This is the burden against Moab:
The term "burden" refers to a prophetic oracle or message of judgment. Moab, a nation descended from Lot, often had a tumultuous relationship with Israel. This prophecy indicates a divine pronouncement against Moab, highlighting the seriousness of their impending judgment. Moab's history of idolatry and opposition to Israel sets the stage for this declaration.

Ar in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night!
Ar was a significant city in Moab, often considered a central hub. The sudden destruction "in a night" emphasizes the swift and unexpected nature of the judgment. This phrase underscores the vulnerability of human establishments against divine intervention. The immediacy of the destruction serves as a warning of the certainty and speed of God's judgment.

Kir in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night!
Kir, another important city in Moab, is similarly described as being devastated overnight. The repetition of the phrase "destroyed in a night" for both cities highlights the totality and simultaneity of the destruction. This reflects the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, leaving no place of refuge. The mention of both cities signifies the widespread impact on the nation of Moab, indicating that no part of the land would be spared.

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).

In its streets they wear sackcloth;
Wearing sackcloth is a traditional expression of mourning and repentance in the Bible. It is often made from coarse goat's hair, symbolizing humility and distress. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in Genesis 37:34 when Jacob mourns for Joseph. The use of sackcloth in the streets indicates a public display of grief, suggesting a communal or national calamity. In the context of Isaiah 15, this mourning is for the impending judgment on Moab, a neighboring nation of Israel.

on the rooftops and in the public squares
Rooftops in ancient Near Eastern cultures were flat and often used as additional living spaces. Public squares were central places for community gatherings and commerce. The mention of both locations highlights the widespread nature of the lamentation, affecting all aspects of daily life. This public mourning signifies the depth of the crisis, as both private and communal spaces are filled with expressions of sorrow. The rooftops and squares being filled with mourners also reflect the cultural practice of lamenting in visible, communal settings, as seen in Jeremiah 48:38.

they all wail, falling down weeping.
The act of wailing and falling down weeping is a vivid depiction of intense grief and despair. This response is not just individual but collective, indicating a shared experience of suffering. The physical act of falling down weeping underscores the overwhelming nature of the sorrow, possibly due to the destruction and loss prophesied against Moab. This imagery is consistent with other biblical descriptions of lamentation, such as in Lamentations 2:10, where the elders of Zion sit on the ground in silence, wearing sackcloth and throwing dust on their heads. The communal aspect of this mourning can also be seen as a type of the ultimate sorrow and repentance that leads to redemption, a theme fulfilled in the New Testament through Christ's redemptive work.

Heshbon and Elealeh cry out;
Heshbon and Elealeh were significant cities in ancient Moab, located in present-day Jordan. Heshbon was a major city of the Amorites before being conquered by the Israelites under Moses (Numbers 21:25-26). Elealeh was nearby and often mentioned alongside Heshbon (Numbers 32:3, 37). The cry from these cities signifies distress and impending doom, reflecting the judgment pronounced by God through Isaiah. This lamentation is a response to the invasion and destruction prophesied against Moab, a nation often in conflict with Israel.

their voices are heard as far as Jahaz.
Jahaz was a location where Israel fought and defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites, during their journey to the Promised Land (Numbers 21:23). The mention of Jahaz indicates the extent of the outcry, suggesting widespread panic and fear. This geographical reference underscores the severity of the situation, as the cries reach far beyond the immediate vicinity, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the judgment.

Therefore the soldiers of Moab cry out;
The soldiers of Moab, known for their strength and valor, are depicted as crying out in fear and despair. This reaction is significant, as it shows that even the mighty warriors are unable to withstand the coming calamity. The Moabites were historically known for their military prowess, yet here they are portrayed as vulnerable and overwhelmed, emphasizing the power of divine judgment.

their souls tremble within.
The trembling of their souls indicates profound fear and internal turmoil. This phrase captures the emotional and psychological impact of the impending disaster. It reflects a deep-seated dread that goes beyond physical defeat, touching on the spiritual and existential crisis faced by the Moabites. This trembling can be seen as a metaphor for the ultimate judgment that all nations face before God, pointing to the need for repentance and reliance on divine mercy.

My heart cries out over Moab;
This phrase reflects the deep compassion and sorrow expressed for Moab, a neighboring nation of Israel. The prophet Isaiah, speaking on behalf of God, shows that divine judgment is not devoid of empathy. Moab, a descendant of Lot (Genesis 19:37), often had a tumultuous relationship with Israel. Despite their enmity, the heart of God, as revealed through the prophet, mourns for their impending doom. This compassion mirrors the heart of Christ, who wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41).

her fugitives flee as far as Zoar,
Zoar is a city associated with the story of Lot's escape from Sodom (Genesis 19:22-23). It represents a place of refuge, yet here it is depicted as a destination for Moabite refugees fleeing destruction. This highlights the severity of Moab's plight, as they seek safety in a city historically linked to divine judgment. The mention of Zoar underscores the complete reversal of fortune for Moab, once a powerful nation.

as far as Eglath-shelishiyah.
Eglath-shelishiyah is a location whose exact identification is uncertain, but it is thought to be a place of significance in Moab. The name itself, meaning "the third Eglath," suggests a notable site, possibly a city or a landmark. The reference to this location indicates the extent of the Moabite flight, emphasizing the widespread panic and desperation among the people.

With weeping they ascend the slope of Luhith;
The ascent of Luhith is a steep climb, symbolizing the arduous journey of the Moabite refugees. The weeping signifies profound grief and despair, as they are forced to leave their homes. This imagery of ascent amidst sorrow is reminiscent of the "valley of the shadow of death" (Psalm 23:4), where the faithful seek God's comfort. The path to Luhith becomes a metaphor for the trials faced by those under judgment.

they lament their destruction on the road to Horonaim.
Horonaim is another Moabite city, and the road leading to it becomes a path of lamentation. The destruction lamented here is both physical and spiritual, as the Moabites face the consequences of their actions. This echoes the broader biblical theme of repentance and the call to turn back to God. The lamentation on this road parallels the cries of Israel in their own times of distress, as seen in Lamentations 1:16. The road to Horonaim serves as a reminder of the ultimate hope found in God's mercy and redemption.

The waters of Nimrim are dried up
This phrase refers to the waters of Nimrim, likely a stream or series of springs in Moab, a region east of the Dead Sea. The drying up of these waters symbolizes desolation and judgment upon Moab. In the ancient Near East, water sources were vital for survival, agriculture, and prosperity. The drying up of water would indicate a severe crisis, reflecting God's judgment. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where water scarcity signifies divine retribution (e.g., Jeremiah 14:3-4).

and the grass is withered
The withering of grass further emphasizes the theme of desolation. Grass, often used in the Bible to symbolize life and prosperity, withering away indicates a loss of vitality and sustenance. This imagery is reminiscent of Isaiah 40:7-8, where the transient nature of human life is compared to grass that withers. The withering grass in Moab signifies the fading of its glory and strength under divine judgment.

the vegetation is gone
The absence of vegetation underscores the complete devastation of the land. Vegetation is essential for food, livestock, and economic stability. The loss of vegetation would lead to famine and economic collapse, highlighting the severity of the judgment. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of land suffering due to the people's sin, as seen in passages like Joel 1:10-12, where the land mourns due to the people's disobedience.

and the greenery is no more
The disappearance of greenery completes the picture of barrenness and ruin. Greenery often symbolizes life, growth, and prosperity. Its absence indicates a total lack of life and hope. This imagery can be connected to the broader biblical narrative of creation groaning under the weight of sin (Romans 8:22) and the ultimate hope of restoration through Christ, who brings life and renewal (John 10:10). The judgment on Moab serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the hope of redemption through repentance and faith.

So they carry their wealth and belongings
This phrase indicates a forced migration or escape, likely due to an impending threat or disaster. In the context of Isaiah 15, the Moabites are fleeing from an invading force. Historically, Moab was a nation located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. The wealth and belongings signify the material possessions that the Moabites valued, which they attempt to save in their flight. This reflects a common biblical theme where material wealth is transient and cannot provide ultimate security (see Matthew 6:19-21).

over the Brook of the Willows
The Brook of the Willows is likely a reference to a geographical location that served as a boundary or crossing point. Some scholars suggest it could be the Wadi al-Ahsa, a stream that marked the southern border of Moab. The mention of willows may symbolize mourning or lamentation, as willows are often associated with weeping (Psalm 137:2). This crossing signifies a transition from a place of relative safety to uncertainty and exile. The imagery of crossing a brook can also be seen as a metaphor for passing through trials or judgment, akin to the Israelites crossing the Red Sea or the Jordan River.

For their outcry echoes to the border of Moab.
The outcry mentioned here refers to the lamentation and distress of the Moabites due to impending judgment and destruction. Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was often in conflict with Israel. The border signifies the extent of the calamity, reaching the very edges of their territory. This phrase highlights the widespread nature of the suffering, indicating that the entire nation is affected. Historically, Moab was known for its pride and idolatry, which often led to its downfall as prophesied by various prophets, including Isaiah.

Their wailing reaches Eglaim;
Eglaim is a location within Moab, though its exact site is uncertain today. The mention of Eglaim emphasizes the depth of the sorrow, as the wailing is not confined to one area but spreads throughout the land. This reflects the comprehensive nature of divine judgment. The wailing signifies a deep mourning, possibly for the loss of life, land, and security. In biblical terms, wailing is often associated with repentance or acknowledgment of sin, though in this context, it may simply reflect despair.

it is heard in Beer-elim.
Beer-elim, meaning "well of the mighty ones," is another location in Moab. The sound reaching Beer-elim suggests that the lamentation is so intense that it travels great distances. This could symbolize the far-reaching consequences of sin and rebellion against God. The mention of Beer-elim may also serve as a reminder of God's past provisions and the people's failure to remain faithful. The geographical spread of the wailing underscores the totality of the judgment and the inescapable nature of divine retribution.

The waters of Dimon are full of blood
This phrase indicates a scene of devastation and judgment. Dimon is often identified with Dibon, a city in Moab, which was a region east of the Dead Sea. The imagery of waters full of blood suggests a great slaughter or calamity, possibly due to warfare or divine judgment. In biblical symbolism, blood often represents life taken violently, and here it underscores the severity of Moab's punishment. This aligns with the broader context of Isaiah's prophecies against the nations surrounding Israel, where God uses natural and military disasters as instruments of judgment.

but I will bring more upon Dimon
This part of the verse suggests that the current devastation is not the end; further judgment is to come. The use of "I will bring" indicates divine intervention, emphasizing that the calamities are not merely natural or coincidental but are orchestrated by God. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His use of judgment to bring about repentance or to fulfill His purposes. The continuation of judgment upon Dimon serves as a warning to Moab and a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

a lion upon the fugitives of Moab
The lion is a common biblical symbol of strength, power, and often destruction. In this context, it represents a fierce and unstoppable force that will come upon those fleeing from Moab. The fugitives, likely those escaping the initial devastation, will not find safety, as the lion signifies further peril. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where God uses wild animals as instruments of judgment (e.g., Jeremiah 5:6). The lion could also symbolize a powerful enemy or invading force that God will use to complete Moab's judgment.

and upon the remnant of the land
The "remnant" refers to those who survive the initial calamities. In biblical prophecy, a remnant often signifies a small, surviving group that remains after widespread destruction. However, in this context, even the remnant is not spared from judgment, highlighting the totality of God's decree against Moab. This serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of divine judgment and the futility of relying on human strength or escape. The concept of a remnant is also significant in other parts of Scripture, where it sometimes represents hope and future restoration, but here it underscores the completeness of Moab's downfall.