Isaiah 16

Chap. XVI. Ver. 1—14. The oracle concerning Moab continued.—The distress of Moab, by this invasion, is still more pathetically described, by a variety of circumstances connected with the desolation of the country. She is compared to a bird driven from her nest, and her daughters, (i. e. her inhabitants) are represented as obliged to wade through the fords of Amon, the boundary of their country, to seek protection in a foreign land. If we admit the reading of Bp. Lowth, and suppose the heir to the crown to be a fugitive among the rest, the picture becomes still more distressing. “Indeed, all the circumstances that enter into the description—the languishing of the vine—the ceasing of the vintage-shouting—and the sound of the prophet’s bowels, quivering like a harp—are most happily chosen.

Ver. 3 to 5 are addressed to Zion, recommending mercy towards her enemies in their distress, and encouraging her to look for more signal blessings under the Messiah, and more immediately, as Hezekiah, who was a type of him.”

Notes on the verses

Chap. XVI. Ver. 1. Send ye the lamb.—By (2 Samuel 8:2), we learn that David conquered the Moabites, and laid on them a tribute, which they paid in small cattle. At Solomon’s death, the kings of Israel obtained this tribute till the death of Ahab, when it was refused. (2 Kings 3:4). The prophet, therefore, here advises to restore this tribute, which he calls ‘the ruler’s lamb,’ from all parts of the country. Gataker, Boothroyd. It may be proper, however, to remark, that Lowth, for Kar, a lamb, reads Bar, a son, on the authority of the Syriac, and one MS. He therefore translates, “I will send forth the son of the ruler,” &c., but we think unnecessarily.—From Sela (or Petra) to (rather “of”) the wilderness, &c.—This is thought to be a city on the confines of Moab and Edom.—Gataker.

Ver. 2. For it shall be, &c.—Boothroyd, “For as a wandering bird driven from the nest; so shall the daughters of Moab,” &c., therefore are they, in the next verse, exhorted to take pity on them. Ver. 3. Make thy shadow as the night.—That is, effectually hide them. Ver. 4. The extortioner.—See margin; i. e. who wrings the last penny from the poor. The oppressors.—See margin; i. e. those who trample upon the Ver. 5. And he shall sit—i. e. Messiah. (Ezekiel 21:27). Ver. 7. Moab howl for Moab.—Rather, “to” Moab; that is, every man to his neighbour, throughout the land.—For the foundation of Kir-hareseth;—the parallel passage, (Jeremiah 48:31), reads, “for the men of Kir-hareseth.” So Lowth here.—Shall ye mourn.—See margin.

Lowth, “Make a moan.” Ver. 8. Lords of the heathen.—(Rather, “whose choice plants overpowered (halemoo, knocked down; see Jer. xxviii,) the lords of the nations; they are come unto Jazer,” &c. The meaning of which is, says Bishop Lowth, that the wines of Sibmah and Heshbon were in high repute with the princes of the neighbouring nations, who indulged themselves even to excess in the use of them.)—Bagster. Ver. 9. For the shouting, &c.—Lowth corrects this verse by the parallel passage, (Jeremiah 48:32). “The spoiler (or destroyer) hath fallen upon thy summer fruits, and upon thy vintage.” Ver. 14. Three years.—(That is, exactly three years; which are to be computed from the death of Ahaz, and end the third year of Hezekiah, three years before the taking of Samaria by Shalmaneser; who did not ruin Moab completely, but left the final desolation of it to Nebuchadnezzar.)

—Bagster.