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Text -- Isaiah 15:4-9 (NET)

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Context
15:4 The people of Heshbon and Elealeh cry out, their voices are heard as far away as Jahaz. For this reason Moab’s soldiers shout in distress; their courage wavers. 15:5 My heart cries out because of Moab’s plight, and for the fugitives stretched out as far as Zoar and Eglath Shelishiyah. For they weep as they make their way up the ascent of Luhith; they loudly lament their demise on the road to Horonaim. 15:6 For the waters of Nimrim are gone; the grass is dried up, the vegetation has disappeared, and there are no plants. 15:7 For this reason what they have made and stored up, they carry over the Stream of the Poplars. 15:8 Indeed, the cries of distress echo throughout Moabite territory; their wailing can be heard in Eglaim and Beer Elim. 15:9 Indeed, the waters of Dimon are full of blood! Indeed, I will heap even more trouble on Dimon. A lion will attack the Moabite fugitives and the people left in the land.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Beer-Elim a place or town in Moab
 · Beer-elim a place or town in Moab
 · Dibon a town in Moab near where Israel encamped,a town in the Negeb of southeastern Judah
 · Eglaim a town of Moab SE of present day Kerak (OS)
 · Eglath-Shelishiya a town of Moab
 · Elealeh a town on the east side of Jordan
 · Heshbon a town of south-eastern Judah
 · Horonaim a town and the road to it
 · Jahaz a town of Reuben given to the Merarites
 · Luhith a place in Moab where the people fled from the Babylonians (IBD).
 · Moab resident(s) of the country of Moab
 · Nimrim a spring or springs in Moab (ZD)
 · Zoar a town at the south end of the Dead Sea


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Zered | War | WILLOWS | PALESTINE, 3 | Nimrim, Waters of | MOABITE STONE | MOAB; MOABITES | Luhith | Leek | Jahaz | Isaiah | ISAIAH, 8-9 | Hay | HESHBON | HEIFER | FUGITIVE | Dibon | Beer-elim | BAAL (1) | ARNON | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Keil-Delitzsch , Constable , Guzik

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Wesley: Isa 15:4 - -- Two other Moabitish cities.

Two other Moabitish cities.

Wesley: Isa 15:4 - -- Another city in the utmost borders of Moab.

Another city in the utmost borders of Moab.

Wesley: Isa 15:4 - -- Who use to be the most courageous.

Who use to be the most courageous.

Wesley: Isa 15:5 - -- Tho' they are a most vile nation.

Tho' they are a most vile nation.

Wesley: Isa 15:5 - -- Zoar was a town bordering upon Moab.

Zoar was a town bordering upon Moab.

Wesley: Isa 15:5 - -- Such a cry as men send forth when they are just falling into the pit of destruction.

Such a cry as men send forth when they are just falling into the pit of destruction.

Wesley: Isa 15:6 - -- Watery grounds being very fruitful, are commonly most inhabited; but now they also, much more the dry and barren grounds, shall be desolate and withou...

Watery grounds being very fruitful, are commonly most inhabited; but now they also, much more the dry and barren grounds, shall be desolate and without inhabitant.

Wesley: Isa 15:7 - -- Their enemies.

Their enemies.

Wesley: Isa 15:7 - -- Possibly he means some such river which ran into Euphrates, and so gave them opportunity of carrying their spoils by water unto Babylon.

Possibly he means some such river which ran into Euphrates, and so gave them opportunity of carrying their spoils by water unto Babylon.

Wesley: Isa 15:8 - -- Their cry fills all the parts of the country.

Their cry fills all the parts of the country.

Wesley: Isa 15:9 - -- More than hath been already mentioned.

More than hath been already mentioned.

Wesley: Isa 15:9 - -- God shall send lions to find out those that escape the fury of men.

God shall send lions to find out those that escape the fury of men.

JFB: Isa 15:4 - -- An Amorite city, twenty miles east of Jordan; taken by Moab after the carrying away of Israel (compare Jer. 48:1-47).

An Amorite city, twenty miles east of Jordan; taken by Moab after the carrying away of Israel (compare Jer. 48:1-47).

JFB: Isa 15:4 - -- Near Heshbon, in Reuben.

Near Heshbon, in Reuben.

JFB: Isa 15:4 - -- East of Jordan, in Reuben. Near it Moses defeated Sihon.

East of Jordan, in Reuben. Near it Moses defeated Sihon.

JFB: Isa 15:4 - -- Because of the sudden overthrow of their cities. Even the armed men, instead of fighting in defense of their land, shall join in the general cry.

Because of the sudden overthrow of their cities. Even the armed men, instead of fighting in defense of their land, shall join in the general cry.

JFB: Isa 15:4 - -- Rather, "his soul is grieved" (1Sa 1:8) [MAURER].

Rather, "his soul is grieved" (1Sa 1:8) [MAURER].

JFB: Isa 15:5 - -- The prophet himself is moved with pity for Moab. Ministers, in denouncing the wrath of God against sinners, should do it with tender sorrow, not with ...

The prophet himself is moved with pity for Moab. Ministers, in denouncing the wrath of God against sinners, should do it with tender sorrow, not with exultation.

JFB: Isa 15:5 - -- Fleeing from Moab, wander as far as to Zoar, on the extreme boundary south of the Dead Sea. HORSLEY translates, "her nobility," or "rulers" (Hos 4:18)...

Fleeing from Moab, wander as far as to Zoar, on the extreme boundary south of the Dead Sea. HORSLEY translates, "her nobility," or "rulers" (Hos 4:18).

JFB: Isa 15:5 - -- That is, raising their voices "like a heifer" (compare Jer 48:34, Jer 48:36). The expression "three years old," implies one at its full vigor (Gen 15:...

That is, raising their voices "like a heifer" (compare Jer 48:34, Jer 48:36). The expression "three years old," implies one at its full vigor (Gen 15:9), as yet not brought under the yoke; as Moab heretofore unsubdued, but now about to be broken. So Jer 31:18; Hos 4:13. MAURER translates, "Eglath" (in English Version, "a heifer") Shelishijah (that is, the third, to distinguish it from two others of the same name).

JFB: Isa 15:5 - -- Up the ascent.

Up the ascent.

JFB: Isa 15:5 - -- A mountain in Moab.

A mountain in Moab.

JFB: Isa 15:5 - -- A town of Moab not far from Zoar (Jer 48:5). It means "the two poles," being near caves.

A town of Moab not far from Zoar (Jer 48:5). It means "the two poles," being near caves.

JFB: Isa 15:5 - -- A cry appropriate to the destruction which visits their country.

A cry appropriate to the destruction which visits their country.

JFB: Isa 15:6 - -- The cause of their flight southwards (2Ki 3:19, 2Ki 3:25). "For" the northern regions and even the city Nimrim (the very name of which means "limpid w...

The cause of their flight southwards (2Ki 3:19, 2Ki 3:25). "For" the northern regions and even the city Nimrim (the very name of which means "limpid waters," in Gilead near Jordan) are without water or herbage.

JFB: Isa 15:7 - -- Because of the devastation of the land.

Because of the devastation of the land.

JFB: Isa 15:7 - -- Literally, "that which is over and above" the necessaries of life.

Literally, "that which is over and above" the necessaries of life.

JFB: Isa 15:7 - -- The fugitives flee from Nimrim, where the waters have failed, to places better watered. Margin has "valley of Arabians"; that is, to the valley on the...

The fugitives flee from Nimrim, where the waters have failed, to places better watered. Margin has "valley of Arabians"; that is, to the valley on the boundary between them and Arabia-Petræa; now Wady-el Arabah. "Arabia" means a "desert."

JFB: Isa 15:8 - -- (Eze 47:10), En-eglaim. Not the Agalum of EUSEBIUS, eight miles from Areopolis towards the south; the context requires a town on the very borders of ...

(Eze 47:10), En-eglaim. Not the Agalum of EUSEBIUS, eight miles from Areopolis towards the south; the context requires a town on the very borders of Moab or beyond them.

JFB: Isa 15:8 - -- Literally, "the well of the Princes"--(so Num 21:16-18). Beyond the east borders of Moab.

Literally, "the well of the Princes"--(so Num 21:16-18). Beyond the east borders of Moab.

JFB: Isa 15:9 - -- Same as Dibon (Isa 15:2). Its waters are the Arnon.

Same as Dibon (Isa 15:2). Its waters are the Arnon.

JFB: Isa 15:9 - -- The slain of Moab shall be so many.

The slain of Moab shall be so many.

JFB: Isa 15:9 - -- Fresh calamities, namely, the "lions" afterwards mentioned (2Ki 17:25; Jer 5:6; Jer 15:3). VITRINGA understands Nebuchadnezzar as meant by "the lion";...

Fresh calamities, namely, the "lions" afterwards mentioned (2Ki 17:25; Jer 5:6; Jer 15:3). VITRINGA understands Nebuchadnezzar as meant by "the lion"; but it is plural, "lions." The "more," or in Hebrew, "additions," he explains of the addition made to the waters of Dimon by the streams of blood of the slain.

Clarke: Isa 15:4 - -- The armed soldiers "The very loins"- So the Septuagint, ἡ οσφυς, and the Syriac. They cry out violently, with their utmost force.

The armed soldiers "The very loins"- So the Septuagint, ἡ οσφυς, and the Syriac. They cry out violently, with their utmost force.

Clarke: Isa 15:5 - -- My heart shall cry out for Moab "The heart of Moab crieth within her"- For לבי libbi , my heart, the Septuagint reads לבו libbo , his heart,...

My heart shall cry out for Moab "The heart of Moab crieth within her"- For לבי libbi , my heart, the Septuagint reads לבו libbo , his heart, or לב leb ; the Chaldee, לבו libbo . For בריחיה bericheyha , the Syriac reads ברוחה berocheh ; and so likewise the Septuagint, rendering it εν αυτῃ, Edit. Vat: or εν ἑαυτῃ, Edit. Alex. and MSS. I., D. II

A heifer of three years old "A young heifer"- Hebrew, a heifer three years old, in full strength; as Horace uses equa trima , for a young mare just coming to her prime. Bochart observes, from Aristotle, Hist. Animal. lib. 4 that in this kind of animals alone the voice of the female is deeper than that of the male; therefore the lowing of the heifer, rather than of the bullock, is chosen by the prophet, as the more proper image to express the mourning of Moab. But I must add that the expression here is very short and obscure; and the opinions of interpreters are various in regard to the meaning. Compare Jer 48:34

Shall they go it up "They shall ascend"- For יעלה yaaleh , the Septuagint and a MS. read in the plural, יעלו yaalu . And from this passage the parallel place in Jer 48:5 must be corrected; where, for יעלה בכי yaaleh bechi , which gives no good sense, read יעלה בו yaaleh bo .

Clarke: Isa 15:7 - -- "Shall perish"- אבדו abadu or אבדה abadeh . This word seems to have been lost out of the text: it is supplied by the parallel place, Je...

"Shall perish"- אבדו abadu or אבדה abadeh . This word seems to have been lost out of the text: it is supplied by the parallel place, Jer 48:36. The Syriac expresses it by עבר aber , praeteriit , "he hath passed;"and the Chaldee by יתבזזון yithbazezun , diripientur

To the brook of the willows "To the valley of willows"- That is, to Babylon. Hieron. and Jarchi in loc ., both referring to Psa 137:2. So likewise Prideaux, Le Clerc, etc.

Clarke: Isa 15:9 - -- The waters of Dimon - Some have Dibon, others have Ribon and Rimon. St. Jerome observes that the same town was called both Dibon and Dimon. The read...

The waters of Dimon - Some have Dibon, others have Ribon and Rimon. St. Jerome observes that the same town was called both Dibon and Dimon. The reading is therefore indifferent

Upon him that escapeth of Moab, etc. "Upon the escaped of Moab, and Ariel, and the remnant of Admah"- The Septuagint for עריה aryeh , read אריאל ariel . Ar Moab was called also Ariel or Areopolis, Hieron. and Theodoret. See Cellarius. They make אדמה Admah , also a proper name. Michaelis thinks that the Moabites might be called the remnant of Admah, as sprung from Lot and his daughters, escaped from the destruction of that and the other cities; or, metaphorically, as the Jews are called princes of Sodom, and people of Gomorrah, Isa 1:10. Bibliotheque Orient. Part v., p. 195. The reading of this verse is very doubtful; and the sense, in every way in which it can be read, very obscure. - L. Calmet thinks there may be a reference to 1Ch 11:22, where it is said, "Benaiah slew two lion-like men of Moab,"or the two Ariels of Moab, and would therefore translate, "I will bring down the remnant of Moab like Ariel, (which Benaiah smote), and them that are escaped like Adamah."They shall be exterminated, as were the inhabitants of those two cities. Ariel was a double city - the river Arnon dividing it in two. This is the two Ariels of Moab - not two lion-like men, much less two lions. See Calmet on this place.

Calvin: Isa 15:4 - -- 4.And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh Here he names other cities; for his design is to bind up, as it were, in a bundle all the cities of that country...

4.And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh Here he names other cities; for his design is to bind up, as it were, in a bundle all the cities of that country, that they may be involved in the general destruction; as if he had said, that none at all shall be exempted.

Therefore the light-armed soldiers of Moab shall howl. Though על כן ( gnal ken) literally signifies therefore, yet some think that a reason is not here assigned; but that is of little importance. The Prophet shows that there will be none that does not howl; for he declares that the bold and courageous shall mourn. Next he adds, the soul of every one shall howl to him. 241 Every one shall be so engrossed with his own grief, that he will not think of his neighbors.

Calvin: Isa 15:5 - -- 5.My heart shall cry out for Moab At length he assumes the character of a mourner. But it may be thought to be strange and inconsistent in him to bew...

5.My heart shall cry out for Moab At length he assumes the character of a mourner. But it may be thought to be strange and inconsistent in him to bewail the calamity of the Moabites; for he ought rather to have lamented the destruction of the Church, and to have rejoiced at the ruin of her enemies. It is customary with the prophets, however, to assume in this manner the character of those whose calamities they foretell, and thus to exhibit their condition, as it were, on a stage; by which means they produce a stronger impression than if they delivered their instruction in a direct form. Yet there can be no doubt that the prophets shuddered at the judgments of God, even against the wicked; though the meaning which I have stated is simpler and more appropriate, and may easily be inferred from frequent usage.

His fugitives to Zoar, 242 a heifer of three years old. He calls them fugitives who shall escape from it; for he means that those who shall escape from Moab will come even to Zoar 243 Now, he compares Zoar to a heifer of three years old, which is in full vigor, and has not felt the pangs of birth, or toil, or the yoke, but revels in the buoyancy of mirth and wantonness. When men are hard pressed by an invading army, they flee to cities which have not been attacked, and which appear to be the farthest removed from danger. Such was Zoar, for it had never been attacked by enemies. Yet, if it be thought better to view it as applying to the whole country, I have no objection; for Jeremiah appears to speak in general terms, though he borrows many statements from Isaiah. (Jer 48:34.) But perhaps in that passage also he names both Zoar and Horonaim, or rather the whole of the country between them.

If you extend it to the whole nation, the meaning will be, “The Moabites have enjoyed the highest luxury, and every kind of abundance, and hitherto have suffered no distress. Hence has arisen their stubbornness, and, in order to subdue them, they must be banished and driven even to Zoar. ” Now Zoar was a town very far removed from the Moabites; and, therefore, he means that they cannot provide for their safety but by fleeing to a distance. Here all with whom the Lord deals tenderly are taught not to exalt themselves, or to provoke God by their wantonness, but to be modest even amidst the highest prosperity, and likewise to be prepared for every change, when the Lord shall be pleased to throw them down from their prosperity.

By the going up of Luhith He describes other parts of the country of Moab, and delineates the flight and mourning of that nature which should spread throughout the whole land.

By the way of Horonaim they shall raise the cry of sorrow The words which we have translated, they shall raise up a cry, some render, they shall bruise or break themselves by crying, and think there is a transposition of the letters, and that ע ( ain) is doubled; and thus the root of the verb would be רעה , ( ragnah.) But as it made little difference in the meaning of the passage, I have adhered to the commonly received opinion, that יעערו ( yegnogneru) is derived from the verb עור , ( gnur.) If it be thought better to make the verb signify break, the meaning will be, “There shall be a shaking, and, as it were, a breaking of the members of the body, when arm is dashed against arm.”

Calvin: Isa 15:6 - -- 6.The waters of Nimrim By an exaggerated form of expression he gives a more enlarged view of this desolation. He says that the grass is withered, wh...

6.The waters of Nimrim By an exaggerated form of expression he gives a more enlarged view of this desolation. He says that the grass is withered, which takes place when God leaves any soil destitute of all nourishment. The waters will be taken away, which probably were highly necessary for that dry and parched country; for soils of that kind produce nothing without irrigation. Though the style is exaggerated, yet nothing is stated but what is strictly true; for the Prophet did not go beyond proper bounds, but found it necessary to use bold expressions to suit the ignorance of the people, in order to inform them that a land which is deprived of the blessing of God will be like a desert without any beauty.

Calvin: Isa 15:7 - -- 7.Therefore what every one hath left 244 This corresponds to the ordinary expression, ( Ce qu’il aura espargne ,) Whatever he shall have spared....

7.Therefore what every one hath left 244 This corresponds to the ordinary expression, ( Ce qu’il aura espargne ,) Whatever he shall have spared. He means the riches that are laid up, and describes what usually happens in countries which are invaded by an enemy. All the inhabitants are wont to convey their riches elsewhere, and to lay them up in some safe place, that they may afterwards bring them back when peace has been restored.

To the brook of the willows He means that they will have no storehouse, no fortress in which they can lay them up with safety; so that they will be compelled to hide them among the willows. This certainly is the lowest wretchedness, when the enemy is attacking us, and we can find no storehouse for laying up those things which we have collected with great industry. These willows were probably situated in some remote and sequestered place. Others explain it as referring to enemies, that they will bring the fruits of their robbery to the brook, to divide among themselves the general plunder.

Calvin: Isa 15:8 - -- 8.The cry is gone round about the borders of Moab 245 כי , ( ki,) for, is added for the sake of ornament. He means that every part of that countr...

8.The cry is gone round about the borders of Moab 245 כי , ( ki,) for, is added for the sake of ornament. He means that every part of that country all around shall be full of crying and howling; because that destruction reaches from one extremity to another. Besides the crying he twice mentions the howling, to denote the excess of grief, as men who are in despair surrender themselves entirely to lamentation.

Calvin: Isa 15:9 - -- 9.For the waters of Dimon shall be filled with blood 246 Here he describes not only grief and howling, flight or trembling, or the covetousness of...

9.For the waters of Dimon shall be filled with blood 246 Here he describes not only grief and howling, flight or trembling, or the covetousness of enemies in plundering their wealth, but the slaughter of men. How great must this have been, when large and magnificent rivers, such as Dimon was, are filled with blood !

For I will lay upon Dimon additions 247 By additions he means that the Lord, in whose name he speaks, will multiply the murders; so that the dead bodies shall be heaped up, and there shall be no end to cruelty and slaying. Now, though the Assyrians were cruel in this slaughter, yet the Lord was not cruel; for he justly punished the barbarity of the Moabites which they basely exercised towards the Jews, on whom they ought to have had compassion. It was right that they should suffer the same punishment which they had inflicted on others.

To those who have escaped of Moab lions These also are the additions of which he spake, or, at least, a part of them. This may be regarded as the copestone of that calamity; so that if any detachments of the enemy attempted to escape, and to rescue themselves from the slaughter, they had to encounter lions 248 and wild beasts, by which they were devoured. “They will, indeed,” says he, “rescue themselves from the slaughter, but they will not on that account be safe, nor will they escape the hand of God.” And this is the true meaning of the Prophet, if we carefully examine the scope of the whole passage; for he intended to deepen the picture of that distressing calamity by adding, that even the small remnant which shall be rescued from the slaughter will fall into the jaws of lions. The hand of the Lord pursues the wicked in such a manner that they cannot in any way escape; for if they avoid one danger, they immediately meet with another. Let us remember that these things are spoken by the Prophet for the consolation of the godly, that they may fortify their minds by some promise against the cruelty of their enemies, who shall at length be destroyed, and shall nowhere find a refuge either in their gods, or in fortresses, or in lurking-places, or in flight.

TSK: Isa 15:4 - -- Heshbon : Isa 16:8, Isa 16:9; Num 32:3, Num 32:4; Jer 48:34 Jahaz : Num 21:23; Deu 2:32; Jos 13:18; Jdg 11:20 his : Gen 27:46; Num 11:15; 1Ki 19:4; Jo...

TSK: Isa 15:5 - -- My heart : Isa 16:9-11; Jer 8:18, Jer 8:19, Jer 9:10,Jer 9:18, Jer 9:19, Jer 13:17, Jer 17:16, Jer 48:31-36; Luk 19:41-44; Rom 9:1-3 his fugitives : e...

My heart : Isa 16:9-11; Jer 8:18, Jer 8:19, Jer 9:10,Jer 9:18, Jer 9:19, Jer 13:17, Jer 17:16, Jer 48:31-36; Luk 19:41-44; Rom 9:1-3

his fugitives : etc. or, to the borders thereof, even as an heifer

Zoar : Gen 13:10, Gen 14:2, Gen 19:22

three : Isa 16:14; Jer 48:34

the mounting : Jer 48:5, Jer 48:34

with : 2Sa 15:23, 2Sa 15:30

destruction : Heb. breaking, Isa 22:5; Jer 4:20

TSK: Isa 15:6 - -- Nimrim : Num 32:3, Num 32:36, Nimrah, Beth-nimrah, Jos 13:27, Beth-nimrah desolate : Heb. desolations the grass : Isa 16:9, Isa 16:10; Joe 1:10-12; Ha...

Nimrim : Num 32:3, Num 32:36, Nimrah, Beth-nimrah, Jos 13:27, Beth-nimrah

desolate : Heb. desolations

the grass : Isa 16:9, Isa 16:10; Joe 1:10-12; Hab 3:17, Hab 3:18; Rev 8:7

TSK: Isa 15:7 - -- the abundance : Isa 5:29, Isa 10:6, Isa 10:14; Nah 2:12, Nah 2:13 to the : Psa 137:1, Psa 137:2 brook of the willows : or, valley of the Arabians

the abundance : Isa 5:29, Isa 10:6, Isa 10:14; Nah 2:12, Nah 2:13

to the : Psa 137:1, Psa 137:2

brook of the willows : or, valley of the Arabians

TSK: Isa 15:8 - -- the cry : Isa 15:2-5; Jer 48:20-24, Jer 48:31-34 Eglaim : Eze 47:10, En-eglaim, Eglaim is called Agallim by Eusebius, who places it eight miles south ...

the cry : Isa 15:2-5; Jer 48:20-24, Jer 48:31-34

Eglaim : Eze 47:10, En-eglaim, Eglaim is called Agallim by Eusebius, who places it eight miles south from Ar or Areopolis.

TSK: Isa 15:9 - -- Dimon : Some have Dibon; and Jerome says that the same town was called both Dibon and Dimon. more : Heb. additions, Lev 26:18, Lev 26:21, Lev 26:24, L...

Dimon : Some have Dibon; and Jerome says that the same town was called both Dibon and Dimon.

more : Heb. additions, Lev 26:18, Lev 26:21, Lev 26:24, Lev 26:28; Jer 48:43-45

lions : Lev 26:22; 2Ki 17:25; Jer 15:3; Amo 5:19

him : Bp. Lowth, upon the authority of the LXX, renders, ""upon the escaped of Moab, and Ariel, and the remnant of Admah.""

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Isa 15:4 - -- And Heshbon shall cry - This was a celebrated city of the Amorites, twenty miles east of the Jordan Jos 13:17. It was formerly conquered from t...

And Heshbon shall cry - This was a celebrated city of the Amorites, twenty miles east of the Jordan Jos 13:17. It was formerly conquered from the Moabiltes by Sihon, and became his capital, and was taken by the Israelites a little before the death of Moses Num 21:25. After the carrying away of the ten tribes it was recovered by the Moabites. Jeremiah Jer 48:2 calls it ‘ the pride of Moab.’ The town still subsists under the same name, and is described by Burckhardt. He says, it is situated on a hill, southwest from El Aal (Elealeh). ‘ Here are the ruins of an ancient town, together with the remains of some edifices built with small stones; a few broken shafts of columns are still standing, a number of deep wells cut in the rock, and a large reservoir of water for the summer supply the inhabitants.’ ("Travels in Syria,"p. 365.)

And Elealeh - This was a town of Reuben about a mile from Heshbon Num 32:37. Burckhardt visited this place. Its present name is El Aal. ‘ It stands on the summit of a hill, and takes its name from its situation - Aal, meaning "the high."It commands the whole plain, and the view from the top of the hill is very extensive, comprehending the whole of the southern Belka. El Aal was surrounded by a well built wall, of which some parts yet remain. Among the ruins are a number of large cisterns, fragments of walls, and the foundations of houses, but nothing worthy of notice. The plain around it is alternately chalk and flint.’ ("Travels in Syria,"p. 365.)

Even unto Jahaz - This was a city east of Jordan, near to which Moses defeated Sihon. It was given to Reuben Deu 2:32, and was situated a short distance north of Ar, the capital of Moab.

The armed soldiers of Moab - The consternation shall reach the very army. They shall lose their courage, and instead of defending the nation, they shall join in the general weeping and lamentation.

His life shall be grievous - As we say of a person who is overwhelmed with calamities, that his life is wearisome, so, says the prophet, shall it be with the whole nation of Moab.

Barnes: Isa 15:5 - -- My heart shall cry out for Moab - This is expressive of deep compassion; and is proof that, in the view of the prophet, the calamities which we...

My heart shall cry out for Moab - This is expressive of deep compassion; and is proof that, in the view of the prophet, the calamities which were coming upon it were exceedingly heavy. The same sentiment is expressed more fully in Isa 16:11; see also Jer 48:36 : ‘ My heart shall sound for Moab like pipes.’ The phrase denotes great inward pain and anguish in view of the calamities of others; and is an expression of the fact that we feel ourselves oppressed and borne down by sympathy on account of their sufferings (see the note at Isa 21:3). It is worthy of remark, that the Septuagint reads this as if it were ‘ "his"heart’ - referring to the Moabites, ‘ the heart of Moab shall cry out.’ So the Chaldee; and so Lowth, Michaelis, and others read it. But there is no authority for this change in the Hebrew text; nor is it needful. In the parallel place in Jer 48:36, there is no doubt that the heart of the prophet is intended; and here, the phrase is designed to denote the deep compassion which a holy man of God would have, even when predicting the ills that should come upon others. How much compassion, how much deep and tender feeling should ministers of the gospel have when they are describing the final ruin - the unutterable woes of impenitent sinners under the awful wrath of God in the world of woe!

His fugitives - Margin, ‘ Or to the borders thereof, even as an heifer’ ( בריחיה be rı̂ychehā ). Jerome and the Vulgate render this ‘ her "bars,"’ and it has been explained as meaning that the voice of the prophet, lamenting the calamity of Moab, could be heard as far as the "bars,"or gates, of Zoar; or that the word "bars"means "princes, that is,"protectors, a figure similar to "shields of the land"Ps. 47:10; Hos 4:18. The Septuagint renders it, Ἐν αὐτὴ en autē - ‘ The voice of Moab in her is heard to Zoar.’ But the more correct rendering is, undoubtedly, that of our translation, referring to the fugitives who should attempt to make their escape from Moab when the calamities should come upon her.

Unto Zoar - Zoar was a small town in the southern extremity of the Dead Sea, to which Lot fled when Sodom was overthrown Gen 19:23. Abulfeda writes the name Zoghar, and speaks of it as existing in his day. The city of Zoar was near to Sodom, so as to be exposed to the danger of being overthrown in the same manner that Sodom was, Zoar being exempted from destruction by the angel at the solicitation of Lot Gen 19:21. That the town lay on the east side of the Dead Sea, is apparent from several considerations. Lot ascended from it to the mountain where his daughters bore each of them a son, who became the ancestors of the Moabites and the Ammonites. But these nations both dwelt on the east side of the Dead Sea. Further, Josephus, speaking of this place, calls it Ζοάρων τῆς Ἀραβίας Zoarōn tēs Arabias - ‘ Zoar of Arabia’ (Bell. Jud. iv. 8, 4). But the Arabia of Josephus was on the east of the Dead Sea. So the crusaders, in the expedition of King Baldwin, 1100 a.d., after marching from Hebron, proceeded around the lake, and came, at length, to a place called "Segor,"doubtless the Zoghar of Abulfeda. The probability, therefore, is, that it was near the southern end of the sea, but on the eastern side. The exact place is now unknown. In the time of Eusebius and Jerome, it is described as having many inhabitants, and a Roman garrison. In the time of the crusaders, it is mentioned as a place pleasantly situated, with many palm trees. But the palm trees have disappeared, and the site of the city can be only a matter of conjecture (see Robinson’ s "Bib. Researches,"vol. ii. pp. 648-651).

An heifer of three years old - That is, their fugitives flying unto Zoar shall lift up the voice like an heifer, for so Jeremiah in the parallel place explains it Jer 48:34. Many interpreters have referred this, however, to Zoar as an appellation of that city, denoting its flourishing condition. Bochart refers it to Isaiah, and supposes that he designed to say that "he"lifted his voice as an heifer. But the more obvious interpretation is that given above, and is that which occurs in Jeremiah. The expression, however, is a very obscure one. See the various senses which it may bear, examined in Rosenmuller and Gesenius in loc . Gesenius renders it, ‘ To Eglath the third;’ and supposes, in accordance with many interpreters, that it denotes a place called "Eglath,"called the third in distinction from two other places of the same name; though he suggests that the common explanation, that it refers to a heifer of the age of three years, may be defended. In the third year, says he, the heifer was most vigorous, and hence, was used for an offering Gen 15:9. Until that age she was accustomed to go unbroken, and bore no yoke (Pliny, 8, 4, 5). If this refers to Moab, therefore, it may mean that hitherto it was vigorous, unsubdued, and active; but that now, like the heifer, it was to be broken and brought under the yoke by chastisement. The expression is a very difficult one, and it is impossible, perhaps, to determine what is the true sense.

By the mounting up of Luhith - The "ascent"of Luhith. It is evident, from Jer 48:5, that it was a mountain, but where, is not clearly ascertained. Eusebius supposes it was a place between Areopolis and Zoar (see Reland’ s "Palestine,"pp. 577-579). The whole region there is mountainous.

In the way of Horonaim - This was, doubtless, a town of Moab, but where it was situated is uncertain. The word means "two holes."The region abounds to this day with caves, which are used for dwellings (Seetzen). The place lay, probably, on a declivity from which one descended from Luhith.

A cry of destruction - Hebrew, ‘ Breaking.’ A cry "appropriate"to the great calamity that should come upon Moab.

Barnes: Isa 15:6 - -- For the waters of Nimrim - It is supposed by some that the prophet here states the cause why the Moabites would flee to the cities of the south...

For the waters of Nimrim - It is supposed by some that the prophet here states the cause why the Moabites would flee to the cities of the south, to wit, that the "waters"of the northern cities would fail, and the country become desolate, and that they would seek support in the south. But it is more probable that he is simply continuing the description of the desolation that would come upon Moab. Nimrah, or Beth Nimra, meaning a "house of limpid waters,"was a city of Reuben east of the Dead Sea (Num 32:3; compare Jer 48:34). It was, doubtless, a city celebrated for its pure fountains and springs of water. Here Seetzen’ s chart shows a brook flowing into the Jordan called "Nahr Nimrim, or Wady Shoaib."‘ On the east of the Jordan over against Jericho, there is now a stream called Nimlim - doubtless the ancient Nimrim. This flows into the Jordan, and as it flows along gives fertility to that part of the country of Moab.’ (Eli Smith.) It is possible that the waters failed by a common practice in times of war when an enemy destroyed the fountains of a country by diverting their waters, or by casting into them stones, trees, etc. This destructive measure of war occurs, with reference to Moab, in 2Ki 3:25, when the Israelites, during an incursion into Moab, felled the fruit trees, cast stones into the plowed grounds, and "closed the fountains, or wells."

For the hay is withered away - The waters are dried up, and the land yields nothing to support life.

Barnes: Isa 15:7 - -- Therefore, the abundance they have gotten - Their wealth they shall remove from a place that is utterly burned up with drought, where the water...

Therefore, the abundance they have gotten - Their wealth they shall remove from a place that is utterly burned up with drought, where the waters and the grass fail, to another place where they may find water.

To the brook of willows - Margin, ‘ The valley of the Arabians.’ The Septuagint renders it, ‘ I will lead them to the valley of the Arabians, and they shall take it.’ So Saadias. It might, perhaps, be called the valley of the Arabians, because it was the boundary line between them and Arabia on the south. Lowth renders it, ‘ To Babylon.’ The probability is, that the prophet refers to some valley or brook that was called the brook of the willows, from the fact that many willows grew upon its bank. Perhaps it was the small stream which flows into the southern extremity of the Dead Sea, and which forms the boundary of Arabia Petrea of the province of Jebal. They withdrew toward the south, where toward Petra or Sela they had their property in herds Isa 16:1, for probably the invader came from the north, and drove them in this direction. Lowth, and most commentators, suppose that ‘ they’ in this verse refers to the enemies of Moab, and that it means that they would carry away the property of Moab to some distant place. But the more probable meaning is, that when the waters of the Nimrim should fail, they would remove to a place better watered; that is, they would leave their former abode, and wander away. It is an image of the desolation that was coming upon the land.

Barnes: Isa 15:8 - -- For the cry is gone round about ... - The cry of distress and calamity has encompassed the whole land of Moab. There is no part of the land whi...

For the cry is gone round about ... - The cry of distress and calamity has encompassed the whole land of Moab. There is no part of the land which is not filled with lamentation and distress.

The howling - The voice of wailing on account of the distress.

Unto Eglaim - This was a city of Moab east of the Dead Sea, which, Eusebius says, was eight miles south of Ar, and hence, says Rosenmuller, it was not far from the south border of Moab. It is mentioned by Josephus ("Ant."xiv. 1), as one of the twelve cities in that region which was overthrown by Alexander the Great.

Unto Beer-elim - literally, "the well of the princes."Perhaps the same as that mentioned in Num 21:14-18, as being in the land of Moab, and near to Ar:

The princes digged the well,

The nobles of the people digged it.

Barnes: Isa 15:9 - -- For the waters of Dimon - Probably the same as "Dibon"Isa 15:2. Eusobius says it was a large town on the northern bank of the river Arnon. Jero...

For the waters of Dimon - Probably the same as "Dibon"Isa 15:2. Eusobius says it was a large town on the northern bank of the river Arnon. Jerome says that the letters "m and b"are often interchanged in oriental dialects (see the note at Isa 15:2).

Shall be full of blood - That is, the number of the slain of Moab shall be so great, that the blood shall color the waters of the river - a very common occurrence in times of great slaughter. Perhaps by the "waters"of Dimon the prophet does not mean the river Arnon, but the small rivulets or streams that might flow into it near to the city of Dibon. Probably there were winter brooks there, which do not run at all seasons. The Chaldee renders it, ‘ The waters of Dimon shall be full of blood, because I will place upon Dimon an assembly of armies.’

For I will bring more upon Dimon - Hebrew, ‘ I will bring additions;’ that is, I will bring upon it additional calamities. Jerome says, that by those additional calamities, the prophet refers to the "lions"which are immediately after mentioned. "Lions upon him that escapeth of Moab."Wild beasts upon those who escaped from the slaughter, and who took refuge in the wilderness, or on the mountains. The Chaldee renders it, ‘ A king shall ascend with an army, and shall destroy the remainder of their land.’ Aben Ezra interprets it of the king of Assyria; and Jarchi of Nebuchadnezzar, who is called a lion in Jer 4:7. Vitringa also supposes that Nebnchadnezzar is meant. But it is more probable that the prophet refers to wild beasts, which are often referred to in the Scriptures as objects of dread, and as bringing calamities upon nations (see Lev 26:22; Jer 5:6; Jer 15:3; 2Ki 18:25).

Upon the remnant of the land - Upon all those who escaped the desolation of the war. The Septuagint and the Arabic render this, ‘ Upon the remnant of Adama,’ understanding the word rendered ‘ land’ ( ארמה 'ădâmâh ), as the name of a city. But it more probably means the land.

Poole: Isa 15:4 - -- Heshbon and Elealeh two other Moabitish cities; of which see Num 21:25,26 32:3,37 . Jahaz another city in the utmost borders of Moab, Num 21:23 , c...

Heshbon and Elealeh two other Moabitish cities; of which see Num 21:25,26 32:3,37 .

Jahaz another city in the utmost borders of Moab, Num 21:23 , called also Jahazah , Jos 21:36 .

The armed soldiers who should be, and use to be, the most courageous.

His life shall be grievous unto him the Moabites shall generally long for death, to free themselves from those dreadful calamities which they perceive unavoidably coming upon them.

Poole: Isa 15:5 - -- My heart shall cry out for Moab their destruction approaching is so dreadful, that although they are a most vile nation, and by their implacable enmi...

My heart shall cry out for Moab their destruction approaching is so dreadful, that although they are a most vile nation, and by their implacable enmity against God and his people do abundantly deserve it, yet the respect which I have to human nature fills me with horror at the very thoughts of it. Compare Isa 16:11 .

His fugitives or, his bars , as others render it, and as this word is frequently taken, as Exo 26:26,27 Ps 107:16 , &c.; whereby we may understand their valiant men, or their princes and rulers, who as they are called the shields of the earth , Psa 47:9 , because, like shields, they do or should defend their people; so for the same reason they may be called bars , because bars are the strength of the gates of cities or castles, and therefore are mentioned as such, Psa 147:13 Pro 18:19 Jer 51:30 .

Shall flee unto Zoar or, shall cry unto Zoar; either shall cry as they go along the way, even till they come to Zoar ; or shall cry so as they may be heard to Zoar ; which may easily be understood out of the foregoing verse. Zoar was a town bordering upon Moab; of which see Gen 19:20-22 Deu 34:3 .

An heifer of three years old which some understand of the city of Zoar, so called for her strength and wantonness. But such a description of Zoar seems very improper and impertinent in this place. The words therefore are to be translated here, as they are by our translators, Jer 48:34 as

an heifer of three years old and so they belong to their cry, and signify that it is strong and loud, like that of such an heifer.

In the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry he signifies that the cry should be universal, in all places where they come, and reaching from one side of the country to another. Of Luhith , see Jer 48:4,5 .

Of destruction such a cry as men send forth when they are just falling into the pit of destruction.

Poole: Isa 15:6 - -- The waters either, 1. Properly, they shall be dried up; or, 2. Figuratively, the waterish grounds, as waters seem to be taken, Ecc 11:1 Isa 32:20...

The waters either,

1. Properly, they shall be dried up; or,

2. Figuratively, the waterish grounds, as waters seem to be taken, Ecc 11:1 Isa 32:20 . These being very fruitful, are commonly most inhabited and cultivated; but now they also, and much more the dry and barren grounds, shall be desolate, and without inhabitant.

There is no green thing by the just and special judgment of God. Thus God and man conspire together to destroy them.

Poole: Isa 15:7 - -- Shall they to wit, their enemies, which is plainly implied, carry away to the brook of the willows unto some brook or river having great numbers of...

Shall they to wit, their enemies, which is plainly implied,

carry away to the brook of the willows unto some brook or river having great numbers of willows growing by it, by which they might convey them to some eminent and strong city built upon the same river. Possibly he means some such river which ran into Euphrates, and so gave them opportunity of carrying their spoils by water unto Babylon. Though the words may be rendered, into the valley of the Arabians ; whither the spoils might be first carried, in order to their transportation into Assyria or Chaldea; for part of Arabia lay between Moab and those countries. But the former translation seems better, because these very words are so rendered, Lev 23:40 .

Poole: Isa 15:8 - -- Their cry fills all the parts of the country.

Their cry fills all the parts of the country.

Poole: Isa 15:9 - -- Dimon: this seems to be the same place with Dibon , mentioned Isa 15:2 , here called Dimon for the great bloodshed in it, as it here follows; such c...

Dimon: this seems to be the same place with Dibon , mentioned Isa 15:2 , here called Dimon for the great bloodshed in it, as it here follows; such changes of a letter being not unusual in proper names, as in Merodach for Berodach, Isa 39:1 . More ; either,

1. More than upon other parts of the country, that being one of their high places, Isa 15:2 ; or rather,

2. More than hath been already mentioned.

Lions upon him that escapeth of Moab God shall send lions to find out those that escape the fury of men.

Haydock: Isa 15:4 - -- Itself. Every one shall deplore his own distress.

Itself. Every one shall deplore his own distress.

Haydock: Isa 15:5 - -- My. A charitable heart will grieve for the misfortune of an enemy. (Worthington) --- I shall join in the general lamentations, though Moab has alw...

My. A charitable heart will grieve for the misfortune of an enemy. (Worthington) ---

I shall join in the general lamentations, though Moab has always been so great an enemy of Israel. (Calmet) ---

Septuagint, "the heart of Moab cries in itself to Segor." (Haydock) ---

We will retire thither. (Chaldean) ---

Bars. Princes. Protestants, "his fugitives shall, " &c. ---

Heifer. Strong and ungovernable. Hebrew, "to Heglath and to Shelishia for," &c., though we may as well adhere to the Vulgate, Septuagint, &c.

Haydock: Isa 15:6 - -- Nemrim. Or Nemra, (Numbers xxxii. 3.) to the north of Segor. (Calmet) --- The country around hence became barren. (St. Jerome)

Nemrim. Or Nemra, (Numbers xxxii. 3.) to the north of Segor. (Calmet) ---

The country around hence became barren. (St. Jerome)

Haydock: Isa 15:7 - -- Willows. That is, as some say, the waters of Babylon; others render it a valley of the Arabians, (Challoner) or "of crows," to which their bodies wi...

Willows. That is, as some say, the waters of Babylon; others render it a valley of the Arabians, (Challoner) or "of crows," to which their bodies will be exposed, chap. lvii. 6.

Haydock: Isa 15:8 - -- Cry. Of iniquity, or rather of grief.

Cry. Of iniquity, or rather of grief.

Haydock: Isa 15:9 - -- Dibon. Septuagint, &c., read, "Dimon," which signifies, "blood." I will give it a better claim to this appellation. --- Lion. Nabuchodonosor. (...

Dibon. Septuagint, &c., read, "Dimon," which signifies, "blood." I will give it a better claim to this appellation. ---

Lion. Nabuchodonosor. (Calmet) ---

Septuagint, "I will bring the Arabs up on Dimon, and will take away the seed of Moab, and Ariel, and the remnant of Adama." (Haydock)

Gill: Isa 15:4 - -- And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh,.... Two other cities in the land of Moab. The first of these was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who took ...

And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh,.... Two other cities in the land of Moab. The first of these was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who took it from the Moabites, Num 21:25 it came into the hands of the Reubenites, Num 32:3 and afterwards was again possessed by the Moabites, Jer 48:2. Josephus t calls it Essebon, and mentions it among the cities of Moab; it goes by the name of Esbuta in Ptolemy u; and is called Esbus by Jerom w, who says it was a famous city of Arabia in his time, in the mountains over against Jericho, twenty miles distant from Jordan; hence we read of the Arabian Esbonites in Pliny x. Elealeh was another city of Moab, very near to Heshbon and frequently mentioned with it, Isa 16:9. Jerom says y that in his time it was a large village, a mile from Esbus, or Heshbon. By these two places are meant the inhabitants of them, as the Targum paraphrases it, who cried for and lamented the desolation that was coming, or was come upon them:

their voice shall be heard even unto Jahaz; sometimes called Jahazah, Jos 13:18 it was a frontier town, at the utmost borders of the land, Num 21:23 hence the cry of the inhabitants of the above cities is said to reach to it, which expresses the utter destruction that should be made; see Jer 48:34 this is thought to be the same place Ptolemy z calls Ziza. Jerom a calls it Jazza, as it is in the Septuagint here, and says that in his time it was shown between Medaba and Deblathai.

Therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; not as when they go to battle, with courage and cheerfulness, as some have thought; but through fear, and as in great terror and distress; and so it signifies, that not only the weak and unarmed inhabitants, men and women, should be in the utmost confusion and consternation, but the soldiers that should fight for them, and defend them; who were accoutred, or "harnessed", as the word signifies, and were "girt" and prepared for war, as the Targum renders it; even these would be dispirited, and have no heart to fight, but lament their sad case:

his life shall be grievous to everyone; the life of every Moabite would be a burden to him; he would choose death rather than life; so great the calamity: or the life of every soldier; or "his soul shall cry out", grieve or mourn for "himself" b; for his own unhappy case; he shall only be concerned for himself, how to save himself, or make his escape; having none for others, for whose defence he was set, and for whom he was to fight; but would have no concern for his king or country, only for himself.

Gill: Isa 15:5 - -- My heart shall cry out for Moab,.... These seem to be the words of the prophet, pitying them as they were fellow creatures, though enemies; which show...

My heart shall cry out for Moab,.... These seem to be the words of the prophet, pitying them as they were fellow creatures, though enemies; which shows humanity in him, and signifies that their calamities were very great, that a stranger should be concerned for them, and such to whom they had been troublesome; so Jarchi understands it, who observes the difference between the true and false prophet, particularly between Isaiah and Balaam; but others, as Kimchi, interpret it of the Moabites themselves, everyone expressing their concern for the desolation of their country; and so the Targum,

"the Moabites shall say in their hearts:''

his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar; a city where Lot fled to, when he came out of Sodom, to which it is thought the allusion is, see Gen 19:20 the meaning seems to be, that those that escaped out of the above cities, when taken and destroyed, should flee hither for safety: the words may be supplied thus, "his fugitives" shall cry out "unto Zoar"; that is, those that flee from other places shall cry so loud as they go along, that their cry shall be heard unto Zoar, Jer 48:34,

an heifer of three years old; which is not to be understood of Zoar in particular, or of the country of Moab in general, comparable to such an heifer for fatness, strength, beauty, and lasciviousness; but of the cry of the fugitives, that should be very loud and clamorous, like the lowing of an ox, or an heifer in its full strength, which is heard a great way; see 1Sa 6:9. Dr. Lightfoot c conjectures that "Eglath Shelishiah", translated an heifer of three years old, is the proper name of a place; and observes, that there was another place in this country called Eneglaim, Eze 47:10 which being of the dual number, shows that there were two Egels, in reference to which this may be called the "third" Eglath; and so the words may be rendered, "his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, unto the third Eglath"; and he further conjectures, that this may be the Necla of Ptolemy d, mentioned by him in Arabia Petraea, along with Zoara; and also to be the Agella of Josephus e, reckoned with Zoara and Oronai, and other cities of Moab:

for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; which seems to have been a very high place, and the ascent to it very great; and as the Moabites went up it, whither they might go for safety, they should weep greatly, thinking of their houses and riches they had left to the plunder of the enemy, and the danger of their lives they were still in. This place is thought by some to be the same with the Lysa of Ptolemy f; Josephus g calls it Lyssa; Jerom h says in his time it was a village between Areopolis and Zoara, and went by the name of Luitha; it is mentioned in Jer 48:5,

for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction; of Moab, and the several cities of it; or "of breaking", of breaking down of walls and of houses. The Targum is,

"the cry of the broken (or conquered) in battle;''

whose bones are broken, or however their strength, so that they are obliged to surrender; or a "broken cry", such as is made when there is a multitude of people together, and in great distress. The word Horonaim is of the dual number, and signifies two Horons, the upper and the lower, as say Kimchi and Ben Melech; which is true of Bethhoron, if that was the same place with this, Jos 16:3. By Josephus i it is called Oronas and Oronae; it is taken by some to be the Avara of Ptolemy k; it seems, by the Targum, that as Luhith was a very high place, this lay low, since it renders it,

"in the descent of Horonaim;''

to which its name agrees, which signifies caverns; and mention is made of Bethhoron in the valley, along with Bethnimrah l.

Gill: Isa 15:6 - -- For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate,.... Or dried up, through a great drought that should come upon the land at this time; or being defiled wit...

For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate,.... Or dried up, through a great drought that should come upon the land at this time; or being defiled with the blood of the slain, as Jarchi: it may denote the well watered pastures about Nimrim, that should become the forage of the enemy, and be trodden under foot by its army, or be forsaken by the proprietors of them. Josephus m speaks of fountains of hot water springing up in the country of Peraea, where Nimrim was, of a different taste, some bitter, and others sweet; which, Dr. Lightfoot n suggests, might be these waters of Nimrim; and, according to the Jerusalem Talmud o, Bethnimrah was in that part of the country which was called the valley, and so was very fruitful with springs of water. The word is in the plural number, and may design more places of the same name; and we read of Nimrah and Bethnimrah, Num 32:3. Jerom p calls it Nemra, and says it was a large village in his time; it seems to have its name from panthers or leopards, of which there might be many in these parts:

for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing; by which it seems that the desolation spoken of was not merely through the forage and trampling of the enemy's army, but by a drought.

Gill: Isa 15:7 - -- Therefore the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have laid up,.... The great substance which the Moabites had got, and hoarded up: sha...

Therefore the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have laid up,.... The great substance which the Moabites had got, and hoarded up:

shall they carry away to the brook of the willows; either the Moabites should carry their substance to some brook, it may be near Nimrim, where many willows grew, and cast it into the brook, or lay it by the brook side, in some private place, or under and among the willows, to preserve it from the enemy; or else the meaning is, that their enemies should take what they had with a great deal of labour got, and with a great deal of care had laid up, and carry it to the brook of the willows, some place without the city, and there divide it; or to the valley of the Arabians q, as some render it, some part of Arabia lying between Moab and Babylon, whither they might carry it, in order to the conveyance of it into their own country at a proper time: it may be observed, that the country of Moab came after this into the hands of the Arabians; and, according to Jerom, the valley of Arabia lay in the way from Moab to Assyria; but it may be rendered "the valley of the willows", and design the land of Babylon, or Babylon itself, which was built in a plain, or on a flat by the river Euphrates, out of which many canals and rivulets were cut and derived, near to which willows in great abundance grew; as they usually do in marshy and watery places; hence the Jews in Babylon are said to hang their harps upon the willows which were by its rivers; so Jarchi thinks the land of Babylon is meant, and compares it with Psa 137:1 which sense is approved of by Bochart and Vitringa. The Septuagint version is,

"I will bring upon the valley the Arabians, and they shall take it;''

and the Targum is,

"their border, which is by the western sea, shall be taken from them.''

Gill: Isa 15:8 - -- For the cry is gone found about the borders of Moab,.... The cry of destruction and howling because of it; the places mentioned, as is observed by som...

For the cry is gone found about the borders of Moab,.... The cry of destruction and howling because of it; the places mentioned, as is observed by some, being upon the borders of the land. Heshbon was on the north east, Elealeh on the north west, Jahaz on the south west, Horonaim further west, Zoar the utmost west, and the places following seem to be upon the borders likewise:

the howling thereof unto Eglaim; which word signifies a border, and so the Arabic word Agalon; some take it to be the same with the brooks of Arnon, Num 21:13 said so be the border of Moab:

and the howling thereof unto Beerelim; the same with Beer, Num 21:16 called Beerelim, or "the well of the mighty ones", being dug by the princes of Israel, Num 21:18.

Gill: Isa 15:9 - -- For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood,.... Of the slain, as the Targum adds. This was a river in the land of Moab, as say Jarchi and Kimchi; ...

For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood,.... Of the slain, as the Targum adds. This was a river in the land of Moab, as say Jarchi and Kimchi; it had its name from the blood of the slain, Some take it to be the name of a city, and the same with Dibon, Isa 15:2 but, because of the abundance of blood shed in it, got this new name; and the Vulgate Latin version here calls it Dibon; and the Syriac version Ribon; and the Arabic version Remmon:

for I will bring more upon Dimon; or "additions" r, not merely add blood to the waters of the river, as Jarchi and Kimchi; but bring additional evils and plagues, as Aben Ezra. The Targum interprets it,

"the congregation of an army;''

but what these additions were are explained in the next clause:

lions upon him that escapeth of Moab, and upon the remnant of the land; or a "lion" s; the meaning is, that such who escaped the sword should be destroyed by lions, or other beasts of prey, which was one of the Lord's four judgments, Eze 14:21. The Targum is,

"a king shall ascend with his army, and so spoil the remainder of their land;''

and Aben Ezra interprets it of the king of Assyria; and Jarchi of Nebuchadnezzar, who is called a lion, Jer 4:7 and the sense is thought to be this, that whom Sennacherib king of Assyria should leave, Nebuchadnezzar should destroy. The Septuagint and Arabic versions render the last clause, "the remnant of Adama", a city of Moab; so Cocceius.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Isa 15:4 The Hebrew text has, “For this reason the soldiers of Moab shout, his inner being quivers for him.” To achieve tighter parallelism, some e...

NET Notes: Isa 15:5 Heb “For the ascent of Luhith, with weeping they go up it; for [on] the road to Horonaim an outcry over shattering they raise up.”

NET Notes: Isa 15:6 Heb “are waste places”; cf. NRSV “are a desolation.”

NET Notes: Isa 15:8 Heb “to Eglaim [is] her wailing, and [to] Beer Elim [is] her wailing.”

NET Notes: Isa 15:9 The words “will attack” are supplied in the translation for clarification.

Geneva Bible: Isa 15:5 My ( f ) heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives [shall flee] to Zoar, ( g ) an heifer of three years old: for they shall go up the ascent of Luhi...

Geneva Bible: Isa 15:7 Therefore the abundance they have gained, and that which they have laid up, shall they carry away to the ( i ) brook of the willows. ( i ) To hide th...

Geneva Bible: Isa 15:9 For the waters of Dimon shall be full ( k ) of blood: for I will bring more upon Dimon, lions ( l ) upon him that escapeth of Moab, and upon the remna...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Isa 15:1-9 - --1 The lamentable state of Moab.

MHCC: Isa 15:1-9 - --This prophecy coming to pass within three years, would confirm the prophet's mission, and the belief in all his other prophecies. Concerning Moab it i...

Matthew Henry: Isa 15:1-5 - -- The country of Moab was of small extent, but very fruitful. It bordered upon the lot of Reuben on the other side Jordan and upon the Dead Sea. Naomi...

Matthew Henry: Isa 15:6-9 - -- Here the prophet further describes the woeful and piteous lamentations that should be heard throughout all the country of Moab when it should become...

Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 15:2-4 - -- But just as horror, when once it begins to reflect, is dissolved in tears, the thunder-claps in Isa 15:1 are followed by universal weeping and lamen...

Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 15:5-6 - -- The difficult words in which the prophet expresses this sympathy we render as follows: "My heart, towards Moab it crieth out; its bolts reached to ...

Keil-Delitzsch: Isa 15:7-9 - -- As Moabitis has thus become a great scene of conflagration, the Moabites cross the border and fly to Idumaea. The reason for this is given in senten...

Constable: Isa 7:1--39:8 - --III. Israel's crisis of faith chs. 7--39 This long section of the book deals with Israel's major decision in Isa...

Constable: Isa 13:1--35:10 - --B. God's sovereignty over the nations chs. 13-35 This major section of the book emphasizes the folly of ...

Constable: Isa 13:1--23:18 - --1. Divine judgments on the nations chs. 13-23 The recurrence of the Hebrew word massa', translat...

Constable: Isa 13:1--20:6 - --The first series of five oracles chs. 13-20 The first series shows that God has placed I...

Constable: Isa 15:1--16:14 - --The oracle against Moab chs. 15-16 "The Babylon oracle revealed that world history, even in its most threatening and climactic forms, is so organized ...

Guzik: Isa 15:1-9 - --Isaiah 15 - The Burden Against Moab A. A night invasion against Moab. 1. (1a) The burden against Moab. The burden against Moab. a. The founder...

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Introduction / Outline

JFB: Isaiah (Book Introduction) ISAIAH, son of Amoz (not Amos); contemporary of Jonah, Amos, Hosea, in Israel, but younger than they; and of Micah, in Judah. His call to a higher deg...

JFB: Isaiah (Outline) PARABLE OF JEHOVAH'S VINEYARD. (Isa. 5:1-30) SIX DISTINCT WOES AGAINST CRIMES. (Isa. 5:8-23) (Lev 25:13; Mic 2:2). The jubilee restoration of posses...

TSK: Isaiah (Book Introduction) Isaiah has, with singular propriety, been denominated the Evangelical Prophet, on account of the number and variety of his prophecies concerning the a...

TSK: Isaiah 15 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Isa 15:1, The lamentable state of Moab.

Poole: Isaiah (Book Introduction) THE ARGUMENT THE teachers of the ancient church were of two sorts: 1. Ordinary, the priests and Levites. 2. Extraordinary, the prophets. These we...

Poole: Isaiah 15 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 15 The destruction of Moab.

MHCC: Isaiah (Book Introduction) Isaiah prophesied in the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. He has been well called the evangelical prophet, on account of his numerous and...

MHCC: Isaiah 15 (Chapter Introduction) The Divine judgments about to come upon the Moabites.

Matthew Henry: Isaiah (Book Introduction) An Exposition, With Practical Observations, of The Book of the Prophet Isaiah Prophet is a title that sounds very great to those that understand it, t...

Matthew Henry: Isaiah 15 (Chapter Introduction) This chapter, and that which follows it, are the burden of Moab - a prophecy of some great desolation that was coming upon that country, which bord...

Constable: Isaiah (Book Introduction) Introduction Title and writer The title of this book of the Bible, as is true of the o...

Constable: Isaiah (Outline) Outline I. Introduction chs. 1-5 A. Israel's condition and God's solution ch. 1 ...

Constable: Isaiah Isaiah Bibliography Alexander, Joseph Addison. Commentary on the Prophecies of Isaiah. 1846, 1847. Revised ed. ...

Haydock: Isaiah (Book Introduction) THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAS. INTRODUCTION. This inspired writer is called by the Holy Ghost, (Ecclesiasticus xlviii. 25.) the great prophet; from t...

Gill: Isaiah (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH This book is called, in the New Testament, sometimes "the Book of the Words of the Prophet Esaias", Luk 3:4 sometimes only t...

Gill: Isaiah 15 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 15 This chapter is a prophecy of the destruction of the Moabites; two of their principal cities are mentioned as made desola...

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