Isaiah 15

Chap. XV. Ver. 1—9. The oracle concerning Moab.—This and the following chapter are one prophecy, probably delivered in the first, and accomplished in the fourth year of Hezekiah, (xvi. 14.) when Shalmanezer invaded the kingdom of Israel. He might per sepe march through Moab, take possession of its principal strong places, Ar, and Kirhares, and occasion that general distress which the prophet paints in such strong and lively colours. The usual methods of expressing ef are here stated, and are not very different from those of the Greeks, as described by Homer: **O’er the congenial dust enjoined to shear The graceful curl, and drop the tender tear.”’ The cries and howlings here ascribed to Moab, though to us they may appear extravagant, are perfectly in character with Eastern manners.

(Compare (Jeremiah 48:31-39).) And when they made these lamentations, it appears they carried their lamentations to the altars of their gods, and wept on the high places. But, alas! their gods could neither hear nor see, much less relieve their troubles. (See (1 Kings 18:26-29).)

Notes on the verses

Chap. XV. Ver. 2. He is gone up, &c.—Lowth, “He goeth up to Beth-Dibon,” understanding these as one place. Pile 3. Weeping abundantly.—See margin. That is, they pass down the Ver. 4. His he &c.—Lowth, ‘Her life is grievous unto her.” Ver. 5. His fugitives shall flee.—See margin. Boothroyd, “‘Her fugitives, along even unto Zoar, cry out like the lowing of a young heifer.’——By the es “Yea, the ascent of Luhith, with weeping shall they as- _Ver. 8. Eglaim.—(Eglaim is called Agallim by Eusebius, who places it eight miles south from Ar or Areopolis, |—Bagster. er. 9. Dimon.—{Some have Dibon; and Jerome says that the same town was called both Dion and Dimon. }—Bagster.—Bring more.—That is, more evils.——Escapeth.—(Bishop Lowth, upon the authority of the LXX., reads “upon the escaped of Moab, and Ael, and the remnant of Admah.”’)