Isaiah 15:1

Isaiah 15:1 says, 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;  Moab was a small country that was very fruitful, bordering on the people of the tribe of  Reuben.  The next few verses speak of its ruin, though it wouldn’t be totally destroyed at this time, because there is another prophesy about its destruction in Jeremiah 48, when this was accomplished by Nebuchadnezzar.  This prophesy would be fulfilled within three years. Those who deny or defy God may be defeated at times in the world, but they will not be totally defeated until the return of Jesus Christ. 

Verse two adds, He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.  Isaiah said there would be great mourning in Moab. Their idols could not save them, so they would be reduced to mourning for all that they lost.  Idols will never save anyone today, and those who put their faith in them will one day be reduced to mourning forever because they will face everlasting suffering.  This is why it is so important that we reach out to the lost people of the world with the gospel today.  

Verse three adds, In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.  Isaiah continues to speak about the great mourning that would occur in Moab.  Matthew Henry points out that Isaiah did not go to Moab to proclaim this prophesy but proclaimed it to the people of Israel so that they could see that he was a prophet and that they could see that God’s word would come to pass.  We today need to do more than just share with other Christians about the punishment that is coming to those who don’t put their faith in Jesus Christ.  We need to proclaim the gospel to the unsaved people of the world so that they can repent before it is too late.

Verse four states, And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh: their voice shall be heard even unto Jahaz: therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his life shall be grievous unto him.  Isaiah said that the soldiers of Moab would cry out because their life would become grievous to them.  Those who are fighting against God today, even if they are part of a strong army, will one day cry out in grief when they find themselves defeated forever by the power of God.

Verse five adds, My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.  Isaiah said his heart would cry out to Moab.  We need to feel a great sadness for those who refuse to accept Christ and never rejoice in their destruction if it comes.