United Commentaries

Isa.15.1-16.14

This message of judgment and lament concerned Moab’s fall. The extensive references to Moabite place names indicate that Isaiah was thoroughly familiar with Moab.

Isa.15.1

Moab was Judah’s enemy, situated on the eastern side of the Dead Sea.

In one night: Destruction would be sudden and decisive.

Isa.15.2

In the ancient Near East, actions such as shaving or cutting off their beards revealed deep sorrow (see Jer 48:37).

Isa.15.4

Heshbon was the former capital of Sihon (Num 21:23-26).

Elealeh was located close to Heshbon.

Jahaz was between Heshbon and the Arnon River (see Jer 48:34).

Isa.15.5

My heart weeps for Moab: The prophet joined in the lament to express the greatness of Moab’s pain.

Zoar was in the southeastern area of the Dead Sea (Gen 14:2; 19:23).

Isa.15.6

Identification of the waters of Nimrim is uncertain (see also Jer 48:34).

dried up . . . scorched . . . tender plants: For the theme of natural resources drying up as a form of judgment, see study note on Isa 24:4.

Isa.15.7-8

The precise locations of the Ravine of Willows and of Eglaim and Beer-elim are uncertain.

Isa.15.9

Dibon: The Masoretic Text reads Dimon, which is a play on the word translated blood (Hebrew dam).

blood: Apparently many people from Moab had already been killed, but their judgment had only begun.