Isaiah 15:5
Isaiah 15:5 in Multiple Translations
My heart cries out over Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. With weeping they ascend the slope of Luhith; they lament their destruction on the road to Horonaim.
My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.
My heart crieth out for Moab; her nobles flee unto Zoar, to Eglath-shelishi-yah: for by the ascent of Luhith with weeping they go up; for in the way of Horonaim they raise up a cry of destruction.
My heart is crying out for Moab; her people go in flight to Zoar, and to Eglath-shelishiyah: for they go up with weeping by the slope of Luhith; on the way to Horonaim they send up a cry of destruction.
I weep over Moab. Moabite refugees run all the way to Zoar and to Eglath-shelishiyah. Weeping they go up Luhith hill; crying for their destruction they walk along the road to Horonaim.
Mine heart shall crie for Moab: his fugitiues shall flee vnto Zoar, an heiffer of three yere olde: for they shall goe vp with weeping by the mounting vp of Luhith: and by the way of Horonaim they shall raise vp a crie of destruction.
My heart [is] toward Moab, Cry do her fugitives unto Zoar, a heifer of the third [year], For — the ascent of Luhith — With weeping he goeth up in it, For, in the way of Horonaim, A cry of destruction they wake up.
My heart cries out for Moab! Her nobles flee to Zoar, to Eglath Shelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of Luhith with weeping; for on the way to Horonaim, they raise up a cry of destruction.
My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee to Zoar, a heifer of three years old: for they shall go up the ascent of Luhith with weeping; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise a cry of destruction.
My heart shall cry to Moab, the bars thereof shall flee unto Segor a heifer of three years old: for by the ascent of Luith they shall go up weeping: and in the way of Oronaim they shall lift up a cry of destruction.
I feel very sorry for the people of Moab; they will flee to Zoar and Eglath-Shelishiyah towns in the far south. They will cry as they walk up to Luhith town. All along the road to Horonaim town people will mourn because their country has been destroyed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 15:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 15:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לִבִּ/י֙
לְ/מוֹאָ֣ב
יִזְעָ֔ק
בְּרִיחֶ֕/הָ
עַד
צֹ֖עַר
עֶגְלַ֣ת
שְׁלִשִׁיָּ֑ה
כִּ֣י
מַעֲלֵ֣ה
הַ/לּוּחִ֗ית
בִּ/בְכִי֙
יַֽעֲלֶה
בּ֔/וֹ
כִּ֚י
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
חוֹרֹנַ֔יִם
זַעֲקַת
שֶׁ֖בֶר
יְעֹעֵֽרוּ
לִבִּ/י֙
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
לְ/מוֹאָ֣ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
Prep | N-proper
יִזְעָ֔ק
zâʻaq
H2199
to cry out
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּרִיחֶ֕/הָ
bᵉrîyach
H1280
bar
N-mp | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
צֹ֖עַר
Tsôʻar
H6820
Zoar
N-proper
עֶגְלַ֣ת
ʻeglâh
H5697
heifer
N-proper
שְׁלִשִׁיָּ֑ה
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
third
N-proper
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מַעֲלֵ֣ה
maʻăleh
H4608
ascent
N-ms
הַ/לּוּחִ֗ית
Lûwchîyth
H3872
Luhith
Art | N-proper
בִּ/בְכִי֙
Bᵉkîy
H1065
weeping
Prep | N-ms
יַֽעֲלֶה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בּ֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
חוֹרֹנַ֔יִם
Chôrônayim
H2773
Horonaim
N-proper
זַעֲקַת
zaʻaq
H2201
outcry
N-fs
שֶׁ֖בֶר
sheber
H7667
breaking
N-ms
יְעֹעֵֽרוּ
ʻûwr
H5782
to rouse
V-o-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 15:5
לִבִּ/י֙
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
לְ/מוֹאָ֣ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
Prep | N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.
יִזְעָ֔ק
zâʻaq
H2199
"to cry out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to cry out for help or announce something publicly, often in a loud voice, like a herald calling people together. It is used in the Bible to describe people crying out to God for aid. It can also mean to summon or assemble people.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, call for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call (to one's aid) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in need) 1b) (Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to call, call out, call together, summon 1c2) to make a crying, proclaim 1c3) to have a proclamation made 1c4) to call out to, call out at Aramaic equivalent: ze.iq (זְעִ֑ק "to cry out" H2200)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed. See also: Exodus 2:23; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 22:6.
בְּרִיחֶ֕/הָ
bᵉrîyach
H1280
"bar"
N-mp | Suff
A bar or bolt, often made of wood, used to secure city gates or as a symbol of tribulation. It represents a fortress or a prison.
Definition: 1) bar 1a) of wood 1b) of city gates 2) of tribulation, a fortress, of the earth as a prison (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bar, fugitive. See also: Exodus 26:26; 2 Chronicles 14:6; Psalms 107:16.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
צֹ֖עַר
Tsôʻar
H6820
"Zoar"
N-proper
Zoar is a city near the Dead Sea, spared from destruction when Lot asked God to save it. It was one of the cities near Sodom and Gomorrah.
Definition: § Zoar = "insignificance" a city at the southeast end of the Dead Sea grouped with Sodom and Gomorrah as being one of the 5 cities slated for destruction by God; spared at Lot's plea as his place of refuge
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Zoar. See also: Genesis 13:10; Genesis 19:23; Isaiah 15:5.
עֶגְלַ֣ת
ʻeglâh
H5697
"heifer"
N-proper
This word refers to a young female calf, nearly grown into a heifer. It is also the name of a place near Zoar and south of Moab. The word is often translated as 'calf', 'cow', or 'heifer'.
Definition: heifer
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: calf, cow, heifer. See also: Genesis 15:9; Isaiah 7:21; Isaiah 15:5.
שְׁלִשִׁיָּ֑ה
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
"third"
N-proper
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מַעֲלֵ֣ה
maʻăleh
H4608
"ascent"
N-ms
Means an upward movement, like climbing a hill or stairs, as in Exodus 20:26, where the Israelites are instructed not to climb the altar by steps. It can also represent spiritual growth.
Definition: ascent, incline
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: ascent, before, chiefest, cliff, that goeth up, going up, hill, mounting up, stairs. See also: Joshua 15:7; 2 Chronicles 32:33; Isaiah 15:5.
הַ/לּוּחִ֗ית
Lûwchîyth
H3872
"Luhith"
Art | N-proper
Luhith is a place in Moab, east of the Jordan River, mentioned as a town south of the Arnon River. It means tablets. In the Bible, Luhith is referenced as a location in the region of Moab.
Definition: § Luhith = "tablets" a town of Moab, south of the Arnon River
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Luhith. See also: Isaiah 15:5; Jeremiah 48:5.
בִּ/בְכִי֙
Bᵉkîy
H1065
"weeping"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means weeping or crying, and is used to describe a strong emotional response, such as overflowing tears or continual sorrow. It is often used in the Bible to describe a time of mourning.
Definition: a weeping, weeping
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: overflowing, [idiom] sore, (continual) weeping, wept. See also: Genesis 45:2; Isaiah 15:5; Psalms 6:9.
יַֽעֲלֶה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
בּ֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כִּ֚י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
חוֹרֹנַ֔יִם
Chôrônayim
H2773
"Horonaim"
N-proper
Choronaim is a place in Moab, meaning two caves, as mentioned in biblical texts. It is a significant location in the region of Moab.
Definition: § Horonaim = "two caves" a town of Moab
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Horonaim. See also: Isaiah 15:5; Jeremiah 48:5; Jeremiah 48:3.
זַעֲקַת
zaʻaq
H2201
"outcry"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a loud cry or shriek, often expressing distress, like the outcry in Exodus 2:23. It can also describe a clamor or cry for help. In the Bible, it appears in various forms, such as crying out to God.
Definition: 1) cry, outcry 1a) outcry 1b) cry of distress 1c) outcry, clamour
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: cry(-ing). See also: Genesis 18:20; Isaiah 15:8; Proverbs 21:13.
שֶׁ֖בֶר
sheber
H7667
"breaking"
N-ms
This word describes a breaking or shattering, like a physical injury or a dream being interpreted, and is used to convey ruin or destruction in the Bible.
Definition: 1) breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash, ruin, shattering 1a) breaking, fracture, shattering, crushing 1b) crashing 1c) breaking (of a dream), interpretation 1d) quarries
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: affliction, breach, breaking, broken(-footed, -handed), bruise, crashing, destruction, hurt, interpretation, vexation. See also: Leviticus 21:19; Jeremiah 6:1; Psalms 60:4.
יְעֹעֵֽרוּ
ʻûwr
H5782
"to rouse"
V-o-Imperf-3mp
To rouse means to wake up or stir someone into action. It can also mean to be excited or triumphant, and is used in the Bible to describe God stirring up his people. This word is about being awakened or energized.
Definition: 1) to rouse oneself, awake, awaken, incite 1a) (Qal) to rouse oneself, awake 1b) (Niphal) to be roused 1c) (Polel) to stir up, rouse, incite 1d) (Hithpolel) to be excited, be triumphant 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to rouse, stir up 1e2) to act in an aroused manner, awake
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self). See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalms 7:7.
Study Notes — Isaiah 15:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 15:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 15:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 15:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 15:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 15:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 15:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 15:5
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 15:5
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 15:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 15:5
- Sermons on Isaiah 15:5
Context — The Burden against Moab
3In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping.
4Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voices are heard as far as Jahaz. Therefore the soldiers of Moab cry out; their souls tremble within.
5My heart cries out over Moab; her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath-shelishiyah. With weeping they ascend the slope of Luhith; they lament their destruction on the road to Horonaim.
6The waters of Nimrim are dried up, and the grass is withered; the vegetation is gone, and the greenery is no more. 7So they carry their wealth and belongings over the Brook of the Willows.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 48:5 | For on the ascent to Luhith they weep bitterly as they go, and on the descent to Horonaim cries of distress resound over the destruction: |
| 2 | Jeremiah 4:20 | Disaster after disaster is proclaimed, for the whole land is laid waste. My tents are destroyed in an instant, my curtains in a moment. |
| 3 | Luke 19:41–44 | As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. They will level you to the ground—you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God. ” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 48:31–36 | Therefore I will wail for Moab; I will cry out for all of Moab; I will moan for the men of Kir-heres. I will weep for you, O vine of Sibmah, more than I weep for Jazer. Your tendrils have extended to the sea; they reach even to Jazer. The destroyer has descended on your summer fruit and grape harvest. Joy and gladness are removed from the orchard and from the fields of Moab. I have stopped the flow of wine from the presses; no one treads them with shouts of joy; their shouts are not for joy. There is a cry from Heshbon to Elealeh; they raise their voices to Jahaz, from Zoar to Horonaim and Eglath-shelishiyah; for even the waters of Nimrim have dried up. In Moab, declares the LORD, I will bring an end to those who make offerings on the high places and burn incense to their gods. Therefore My heart laments like a flute for Moab; it laments like a flute for the men of Kir-heres, because the wealth they acquired has perished. |
| 5 | Genesis 14:2 | went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). |
| 6 | Jeremiah 13:17 | But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 9:10 | I will take up a weeping and wailing for the mountains, a dirge over the wilderness pasture, for they have been scorched so no one passes through, and the lowing of cattle is not heard. Both the birds of the air and the beasts have fled; they have gone away. |
| 8 | Genesis 19:22 | Hurry! Run there quickly, for I cannot do anything until you reach it.” That is why the town was called Zoar. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 15:30 | But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 8:18–19 | My sorrow is beyond healing; my heart is faint within me. Listen to the cry of the daughter of my people from a land far away: “Is the LORD no longer in Zion? Is her King no longer there?” “Why have they provoked Me to anger with their carved images, with their worthless foreign idols?” |
Isaiah 15:5 Summary
Isaiah 15:5 shows us that God cares about the suffering of all people, not just His own chosen nation. The prophet Isaiah is grieved by the suffering of the Moabites, and this reminds us that we are called to love and care for all people, as seen in Matthew 22:39. Just like the Israelites' own experiences of exile and wanderings, the Moabites are fleeing and weeping, and this highlights the universal human need for comfort and compassion. As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that God is near to the brokenhearted, as promised in Psalm 34:18, and that He calls us to be agents of His love and care in a hurting world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the prophet Isaiah express sorrow over Moab in Isaiah 15:5?
The prophet Isaiah expresses sorrow over Moab because God is a God of compassion and mercy, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, and He is grieved by the suffering of all people, regardless of their nationality or background.
What is the significance of the places mentioned in Isaiah 15:5, such as Zoar and Luhith?
The places mentioned in Isaiah 15:5, such as Zoar and Luhith, are likely locations where the Moabites are fleeing for safety, highlighting the extent of their desperation and displacement, much like the Israelites' own experiences of exile and wanderings described in Deuteronomy 28:64-65.
How does the weeping and lamentation in Isaiah 15:5 relate to the broader themes of the Bible?
The weeping and lamentation in Isaiah 15:5 reflect the sorrow and grief that are common human experiences, as seen in Psalm 38:9 and Lamentations 1:12, and remind us that God is near to the brokenhearted, as promised in Psalm 34:18.
What can we learn from the prophet's emotional response to the suffering of others in Isaiah 15:5?
The prophet's emotional response to the suffering of others in Isaiah 15:5 teaches us the importance of empathy and compassion, as commanded in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39, and reminds us that we are called to love and care for all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can demonstrate compassion and empathy towards those who are suffering, just like the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 15:5?
- How can I balance my own emotional responses to the suffering of others with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Romans 8:28?
- What are some ways in which the places and experiences mentioned in Isaiah 15:5, such as the slope of Luhith, can serve as reminders of God's presence and care in my own life?
- How can I use the image of weeping and lamentation in Isaiah 15:5 to inform my own prayers and intercessions for those who are suffering, as encouraged in James 5:13-18?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 15:5
My heart shall cry out for Moab,.... These seem to be the words of the prophet, pitying them as they were fellow creatures, though enemies; which shows humanity in him, and signifies that their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 15:5
My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 15:5
My heart shall cry out for Moab; their destruction approaching is so dreadful, that although they are a most vile nation, and by their implacable enmity against God and his people do abundantly deserve it, yet the respect which I have to human nature fills me with horror at the very thoughts of it. Compare . His fugitives; or, his bars, as others render it, and as this word is frequently taken, as ,27 Psalms 107:16, &c.; whereby we may understand their valiant men, or their princes and rulers, who as they are called the shields of the earth, , because, like shields, they do or should defend their people; so for the same reason they may be called bars, because bars are the strength of the gates of cities or castles, and therefore are mentioned as such, . Shall flee unto Zoar; or, shall cry unto Zoar; either shall cry as they go along the way, even till they come to Zoar; or shall cry so as they may be heard to Zoar; which may easily be understood out of the foregoing verse. Zoar was a town bordering upon Moab; of which see . An heifer of three years old; which some understand of the city of Zoar, so called for her strength and wantonness. But such a description of Zoar seems very improper and impertinent in this place. The words therefore are to be translated here, as they are by our translators, as an heifer of three years old; and so they belong to their cry, and signify that it is strong and loud, like that of such an heifer. In the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry; he signifies that the cry should be universal, in all places where they come, and reaching from one side of the country to another. Of Luhith, see ,5.
Of destruction; such a cry as men send forth when they are just falling into the pit of destruction.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 15:5
Isaiah 15:5 My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives [shall flee] unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.Ver. 5. My heart shall cry out for Moab.] Let others do as they will, saith the prophet here, I can do no less than bewail the woeful condition of Moab, bad though they be. “ Tu quibus ista legis incertum est, Lector, ocellls: Ipse quidem siccis scribere non potui ” His fugitives shall flee unto Zoar.] Whither once their father Lot fled for refuge; but it was too hot to hold him. Or, His fugitives shall cry to Zoar. An heifer of three years old.] Which, being in her prime, loweth aloud, coelum mugitibus implens; so shall these fugitives set up their note, clamore fragoso boantes; as they pass through the countries they shall even break or rend themselves with crying. Heu quam doleo corde toto. - Oecol.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 15:5
(5) My heart shall cry out for Moab . . .—The prophet, though a stranger to Moab, and belonging to a hostile people, is touched with pity at the sight—the fugitives fleeing before the army coming from the north to Zoar, at the extreme south of the Dead Sea (see Note on Genesis 19:22), in the wild scare as of a frightened heifer as yet untamed by the yoke (Jeremiah 31:18; Jeremiah 48:34; Jeremiah 1:11). The English “fugitives” answers to the marginal reading of the Hebrew, the text of which (followed by the Vulg.) gives, “his bars reach unto Zoar;” but it is not easy to connect this with the context. By the mounting up of Luhith . . .—No city has been identified as bearing this name. Probably “the ascent of Luhith” (the name may indicate a staircase of boards) was the well-known approach (Jeremiah 48:5) to a Moabite sanctuary. Eusebius (Onomast.) speaks of it as between Zoar and Areopolis (Rabbath Moab). Horonaim (here and in Jeremiah 48:3; Jeremiah 48:5; Jeremiah 48:34) is as little known as its companion. The name, which in Hebrew means “two caverns,” is, perhaps, descriptive of the nature of the sanctuary. The point of the description is that the fugitives when they reach Horonaim, are met with the cry of destruction, “All is over.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 15:5
Verse 5. My heart shall cry out for Moab - "The heart of Moab crieth within her"] For לבי libbi, my heart, the Septuagint reads לבו libbo, his heart, or לב leb; the Chaldee, לבו libbo. For בריחיה bericheyha, the Syriac reads ברוחה berocheh; and so likewise the Septuagint, rendering it εναυτη, Edit. Vat: or ενἑαυτῃ, Edit. Alex. and MSS. I., D. II. A heifer of three years old - "A young heifer."] Hebrew, a heifer three years old, in full strength; as Horace uses equa trima, for a young mare just coming to her prime. Bochart observes, from Aristotle, Hist. Animal. lib. iv. that in this kind of animals alone the voice of the female is deeper than that of the male; therefore the lowing of the heifer, rather than of the bullock, is chosen by the prophet, as the more proper image to express the mourning of Moab.
But I must add that the expression here is very short and obscure; and the opinions of interpreters are various in regard to the meaning. Compare Jeremiah 48:34. Shall they go it up - "They shall ascend"] For יעלה yaaleh, the Septuagint and a MS. read in the plural, יעלו yaalu. And from this passage the parallel place in Jeremiah 48:5 must be corrected; where, for יעלה בכי yaaleh bechi, which gives no good sense, read יעלה בו yaaleh bo.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 15:5
5–9. The flight of the Moabites.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 15:5
My heart shall cry out for Moab - This is expressive of deep compassion; and is proof that, in the view of the prophet, the calamities which were coming upon it were exceedingly heavy.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 15:5
5. My heart shall cry out — The prophet himself enters into sympathy with the affrighted people, whose stampede is even to Zoar, with a terror like that of the bellowing heifer.
Sermons on Isaiah 15:5
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 2 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being anointed by God to preach the word. He highlights the brokenness and suffering in the world and the need for God's h |
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Oh, America, America! by Leonard Ravenhill | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of the Holy Ghost in preaching the word of God. It mentions a preacher named Bob Phillips who had a powerful impact on the audience d |
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Jesus - Lamb of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Jesus weeping over the city of Jerusalem. He emphasizes that Jesus came to offer peace and salvation to the people, but they r |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 4 by Alan Cairns | This sermon delves into the reality of hell as depicted in the Bible, emphasizing the urgent need for America to heed the voices from hell that testify to its existence. It challen |
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The Difficulty of Escaping the Damnation of Hell (Reading) by Edward Payson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses those who are focused on accumulating wealth and worldly possessions. He questions whether this is the right place to store their treasures a |
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Call for the Wailing Women - Part 3 by Nancy Leigh DeMoss | This sermon emphasizes the connection between sinful choices and the inevitable consequences we face, urging listeners to recognize the judgment of God that is both present in the |
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(Basics) 42. Jesus Love Is Seen in His Dying by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God blesses us with material possessions so that we can use them to bless others. Jesus taught that it i |