Isa 16:1 | KingComments | STEP | This chapter is a direct sequel to the previous one and forms a whole with it. In view of the coming tribulation Isaiah calls Moab to submit to Judah ( ). In the past, Moab has been subject to Israel ( ) and has had to pay a tribute of lambs and wool, but has escaped from Israel’s power ( ). In fact, this means that Moab is asked to choose to stand on the side of the believing Israelites at the time of the great tribulation. In practical terms, this means that they are called upon to receive the fleeing believing remnant of Israel ( ; ). Those who answer this call will be rewarded before the throne of Christ ( ). Everything they have done to these believing Israelites, they have done to Christ Himself, without knowing it. As a sign of their choice to stand at the side of Israel, Moab is said to send lambs again. He should not send them to Samaria now, but “to the mountain of the daughter of Zion”, which is the temple mountain in Jerusalem. This way of doing things will be an outcome for Moab. Moab’s need, just like other peoples in the area, is caused by the invasion of the king of the North. They will find protection and security in Jerusalem as compensation for the tribute paid. Sela is Hebrew for the Greek Petra , which means rock. Petra is located in Edom, south of Moab. There the fugitives fled from the north of Moab. The escape route from north to south is described in the previous chapter.

‏ Isaiah 16:1

Call to Moab

This chapter is a direct sequel to the previous one and forms a whole with it. In view of the coming tribulation Isaiah calls Moab to submit to Judah (Isa 16:1). In the past, Moab has been subject to Israel (2Sam 8:2) and has had to pay a tribute of lambs and wool, but has escaped from Israel’s power (2Kgs 3:4-5).

In fact, this means that Moab is asked to choose to stand on the side of the believing Israelites at the time of the great tribulation. In practical terms, this means that they are called upon to receive the fleeing believing remnant of Israel (Isa 16:4; Mt 24:16). Those who answer this call will be rewarded before the throne of Christ (Mt 25:31-40). Everything they have done to these believing Israelites, they have done to Christ Himself, without knowing it.

As a sign of their choice to stand at the side of Israel, Moab is said to send lambs again. He should not send them to Samaria now, but “to the mountain of the daughter of Zion”, which is the temple mountain in Jerusalem. This way of doing things will be an outcome for Moab. Moab’s need, just like other peoples in the area, is caused by the invasion of the king of the North. They will find protection and security in Jerusalem as compensation for the tribute paid.

Sela is Hebrew for the Greek Petra, which means rock. Petra is located in Edom, south of Moab. There the fugitives fled from the north of Moab. The escape route from north to south is described in the previous chapter.