Isaiah 16 - Bible Study in 5 Minutes

Isaiah 16 Short Summary:

Isaiah 15 and 16 are God’s oracle regarding the nation of Moab. It was prophesied that within 3 years the nation of Moab would suffer a devastating catastrophe at the hands of a foreign power.

Isaiah 16 Bible Study

TIMELINE:

• The prophetic ministry of Isaiah spanned the reigns of King Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.

• We do not know the exact date this oracle was delivered to Isaiah, but we know the fulfilment of it came 3 years after it was spoken (16:14).

KEY CHARACTERS:

• Isaiah – The son of Amoz (1:1). God commissioned Isaiah as His prophet to Judah.

• The Nation of Moab – The relatives of the Israelites through Abraham’s nephew Lot. Although relatives, the Moabites were more-often-than-not enemies of the Israelites. They inhabited the land immediately East of the Dead Sea.

DEFINITIONS:

• Ford (16:2) – A shallow place in a river where a person can walk across.

• Insolence (16:6) – A rude or arrogant lack of respect.

• Lyre (16:11) – A handheld stringed instrument, similar to a harp, that has a U-shaped design.

• High Place (16:12) – A place of worship, usually set on the top of a hill or some elevated place.

OUTLINE:

• MOAB’S PRIDE AND DOWNFALL (16:1-14):

  • Isaiah 14 continues where the prophet left off in chapter 13 talking about the destruction that would befall Moab.

  • Isaiah advised Moab to “Send the lamb to the ruler of the land” (16:1). This may be a reference to a tribute of sheep that the Moabites were supposed to offer to the king of Judah (2 Kings 3:4).

  • They were to send the lamb and acknowledge their submission to Judah. They would need to be in Judah’s good favor when this calamity befell them.

  • On that day, the people of Moab would be scattered, flying like fleeing birds into the surrounding nations to escape the threat.

  • God instructed the people of Judah to offer protection and shelter to any of the Moabites who made their way to Judah. They were to conceal them and care for them until the threat passed.

  • The Moabites would want the favor of the king of Judah for shelter during the prophesied calamity, but they would also want it in the future. Isaiah prophesied that one day, a righteous, loving, and just king would reign in Jerusalem from the tent of David.  

  • But verse 6 seems to suggest Moab would reject Judah’s offer of mercy because of their arrogance, pride, and insolence (16:6).

  • Pride would be their ruin. Their enemy would destroy the agriculture they cherished, their fields, their vineyards, and they would strip Moab of the joy typically associated with harvest time.

  • All cause for celebration would be removed from Moab’s land.

  • The Moabites would look to their idols for help, but no help would arrive.

  • Isaiah prophesied that this tragedy would come upon Moab within 3 years.

APPLICATION:

• Don’t be the kind of person that always turns down help, especially when you need it. 

• God has gifted people in your Church community with unique and incredible gifts that were meant to be used in the service of others.

• He has given those gifts to meet the needs of His saints. 

• So, when you need help and someone offers to help you, put your pride aside and let God care for you through the hands and feet of His people. 

• Denying help leaves you to struggle alone and deprives a willing servant of God a chance to utilize their talents for God's glory.