The contents of chapters 15 and 16 are paralleled in Jeremiah 48. Translations of this particular chapter into English often conflict, because the tone is not immediately discernible. In the middle of preaching to Moab, Isaiah takes a shot at his own people, as well. Notwithstanding their sins, the misfortune of a neighbor and cousin is no cause for mirth.
With the picture of Moab fleeing south across the agricultural lands toward Edom, we must take a moment to remind ourselves that Edom had been humbled a generation before Isaiah's time by king Amaziah. By fleeing there, Moab was placing herself under Judah's care. Isaiah advises Moab to reinstate the tribute they once gave to King David, symbolized by the sending of a lamb. Once they arrive in Sela, today known as Petra (the fortress carved into the walls of a desert canyon), they will owe some form of tribute if they wish to stay and that tribute goes to the King of Judah. Moab would have little choice, since they would be comparable to a fledgling bird freshly kicked from the nest, fleeing across the Arnon River.
The next few verses are a call from God to His own people to give the Moabites refuge: "Please let the Moabite fugitives live among you." Judah is encouraged and can afford to do it, because the Lord would ensure the Assyrians would not destroy Jerusalem. Displaying such mercy would strengthen the throne of David. Whether Moab will listen is not the point; they cannot hear the truth of God's Word until they are given refuge. The starting point is demonstrating the spirit of mercy Moses commanded of the Jews in dealing with refugees.
Of course, it's altogether likely the Moabites will not listen. Their one claim to fame was arrogance. The royal house is pictured as a pampered and implacable brat. Yesterday's proud fool will be tomorrow's whining victim, and sympathy will be hard to summon for them. Thus, about the only people wailing for the losses of Moab will be the Moabites themselves. As far south as Kir Haresheth, the Assyrians will pull down cities until the foundations are laid bare.
Not just the cities, but also the famous vineyards of Heshbon and Sibmah in the northern end of Moab, a region famous for it's wines, would be devastated. Seedlings from those vineyards were sold to many nations, but they would be gone forever from their home ground. The glorious breadbasket and fruit basket of Moab would become a wilderness. Her customers in Judah and elsewhere would miss that produce and for this reason alone might express some sorrow.
Isaiah promises this will happen soon. They've been ignoring the warnings for so long, he hardly expects them to listen now. Still, the Lord had set a date. The picture is that of a bonded servant, selling his labor for a three-year period. That was a common term of service in those days, particularly when someone was working off a large debt. As the term of service drew to a close, their zeal would flag, and their eyes often stray to the path home. Thus, it's a way of saying, "three years, maybe." Then would come the Assyrian hordes.
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By Ed Hurst
10 September 2008, revised 03 February 2013
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