How does Isaiah 15:9 illustrate God's judgment on Moab's rebellion against Him? Text of the Verse “The waters of Dimon are full of blood, but I will bring still more upon Dimon—a lion upon the fugitives of Moab and upon the remnant of the land.” (Isaiah 15:9) Context of Moab’s Rebellion • Moab enticed Israel into immorality and idolatry at Baal-peor (Numbers 25:1-3). • The nation hired Balaam to curse God’s people (Numbers 22 – 24). • Moab repeatedly opposed Judah (2 Kings 3; Isaiah 16:6 cites its arrogance). • Jeremiah 48:42 summarizes the result: “Moab will be destroyed as a nation because he exalted himself against the LORD.” Isaiah 15 announces the consequence of that long-standing defiance. Symbols of Judgment in Isaiah 15:9 1. Blood-filled Waters of Dimon • Dimon (another form of “Dibon”) sits near the Arnon River. • The picture of water turned to blood echoes Egypt’s plague (Exodus 7:20-21), underscoring divine wrath. • It shows judgment as both public and unavoidable—no one in Moab could ignore crimson streams running through town. 2. “I will bring still more” • God’s word intensifies the scene: the initial devastation is only the beginning (cf. Leviticus 26:18, 24 for progressive judgments). • This reveals that partial repentance or superficial sorrow would not halt the sentence; the full measure was coming. 3. A Lion upon the Fugitives and Remnant • Lions in Scripture often represent sudden, unstoppable destruction (Amos 3:8; Jeremiah 5:6). • Even those who escape the battlefield (“fugitives”) or hide within the land (“remnant”) will meet the predator. • The image eliminates any illusion of a safe refuge outside God’s reach (Psalm 139:7-12 affirms His inescapable presence). What the Verse Teaches about God’s Judgment • It is righteous—Moab’s rebellion warranted a just response (Psalm 9:7-8). • It is thorough—blood in the rivers and a lion in the wilderness cover every sphere. • It is personal—“I will bring” highlights that the LORD Himself oversees the judgment, not mere chance or foreign armies alone (Isaiah 14:24). • It is proportionate—Moab shed innocent blood and opposed God’s people; now its waters run with blood. • It is a warning—what befell Moab illustrates the fate of any nation or person who hardens the heart against the LORD (1 Corinthians 10:11). Implications for Readers Today • God keeps His word—prophecies fulfilled against Moab assure us every promise, including future judgment and future restoration, will stand (Matthew 24:35). • Pride precedes a fall—Moab’s arrogance invites each believer to examine personal humility before God (James 4:6). • No hiding place from sin’s consequences—escape routes fail unless repentance leads us to the Savior (Hebrews 2:3). • Divine mercy remains available—Isaiah 16:5 foretells a throne of steadfast love; judgment in chapter 15 pushes us to seek that throne while grace is offered (Isaiah 55:6-7). |
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