Lexical Summary saruq or saroq: Red, reddish Original Word: שָׂרוּק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance principal plant Passive participle from the same as soreq; a grapevine -- principal plant. See saruq, soreq. see HEBREW soreq see HEBREW saruq see HEBREW soreq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as saroq Definition vine tendrils or clusters NASB Translation choice clusters (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. [שָׂרֹק] noun [masculine] vine-tendrils (or clusters) (from red colour ?); — plural suffix שְׂרוּקֶּיהָ Isaiah 16:8. Topical Lexicon Botanical Identity שָׂרוּק (sarûq) designates a premium, reddish grape vine prized for its sweet clusters and high–quality wine. Ancient viticultural records show that this varietal flourished on south–facing terraces where heat and reflected light produced the deep color suggested by the root “to be blood–red.” Its limited biblical appearance underscores its rarity and excellence. Occurrence and Literary Context The only canonical use is Isaiah 16:8, where the prophet laments: “the rulers of the nations have trampled its choice vines”. The verse sits within an oracle against Moab (Isaiah 15–16) that moves from detailed geography (Heshbon, Sibmah, Jazer) to an intense personification of Moab’s agriculture. The single mention of שָׂרוּק heightens the tragedy: Moab’s finest export, synonymous with prosperity and celebration, lies crushed beneath invading armies. Isaiah’s poetic structure contrasts previously unbroken growth—“reached as far as Jazer… spread toward the desert… reached the sea” (16:8)—with sudden devastation. The phrase “choice vines” becomes a literary hinge: from flourishing abundance to complete desolation. Historical and Geographical Background Sibmah’s vineyards were famous in the Transjordan. Located near Heshbon, the area benefited from limestone soil and seasonal watercourses, yielding dense, aromatic grapes that merchants transported along caravan routes to Jazer and on toward the Mediterranean. Assyrian and later Babylonian campaigns disrupted this trade, fulfilling Isaiah’s warning. Archaeological evidence of wine–press installations south of Heshbon corroborates the scale of production implied by the text. Theological Significance 1. Judgment on Pride. Moab’s confidence rested on fertile fields and lucrative viticulture; trampling the שָׂרוּק symbolized divine judgment on economic pride (compare Proverbs 16:18). Christological Foreshadowing The rarity and perfection of the שָׂרוּק prefigure the exclusive sufficiency of the Messiah. Jesus appropriates vine imagery—“I am the true vine” (John 15:1)—standing where Israel, Moab, and every nation failed. The crushing of Moab’s choicest grapes points to the cup of wrath Christ would drink (Matthew 26:39), turning judgment into salvation for those who abide in Him. Ministry Applications • Stewards of Blessing. Like Moab, churches can misplace confidence in material flourishing. Isaiah 16 warns leaders to hold resources loosely and invest them for Kingdom purposes. Related Themes and References Genesis 49:11; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalm 80:8-16; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 2:21; John 15:1-8; Revelation 14:18-20. Forms and Transliterations שְׂרוּקֶּ֔יהָ שרוקיה śə·rūq·qe·hā serukKeiha śərūqqehāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 16:8 HEB: גוֹיִם֙ הָלְמ֣וּ שְׂרוּקֶּ֔יהָ עַד־ יַעְזֵ֥ר NAS: have trampled down its choice clusters Which reached KJV: have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come INT: of the nations have trampled choice far Jazer 1 Occurrence |
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