Introduction: This is a devotional and not a theological nor scholarly article. There is a lot about the relationship of the nation of Israel with the nation of Moab in the historical books of the Old Testament books – there is much said about Moab in the OT! In addition to the historical books Moab has a lot said about it by a number of other prophets apart from Isaiah! I intend to just pick out and comment (in the midst of the text) about things which are very pertinent to Christians living today. Moab is today part of Jordan.
3 “Give counsel; grant justice; make your shade like night at the height of noon; shelter the outcasts; do not reveal the fugitive;
4 let the outcasts of Moab sojourn among you; be a shelter to them from the destroyer. When the oppressor is no more, and destruction has ceased, and he who tramples underfoot has vanished from the land, Comment: Sadly, because God says that it doesn’t happen that way, many try to earn their way into heaven by good works. Salvation is a gift related to one’s relationship with Jesus by faith. Nevertheless wisdom (the ability to counsel), justice and social consciousness and involvement are expected of God’s people!
5 then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness
in the tent of David one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness.” – Comment: Without forcing the issue too hard I think that this has a double meaning. It applies to Israel being released from under the overcoming Babylonian forces and becoming a ‘free’ nation again with one of David’s descendants sitting on the throne. The second meaning looks to the future when permanently Jesus returns to sit forever as King. I think that this verse has Messianic overtones!
6 We have heard of the pride of Moab— how proud he is!— of his arrogance, his pride, and his insolence; in his idle boasting he is not right.
7 Therefore let Moab wail for Moab, let everyone wail. Mourn, utterly stricken, for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth. – Pride goes before a fall!
8 For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah; the lords of the nations
have struck down its branches, which reached to Jazer and strayed to the desert; its shoots spread abroad and passed over the sea.
9 Therefore I weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vine of Sibmah; I drench you with my tears, O Heshbon and Elealeh; for over your summer fruit and your harvest
the shout has ceased.
10 And joy and gladness are taken away from the fruitful field, and in the vineyards no songs are sung, no cheers are raised; no treader treads out wine in the presses;
I have put an end to the shouting.
11 Therefore my inner parts moan like a lyre for Moab, and my inmost self for Kir-hareseth. – Comment: To those who knew the geography of Moab this would have meant a lot, but to me it just indicates the extent of Moab’s loss. At least the Prophet shows that he is distressed by what he is saying. This is so much more godly than gloating over other peoples distress!
12 And when Moab presents himself, when he wearies himself on the high place, when he comes to his sanctuary to pray, he will not prevail.
13 This is the word that the LORD spoke concerning Moab in the past. 14 But now the LORD has spoken, saying, “In three years, like the years of a hired worker, the glory of Moab will be brought into contempt, in spite of all his great multitude, and those who remain will be very few and feeble.” – As the Greek philosopher said, “The mills of the gods grind slowly, but they grind small”.
Ecc 12: 14 – For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Prayer: I would remember and practice the truth that I am saved by Grace through Faith unto good works and that to Your Glory, O, my Father! I thank You that You call me ‘Your child’.
As I read it! 