Lexical Summary moad: ranks Original Word: מוֹעָד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance appointed time From ya'ad; properly, an assembly (as in mow'ed); figuratively, a troop -- appointed time. see HEBREW ya'ad see HEBREW mow'ed NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yaad Definition appointed place NASB Translation ranks (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מוֺעָד] noun [masculine] appointed place (of soldier in army); plural suffix מוֺעָדָיו i.e. his ranks Isaiah 14:31, so Thes SS RVm Ew De Che Dr Du; his places of assemblage Di; at his appointed times RV. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Semantic RangeDrawing from the larger family of יָעַד (yaʿad, “to appoint”), מוֹעָד (môʿāḏ) refers to an appointed gathering, company, or ordered array. While its cognate מוֹעֵד (moʿed, Strong’s 4150) frequently denotes sacred “appointed times,” the unique nuance of מוֹעָד in Isaiah 14:31 is militaristic: a disciplined formation or rank drawn together by prior divine appointment. The term thus carries the dual sense of purposeful assembly and compelling order. Usage in Isaiah 14:31 “Wail, O gate; cry out, O city; melt in fear, O Philistia, all of you! For a cloud of smoke comes from the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks.” (Isaiah 14:31) The context is a prophetic oracle delivered “in the year King Ahaz died” (Isaiah 14:28). Philistia had celebrated Judah’s weakness, but Isaiah warns that judgment will roll in from the north—historically fulfilled in successive Assyrian incursions. The closing clause, “there is no straggler in his ranks,” renders בְּמוֹעָדָיו, portraying the invading force as a perfectly organized host. No soldier lags behind; every warrior marches in the slot assigned by decree. The single occurrence of מוֹעָד thus underscores the certainty, precision, and inevitability of the threat. Historical Background 1. Political Setting 2. Assyrian Military Discipline Archaeological reliefs from Sargon’s palace depict precisely ordered battle lines, matching Isaiah’s picture of a flawless “appointed company.” No deserter or straggler would dilute Assyria’s might—an earthly mirror of the heavenly order presupposed in the verb יָעַד. Theological Implications • Divine Sovereignty over Nations The same Lord who ordains Israel’s feasts (Leviticus 23:2) also orders the march of foreign armies. By using a word normally associated with sacred assemblies, Isaiah signals that Assyria’s advance serves God’s larger redemptive timetable (Isaiah 10:5–6). • Certain Judgment for Covenant Breakers Philistia’s rejoicing at Judah’s distress runs counter to God’s promise to bless those who bless Abraham’s offspring and curse those who curse them (Genesis 12:3). The ordered army becomes an instrument of that covenant sanction. • Assurance for the Faithful Remnant While the prophecy terrifies Philistia, it encourages Judah: nothing happens by chance. Just as no soldier deviates from his appointed place, no element of God’s plan deviates from His decree (Isaiah 14:24–27). Links with the Wider Biblical Theme of Appointment • Sacred Assemblies: Leviticus 23:4 calls the Feast of Passover “the LORD’s Passover,” an appointed “moʿed.” Ministry Application 1. Confidence in Providence Just as there was “no straggler” in the Assyrian ranks, there is no gap or delay in God’s ordering of our lives (Romans 8:28). Believers can trust His scheduling even when external events appear hostile. 2. Call to Spiritual Readiness The enemy’s disciplined formation challenges the church to be equally prepared (Ephesians 6:13). If earthly armies march in appointed companies, how much more should the people of God stand “firm in one spirit, contending together for the faith” (Philippians 1:27). 3. Warning Against Pride Philistia’s misplaced confidence mirrors any modern reliance on political advantage or military strength. Isaiah’s oracle urges repentance and humility before the Lord who appoints both festivals and foes (James 4:6). Summary מֹעָד, though appearing only once, powerfully conveys the idea of a divinely ordered company. In Isaiah 14:31 it transforms a foreign army into a living demonstration of God’s sovereignty, reinforcing the biblical truth that every appointment—whether feast, epoch, or army—moves inexorably toward the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes in Christ. Forms and Transliterations בְּמוֹעָדָֽיו׃ במועדיו׃ bə·mō·w·‘ā·ḏāw bemoaDav bəmōw‘āḏāwLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 14:31 HEB: וְאֵ֥ין בּוֹדֵ֖ד בְּמוֹעָדָֽיו׃ NAS: straggler in his ranks. KJV: and none [shall be] alone in his appointed times. INT: and there straggler his ranks 1 Occurrence |
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