Isaiah 15:1-9 – No one gets away with sin

Isaiah had so far prophesied judgment against Babylon, Assyria, and Philistia. His prophecy in chapters 15-16 had to do with what would happen to Moab.  Let us review a bit of the history of the Moabites. They were the descendants of Moab, a son of Lot’s eldest daughter who gave birth to him as a result of her incestuous relationship with Lot. Genesis 19:30 described how after the destruction of those twin wicked cities, Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot and his two daughters went up to stay in the mountain. His daughters wanted to help their father to preserve his name. They made him drunk and took turns to sleep with him. The eldest conceived and gave birth to Moab. The Moabites had been a thorn in Israel’s side. Though they were distantly related because Abraham was Lot’s uncle, yet they had refused to offer any assistance to Israel in their time of need. Instead, they had sought to trouble them on many occasions. In Numbers 23-24, we saw how they tried to secure the service of Balaam to pronounce a curse on Israel. Then in Judges 3:12-30, we saw how Eglon, the king of Moab, tried to suppress Israel.

In this prophecy, Isaiah brought judgment against Moab. In the first two verses five cities of Moab namely, Ar, Kir, Dibon, Nebo and Medeba were being attacked at night. However, Isaiah did not mention who their attackers were. Their temples and high places were also destroyed. Moab was depicted as in mourning. “Everyone’s head is bald, and every beard is cut off.” Besides, the streets were filled with people wearing sackcloth and in mourning. Whether in the square or on the housetop, everyone was wailing and drowned in tears. People were fleeing as refugees and seeking refuge in the temple. And everyone was in lament whether it was in the cities in the north such as Elealeh and Jahaz or Zoar and Eglath-shelishiyah in the south. The severe and rampant destruction included other places. In verse 9 Isaiah pointed to added future woes that God would release upon them.

God, as the Lord even of pagan nations stands out as we read of the destruction of Moab. We must never forget that God is the Sovereign Lord, and nations whether they know it or not are subject to His power. This God will not take sin lightly, not even the sin of pagans. Hence, we must walk softly and gingerly before God. Remember that all sin will be judged sooner or later unless we repent!