1–4 Moab is often mentioned in the OT, sometimes on its own, sometimes with its neighbor, Ammon. The origin of both nations is traced to Lot’s incest (Gen 19:30–38). Isaiah’s announcement of judgment against Moab reveals the heart of God. The oracle is more a lament for judgment than a declaration of judgment. In no other oracle do we read the words of the Lord, “My heart will cry out for Moab” (16:5), “I will drench you with My tears” (v. 9), and “My heart shall resound like a harp for Moab,” (16:11). Of all the prophecies against foreign nations, Moab is closest to the heart of God. The picture here is contrary to what most people think when they hear a message on judgment. God’s judgment is one of compassion, even weeping. It is not God’s will for any to perish (2 Pe. 3:9). He longs for all people to repent of their sins, be saved, and live with Him eternally. But He also desires our worship to come freely, not mechanically like robots. God allows us to choose either to love or deny Him. Instead the people flee to the high places, and the altars and temples of their gods, for their protection. They are seen in the streets with sack cloth, and on the tops of the houses, crying out with loud lamentations, and every expression of sorrow and despair. Although God gives us the ability to choose (free will), His heart breaks when we reject Him and doom ourselves to live apart from Him forever. God’s compassion flows from His heart, urging all people to repentance.
5–7 The second part of this lamentation describes refugees escaping to the southern borders of Moab. Verse 5 begins with the Isaiah expressing his own heart over what is happening in Moab, particularly for the fugitives trying to escape the horrors of war. He sees their cries as they try to escape in a long line down the road along dried up streams and empty fields (15:5-6). This means that they are entering a desert with no water to drink or food to eat. This section ends with describing them carrying all their possessions to an oasis, the “Ravine of Poplars.” Things seem hopeless. They are hoping to find refuge in either Edom or into Judah.
V 8-9 This chapter ends with a summary of what will happen and the certainty of these predictions. This is seen in that both verses begin with “surely, truly” that these terrible prophecies will “surely” come true. The wailing of the people is so loud that their lamenting voices is heard in the cities along the borders of Moab. The blood of the dead fills the streams at Dimon, and even more death will be coming as their enemy is pictured as a lion, who will attack anyone who remains in the land. Amos 3:8 pictures God as a roaring lion, but here Isaiah uses the lion as a symbol of a fierce enemy army (5:29; Jer 50:17).
