Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

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.

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.

Verse 2

15:2 In the ancient Near East, actions such as shaving or cutting off their beards revealed deep sorrow (see Jer 48:37).

Verse 4

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).

Verse 5

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).

Verse 6

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.

Verse 7

15:7-8 The precise locations of the Ravine of Willows and of Eglaim and Beer-elim are uncertain.

Verse 9

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.