Isaiah 15
Summary for Isa 15:1-16:14: 15:1–16:14 a 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 b Moab was Judah’s enemy, situated on the eastern side of the Dead Sea.• In one night: Destruction would be sudden and decisive.
15:2 c In the ancient Near East, actions such as shaving or cutting off their beards revealed deep sorrow (see Jer 48:37 d).
15:4 e Heshbon was the former capital of Sihon (Num 21:23-26 f).
• Elealeh was located close to Heshbon.
• Jahaz was between Heshbon and the Arnon River (see Jer 48:34 g).
15:5 h 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 i; 19:23 j).
15:6 k Identification of the waters of Nimrim is uncertain (see also Jer 48:34 l).
• 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.
Summary for Isa 15:7-8: 15:7-8 m The precise locations of the Ravine of Willows and of Eglaim and Beer-elim are uncertain.
15:9 n 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.
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