THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

 

Isaiah Chapter 16

1 ¶ The ruler of Moab will send lambs from Sela through the desert, to the mount of the daughter of Zion.

2 For at the fords of Arnon, the daughters of Moab will be like wandering birds scattered from the nest.

3 Give us counsel, grant us justice; make your shadow like night at the height of noon; hide the outcasts; do not betray the fugitives.

4 Let the people who have been driven out of Moab live in your country; shield them from the destroyer: for the extortion will end, the destruction will cease, the oppressors will vanish from the land.

5 Then a throne will be established in mercy: and there in David’s tent will sit a judge, faithfully pursuing justice, and quick to do right.

6 ¶ We have heard of Moab’s pride; he is very proud: even of his arrogance, his pride, and his insolence: but his boasts are lies.

7 Therefore Moab will wail over Moab, every one will mourn: they will mourn for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth; they will be totally crushed.

8 For the fields of Heshbon will languish, as will the vines of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have trampled its choice vines, that reached as far as Jazer, and spread to the desert: her shoots have spread out, and passed over the sea.

9 Therefore I will weep with those of Jazer, who weep over the vines of Sibmah: I will water Heshbon and Elealeh with my tears: for the shouting of battle will fall on your summer fruits and your harvest.

10 Joy and rejoicing are gone from the fertile field; and there will be no singing or shouting in the vineyards: the treaders will tread out no wine in their presses; I have put an end to their shouting.

11 Therefore my soul grieves for Moab like a harp, as does my innermost being for Kirharesh.

12 But when Moab comes to his holy place to pray, and wears himself out at his high place, he will accomplish nothing.

13 This is the word that the LORD has spoken in the past concerning Moab.

14 But now the LORD says, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, the glory of Moab will be despised; and in spite of their many people, those who are left will be few and weak.