The prophecy against Moab is a significant theme in the Hebrew Bible, reflecting the divine judgment pronounced upon the nation of Moab by various prophets. Moab, a nation located east of the Dead Sea, was often in conflict with Israel and Judah. The prophetic oracles against Moab are found primarily in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Amos. These prophecies highlight themes of judgment, destruction, and the sovereignty of God over the nations.

Isaiah's Prophecy against Moab

Isaiah 15-16 contains a detailed prophecy against Moab. The oracle begins with a lament over the destruction of Moab's cities, such as Ar and Kir, and the mourning of its people:

"An oracle concerning Moab: Ar in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night!" (Isaiah 15:1).

The prophecy continues with vivid imagery of desolation and the flight of Moab's inhabitants. Isaiah 16:6-7 speaks of Moab's pride and the resulting lamentation:

"We have heard of Moab’s pride, his exceeding pride and conceit, his overflowing arrogance. But his boasting is empty. Therefore let Moab wail; let them wail together for Moab. Lament and grieve for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth." (Isaiah 16:6-7).

Jeremiah's Prophecy against Moab

Jeremiah 48 offers an extensive prophecy against Moab, echoing themes of destruction and divine retribution. The chapter begins with a pronouncement of woe upon Moab and its cities:

"Concerning Moab, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Woe to Nebo, for it will be destroyed! Kiriathaim will be captured; the fortress will be shattered and disgraced.'" (Jeremiah 48:1).

Jeremiah emphasizes Moab's complacency and false security, warning of impending disaster. The prophecy concludes with a note of restoration, indicating that Moab's fortunes will be restored in the latter days:

"Yet in the latter days I will restore Moab from captivity, declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 48:47).

Ezekiel's Prophecy against Moab

Ezekiel 25:8-11 contains a brief prophecy against Moab, focusing on its scornful attitude towards Judah. The prophecy declares that Moab will be judged alongside Ammon:

"This is what the Lord GOD says: 'Because Moab and Seir said, "Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations," therefore I will expose the flank of Moab, beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land.'" (Ezekiel 25:8-9).

Amos' Prophecy against Moab

Amos 2:1-3 delivers a concise judgment against Moab for its transgressions, specifically mentioning the desecration of the king of Edom's bones:

"This is what the LORD says: 'For three transgressions of Moab, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he burned the bones of the king of Edom to lime.'" (Amos 2:1).

The prophecy foretells the destruction of Moab's rulers and the downfall of its strongholds.

Historical and Theological Context

The prophecies against Moab reflect the historical tensions between Moab and Israel, as well as the broader theme of divine justice. Moab's pride, idolatry, and hostility towards Israel are recurrent reasons for its judgment. These prophecies serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate plan for justice and restoration.