Isaiah 15:2

Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off.

Study Bible

Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places.
Dibon was a significant city in Moab, located near the Arnon River. The mention of "going up" suggests a pilgrimage or a ritualistic ascent to a place of worship, indicating the city's religious practices. The "temple" and "high places" refer to locations where the Moabites worshiped their gods, such as Chemosh. This act of weeping signifies mourning and desperation, likely due to impending judgment or calamity. The high places were often associated with idolatry, which was condemned in the Hebrew Scriptures (e.g., 1 Kings 14:23).

Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba.
Nebo and Medeba were prominent locations in Moab. Nebo is known for its association with Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:1). Medeba was a city on the plateau east of the Jordan River. The wailing over these locations indicates widespread distress and lamentation throughout Moab. This mourning reflects the cultural practice of expressing grief through loud cries and public displays, often seen in the ancient Near East (Jeremiah 48:31).

Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off.
Shaving the head and cutting off the beard were traditional signs of mourning and humiliation in the ancient Near East. These acts symbolized deep sorrow and were often performed in response to national disaster or personal loss (Job 1:20). In the context of Moab, this imagery underscores the severity of the judgment they faced. The shaving of the head and beard also signifies a loss of identity and dignity, as hair was considered a symbol of honor and strength (2 Samuel 10:4-5).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Dibon
A city in Moab, known for its high places and temples. It was a center of worship and is mentioned here as a place of mourning.

2. Moab
A nation descended from Lot, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is depicted as a place of lamentation in this passage.

3. Nebo
A mountain and a city in Moab, associated with idol worship. It is a site of mourning in this context.

4. Medeba
Another city in Moab, known for its strategic location and historical significance. It is also a place of lament in this passage.

5. Weeping and Mourning Rituals
The shaving of heads and cutting of beards were traditional signs of mourning and distress in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Idolatry
Moab's reliance on its high places and temples highlights the futility of idolatry. True security and peace come from God alone.

The Universality of Mourning
The shaving of heads and cutting of beards symbolize deep sorrow. This passage reminds us that grief is a universal human experience, often tied to loss and judgment.

The Importance of Repentance
The lamentation of Moab serves as a call to repentance. We are reminded to turn away from sin and seek God's mercy.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The judgment on Moab illustrates God's control over all nations. He holds them accountable for their actions and idolatry.

The Role of Prophecy in Scripture
Isaiah's prophecy serves as a warning and a call to reflection for both ancient and modern readers. It encourages us to heed God's word and live righteously.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the mourning of Moab in Isaiah 15:2 teach us about the consequences of turning away from God?

2. How can the rituals of mourning described in this passage inform our understanding of grief and loss in our own lives?

3. In what ways does the judgment of Moab reflect God's sovereignty and justice, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world events?

4. How does the theme of idolatry in Isaiah 15:2 relate to modern forms of idolatry, and what steps can we take to guard against them?

5. Reflecting on the connections between Isaiah 15 and other scriptures, how can we apply the lessons of prophecy and judgment to our personal spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 48
This chapter also speaks of the judgment and lamentation of Moab, echoing the themes found in Isaiah 15.

2 Kings 3
Provides historical context for the relationship between Israel and Moab, including conflicts and alliances.

Amos 2:1-3
Discusses the judgment against Moab for its transgressions, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution.