Isaiah 16:2
Isaiah 16:2 in Multiple Translations
Like fluttering birds pushed out of the nest, so are the daughters of Moab at the fords of the Arnon:
For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.
For it shall be that, as wandering birds, as a scattered nest, so shall the daughters of Moab be at the fords of the Arnon.
For the daughters of Moab will be like wandering birds, like a place from which the young birds have gone in flight, at the ways across the Arnon.
The Moabite women at the fords of the Arnon are like birds fluttering around when their nest is destroyed.
For it shall be as a birde that flieth, and a nest forsaken: the daughters of Moab shall be at the foordes of Arnon.
And it hath come to pass, As a wandering bird, a nest cast out, Are daughters of Moab, [at] fords of Arnon.
For it will be that as wandering birds, as a scattered nest, so will the daughters of Moab be at the fords of the Arnon.
For it shall be, that , as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.
And it shall come to pass, that as a bird fleeing away, and as young ones flying out of the nest, so shall the daughters of Moab be in the passage of Arnon.
The women of Moab will be left alone at the ◄fords of/places where people can walk across► the Arnon River; they will be like [SIM] birds that have been pushed out of their nests.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 16:2
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 16:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
כְ/עוֹף
נוֹדֵ֖ד
קֵ֣ן
מְשֻׁלָּ֑ח
תִּֽהְיֶ֨ינָה֙
בְּנ֣וֹת
מוֹאָ֔ב
מַעְבָּרֹ֖ת
לְ/אַרְנֽוֹן
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כְ/עוֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
bird
Prep | N-ms
נוֹדֵ֖ד
nâdad
H5074
to wander
V-Qal
קֵ֣ן
qên
H7064
nest
N-ms
מְשֻׁלָּ֑ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Pual-Inf-c
תִּֽהְיֶ֨ינָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
בְּנ֣וֹת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fp
מוֹאָ֔ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
מַעְבָּרֹ֖ת
maʻăbâr
H4569
ford
N-fp
לְ/אַרְנֽוֹן
ʼArnôwn
H769
Arnon
Prep | N-proper
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 16:2
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְ/עוֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
"bird"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word simply means a bird, like the ones that fly in the sky. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms, often symbolizing freedom.
Definition: 1) flying creatures, fowl, insects, birds 1a) fowl, birds 1b) winged insects Aramaic equivalent: oph (עוֹף "bird" H5776)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: bird, that flieth, flying, fowl. See also: Genesis 1:20; 1 Samuel 17:46; Psalms 50:11.
נוֹדֵ֖ד
nâdad
H5074
"to wander"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to wander or flee, and is used in the Bible to describe people moving from place to place, like the Israelites in the wilderness in Exodus 14:3. It can also mean to chase someone away or to flutter like a bird.
Definition: 1) to retreat, flee, depart, move, wander abroad, stray, flutter 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to retreat, flee 1a2) to flee, depart 1a3) to wander, stray 1a4) to flutter (of birds) 1b) (Poal) to flee away, be chased 1c) (Hiphil) to chase away 1d) (Hophal) to be chased away 1e) (Hithpolel) to flee away Aramaic equivalent: ne.dad (נְדַד "to flee" H5075)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: chase (away), [idiom] could not, depart, flee ([idiom] apace, away), (re-) move, thrust away, wander (abroad, -er, -ing). See also: Genesis 31:40; Isaiah 16:2; Psalms 31:12.
קֵ֣ן
qên
H7064
"nest"
N-ms
A nest is a place where birds or other animals lay their eggs or give birth to their young, and it can also refer to a cozy room or dwelling. In the Bible, nests are mentioned in stories about birds and other creatures, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) nest 1a) nest (of bird) 1b) cells (like nests in Noah's ark)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: nest, room. See also: Genesis 6:14; Psalms 84:4; Proverbs 27:8.
מְשֻׁלָּ֑ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Pual-Inf-c
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
תִּֽהְיֶ֨ינָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּנ֣וֹת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
מוֹאָ֔ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
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.
מַעְבָּרֹ֖ת
maʻăbâr
H4569
"ford"
N-fp
This word refers to a crossing place, like a ford in a river or a pass in a mountain. It can also mean a transit or passage, and is used figuratively to describe overwhelming events. The KJV translates it as ford or pass.
Definition: 1) ford, pass, passing 1a) ford 1b) pass 1c) passing, sweep
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: ford, place where...pass, passage. See also: Genesis 32:23; 1 Samuel 13:23; Isaiah 10:29.
לְ/אַרְנֽוֹן
ʼArnôwn
H769
"Arnon"
Prep | N-proper
The Arnon is a river east of the Jordan, also referring to its surrounding territory. It forms the border between Moab and the Amorites in south Palestine.
Definition: § Arnon = "rushing stream" a river and surrounding valley in south Palestine, forms the border between Moab and the Amorites
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Arnon. See also: Numbers 21:13; Deuteronomy 4:48; Isaiah 16:2.
Study Notes — Isaiah 16:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 16:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 16:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 16:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 16:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 16:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 16:2
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 16:2
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 16:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 16:2
- Sermons on Isaiah 16:2
Context — Moab’s Destruction
1Send the tribute lambs to the ruler of the land, from Sela in the desert to the mount of Daughter Zion.
2Like 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. 4Let 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,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 27:8 | Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home. |
| 2 | Judges 11:18 | Then Israel traveled through the wilderness and bypassed the lands of Edom and Moab. They came to the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, since the Arnon was its border. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 48:20 | Moab is put to shame, for it has been shattered. Wail and cry out! Declare by the Arnon that Moab is destroyed. |
| 4 | Numbers 21:13–15 | From there they moved on and camped on the other side of the Arnon, in the wilderness that extends into the Amorite territory. Now the Arnon is the border between the Moabites and the Amorites. Therefore it is stated in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: “Waheb in Suphah and the wadis of the Arnon, even the slopes of the wadis that extend to the site of Ar and lie along the border of Moab.” |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 3:8 | At that time we took from the two kings of the Amorites the land across the Jordan, from the Arnon Valley as far as Mount Hermon— |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 2:36 | From Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the valley, even as far as Gilead, not one city had walls too high for us. The LORD our God gave us all of them. |
| 7 | Isaiah 13:14 | Like a hunted gazelle, like a sheep without a shepherd, each will return to his own people, each will flee to his native land. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 3:12 | So at that time we took possession of this land. To the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the land beyond Aroer along the Arnon Valley, and half the hill country of Gilead, along with its cities. |
| 9 | Joshua 13:16 | The territory from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, to the whole plateau beyond Medeba, |
Isaiah 16:2 Summary
This verse is saying that the people of Moab, especially the women, are running away from their homes and are very scared and alone, like birds that have been pushed out of their nests. It's a picture of how hard and confusing life can be when we're in trouble, but it also reminds us that God is our refuge and shelter, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:27 and Psalm 91:4. Just like the birds need a safe place to land, we need a safe place to run to when we're in trouble, and that safe place is God. We can find comfort in knowing that He is always with us, even in the hardest times, as promised in Isaiah 43:2 and Matthew 28:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the image of 'fluttering birds pushed out of the nest' signify in Isaiah 16:2?
This image signifies the distress and vulnerability of the daughters of Moab, who are fleeing from their homes, much like birds that have been forced out of their nests, as seen in other biblical passages like Psalm 84:3, where birds find a safe haven in God's presence.
Who are the 'daughters of Moab' mentioned in this verse?
The 'daughters of Moab' refer to the women of Moab, who represent the nation as a whole, and are often used symbolically in the Bible to represent the people of a particular region, as in Isaiah 1:8, where the daughter of Zion is mentioned.
What is the significance of the 'fords of the Arnon' in this verse?
The 'fords of the Arnon' refer to the shallow points in the Arnon River, which formed the border between Moab and other nations, and here it symbolizes the point of escape or refuge for the daughters of Moab, much like the Jordan River in Joshua 3:13-17, where the people of Israel crossed over to enter the Promised Land.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger prophecy about the fate of Moab, and it serves as a vivid illustration of the distress and upheaval that the people of Moab will experience, as mentioned in Isaiah 16:1 and Isaiah 16:3-4, where the ruler of the land is called upon to provide shelter and refuge for the people of Moab.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can identify with the 'fluttering birds' in this verse, and how can I find refuge in God during times of uncertainty?
- How can I apply the image of the 'daughters of Moab' to my own life, and what can I learn from their experiences?
- What are some 'fords of the Arnon' in my own life, where I can find a safe passage or refuge in times of trouble?
- How can I use this verse to reflect on my own relationship with God, and how can I find comfort in His presence during difficult times?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 16:2
For it shall be,.... Or, "otherwise it shall be" (z); if ye do not pay this tribute: [that] as a wandering bird cast out of the nest: or, "as a wandering bird, the nest sent out": that is, as a bird
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 16:2
For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 16:2
For; or, otherwise, as this particle is sometimes used; if you do not follow my advice. As a wandering bird cast out of the nest; which knows not whither to go, nor what to do. At the fords of Arnon; which was the border of the land of Moab, where they were, either being carried that way into captivity, or rather with design to flee out of their own land, although they knew not whither, as the foregoing metaphor showeth.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 16:2
Isaiah 16:2 For it shall be, [that], as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, [so] the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.Ver. 2. For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird, &c.] Or, Otherwise it shall be that as, &c., i.e., except ye do as I have advised you, a double mischief shall befall you. (1.) Dissipation, as a wandering bird, &c.; (2.) Deportation, at the fords of Arnon, where ye shall be carried captive. As a wandering bird.] See Proverbs 27:8. Alioqui fiet. - Jun.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 16:2
(2) As a wandering bird cast out of the nest.—Better as in the margin, a forsaken nest. The “daughters of Moab” either literally, the women driven from their homes, or figuratively (as in Isaiah 16:1) the whole population of its towns and villages, are represented as fluttering in terror, like birds whose nests are spoiled (comp. Isaiah 10:14), like the fledglings in the nest, on the fords of Arnon, uncertain whether to return to their old homes or to cross into a strange land. The imagery reminds us of Psa 11:1, Proverbs 27:8, so also of Æsch. Agam. 49-52.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 16:2
2. The verse gives no good sense in its present position. Not only does it obscure the connexion between Isaiah 16:1 and Isaiah 16:3, but its language of prediction reveals an affinity with Isaiah 15:9. It has probably been misplaced (so Duhm), and the fact that the Moabites are represented as at “the fords of Arnon,” instead of in Edom, confirms the impression that we have here an addition to the original prophecy. The images of the wandering birds and the scattered nest (render as in R.V.) remind us of Isaiah (ch. Isaiah 10:14, Isaiah 31:5). The daughters of Moab are the provincial towns of Moab, or their inhabitants (cf. Psalms 48:11).
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 16:2
For it shall be - It shall happen in the time of the calamity that shall come upon Moab.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 16:2
2, 3. For — Not for, but and, it shall be — If they comply, then this shall follow: that, as a wandering bird cast… nest — Moab must acquire favour from Israel or Judah right early, (Isaiah 16:1,)
Sermons on Isaiah 16:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Wake Up Call to Men in the Church by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the theme of being prone to wander from God's path, drawing parallels to a bird leaving its nest. It delves into the consequences of wandering, especially fo |
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A Funeral Needs to Take Place by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and repentance. It addresses the need for men to lead biblically in their homes, highlighting the des |
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A Wake-Up Call to Men by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A Wake-Up Call to Men,' emphasizing the tendency of men to wander from their God-given roles and responsibilities. He draws paralle |
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Joseph Barnes Watson by John Bjorlie | Joseph Barnes Watson, a preacher from Cumberland, England, was deeply influenced by his parents' contrasting personalities and the simple, sincere gatherings of believers. His enco |