Isaiah 16 - Introduction

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 16

This chapter is a continuation of the prophecy against Moab; in which the prophet gives good advice, but in case of a haughty neglect of it, which he foresaw, threatens with ruin, and fixes a time for it. He advises the Moabites to pay their tribute to the king of Judah, or otherwise they should be turned out of their land, as a bird out of its nest, Isaiah 16:1 to protect, and not betray the people of the Jews that should flee to them, because of the Assyrian army, Isaiah 16:3 and for this end gives a great character of the king of Judah, and assures them of the stability of his kingdom, Isaiah 16:5 but for their pride, wrath, and lying, they are threatened with destruction, and are represented as howling under it, Isaiah 16:6 because of the spoil of their cities, vineyards, and fields, so that they have no harvest, nor vintage, nor gathering of summer fruits, or joy on these accounts, Isaiah 16:8 for which even the prophet expresses a concern, Isaiah 16:11 and after having observed the application of the Moabites to their gods without success, Isaiah 16:12 the chapter is closed with an assurance of the certain ruin of Moab, and of the time when it should be, Isaiah 16:13.