Topical Bible: Moabites: Prophesies Respecting: Desolation and Grief

◄ Moabites: Prophesies Respecting: Desolation and Grief ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Moabites, descendants of Lot through his elder daughter, were a people often in conflict with the Israelites. Throughout the Old Testament, various prophecies were pronounced against Moab, foretelling desolation and grief due to their pride, idolatry, and enmity towards Israel.

Isaiah's Prophecy

The prophet Isaiah speaks extensively about the impending judgment on Moab. In Isaiah 15 and 16, the desolation of Moab is vividly described. The cities of Ar and Kir are laid waste overnight, and the people of Moab are depicted as wailing and mourning. Isaiah 15:1 states, "An oracle concerning Moab: Ar in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night!" The prophecy continues to describe the lamentation and the fleeing of the Moabites to Zoar, highlighting the widespread grief and destruction.

Isaiah 16:6-7 further emphasizes Moab's pride as a reason for their downfall: "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."

Jeremiah's Prophecy

Jeremiah also prophesies against Moab, detailing the nation's impending doom. In Jeremiah 48, the prophet outlines the reasons for Moab's judgment, including their trust in their own works and treasures. Jeremiah 48:42 declares, "Moab will be destroyed as a nation because he vaunted himself against the LORD."

The chapter is filled with imagery of desolation and lamentation. Jeremiah 48:36 poignantly captures the sorrow: "Therefore My heart laments like a flute for Moab; it laments like a flute for the men of Kir-heres, because the wealth they acquired has perished." The prophecy concludes with a promise of restoration in the latter days, yet the immediate focus remains on the severe judgment due to their arrogance and idolatry.

Ezekiel's Prophecy

Ezekiel also addresses Moab's fate. In Ezekiel 25:8-11 , the prophet speaks of Moab's scorn towards Judah and the subsequent judgment: "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—the glory of the land—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim. I will give Moab along with the Ammonites to the people of the East as a possession, so that the Ammonites will not be remembered among the nations. So I will execute judgments on Moab, and they will know that I am the LORD.’"

Amos' Prophecy

The prophet Amos also includes Moab in his pronouncements against the nations. In Amos 2:1-3 , the judgment is pronounced due to Moab's transgressions, specifically their 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. So I will send fire upon Moab, and it will consume the citadels of Kerioth. Moab will die in tumult, with shouting and the sound of the ram’s horn. I will cut off the ruler from its midst and kill all the officials with him,’ says the LORD."

These prophecies collectively underscore the themes of desolation and grief that were to befall Moab due to their pride, idolatry, and opposition to God's people. The prophetic literature serves as a testament to the consequences of turning away from the LORD and the inevitable judgment that follows.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 15:1-9
The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 16:2-11
For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook