returns to earth. In Hebrews 1:8, we see the throne of God and the kingdom that will be established when Jesus Christ returns to earth. |
| 9 | Isaiah 16:1-5 → 2 Kings 3:4-27 | The history of Moab is marked by conflict with the Israelites, and the chapter is a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and power. In 2 Kings 3:4-27, we see the history of Moab and its conflict with the Israelites. |
| 10 | Isaiah 16:6-12 → Jeremiah 48:1-47 | The judgment that will come upon Moab is a symbol of the judgment that will come upon all nations. In Jeremiah 48:1-47, we see the judgment that will come upon Moab and the destruction of its cities. |
Sermons on Isaiah 16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 16:1 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for Jesus Christ in a fallen world. He emphasizes the need for young adults to abstain from the immoralit |
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God's Judgement & Mercy by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and the target of that judgment. He emphasizes that listening to the law only makes people desire to break it, |
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The Davidic Character of the Kingdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the misinterpretation of scriptures by the church, particularly in relation to Israel. He references Isaiah 16:4-5 and Amos 9:11 to emphasize |
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah 16-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of hindrances and the revelation of the man of sin. He references Revelation chapter 4, where he sees the church being taken up i |
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(Isaiah) the Pain of the Prophet by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Isaiah and its message of judgment and refuge. He describes how Isaiah shifts his gaze between the refugees fleeing from Moab an |
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Jesus, the Source of All Joy by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate source of joy, contrasting the prideful nation of Moab, which fell under God's judgment and lost all joy, with the hope found |
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The Justice of God in the Damnation of Sinners by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches on the doctrine of justification by faith alone, emphasizing the inability of mankind to be justified by the deeds of the law. He highlights the universal |
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"As Thy Days, So Shall Thy Strength Be" by C.H. Spurgeon | Greek Word Studies preaches on the concept of 'Reformation,' emphasizing the idea of making things straight, correcting, and setting things right. In the context of the New Testame |
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The Kiss of the Backslider. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar contrasts the choices of Orpah and Ruth, highlighting Orpah's kiss of farewell as a symbol of indecision and attachment to the world, while Ruth's commitment to clea |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 16
In this chapter, we see the judgment of God against the nation of Moab, and the call to repentance for those who will turn to Him and trust in His mercy. The chapter is a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and power, and of the dangers of pride and rebellion against Him. As Matthew Henry notes, the throne of mercy and justice that God will establish in the tent of David is a symbol of the kingdom of God, which will be established when Jesus Christ returns to earth. The chapter is a call to repentance, and a reminder of the importance of seeking God's mercy and trusting in His sovereignty. In Isaiah 16:5, we see the establishment of the throne of mercy and justice, and the promise of God to bring justice and redemption to all nations. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Use of Imagery
The chapter uses vivid imagery to describe the judgment that will come upon Moab, including the destruction of its cities and the flight of its people. The use of imagery helps to emphasize the severity of God's judgment and the importance of turning to Him in repentance.
The Emphasis on God's Sovereignty
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, as He declares that He will judge Moab and establish a throne of mercy and justice in the tent of David. This emphasis on God's sovereignty helps to underscore the importance of trusting in Him and seeking His mercy.
The Call to Repentance
The chapter includes a call to repentance, as God urges the Moabites to turn to Him and trust in His mercy. This call to repentance is a reminder that God is always willing to show mercy to those who will turn to Him in repentance.