Sabbath, November 30 – Isaiah 16, 17
1. To whom does Isaiah 16:5 refer when it says, “A throne will be established in mercy; and One will sit on it in truth”?
2. How does the Lord feel about the suffering of Moab? (Isaiah 16:11)
Commentary and Reflection:
Today, we continue the prophecy against Moab, which began in Isaiah 15.
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states: “In chs. 15 and 16 Isaiah delivers a prophecy against Judah’s eastern neighbor, Moab. Little is known of the political geography and history of Moab, and therefore much in this prophecy is not clear. Israel and Moab were frequently at war with each other.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Isaiah 15:1)
Isaiah 16:1-2 speaks of when Moab had to flee to Edom, pursued by Israel. In the prophetic words of Isaiah 16:3-4, which foretell the captivity of Judah that would occur about 100 years later, God prophetically asks Moab to shelter and provide refuge to the Jews when Babylon invades their territory. In other words, the message of verses 1-4 is, “Since you know what it is to be invaded and pursued, have compassion on Judah when the Babylonians pursue it.”
“Once more the prophet has taken us the local situation to the eschatological consummation (end-time fulfillment) in the messianic kingdom.” (Andrews Bible Commentary, Isaiah 16:5)
The admonition to Moab is to show mercy to Judah because, although Judah would be persecuted, it would ultimately triumph over the nations.
The cities mentioned in the chapter were the cities of Moab, whose territory corresponds to the kingdom of Jordan.
Once more, the LORD expresses His sorrow over the judgments that fall upon those He judges, in this case, Moab! The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew. We learn that God delights in the well-being of His children, regardless of their ethnicity.
We see He allows judgments to come when His mercy is withdrawn, whether on Judah or Moab; however, He grieves over their misfortune and judges the aggressors.
“Therefore my heart shall resound like a harp for Moab, and my inner being for Kir Heres.” (Isaiah 16:11, NKJV)
Isaiah 17 presents judgments in Syria (Damascus) and Israel (Ephraim). Both are allied against Judah. Recently, in Isaiah 7:1-9 and 8:1-4, we read about this war. Once again, judgments come upon Ahaz and Judah because of disobedience and wickedness. These judgments stem from the ambition and hatred in the hearts of Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel. The LORD allows them to attack Judah, but Syria and Israel are not without guilt. Now, Isaiah announces judgments against them.
In Isaiah 17:7-8, the prophecy speaks of a time when some in Israel would turn to their Maker because of these judgments.
“It might take bitter disappointment and disaster to turn the eyes of men away from the things of earth, but the Lord’s judgments would finally cause them to look away from their idols to their Creator.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Isaiah 17:7)
Verses 12 and 13 mention two prophetic symbols also found in the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. Waters represent multitudes (Isaiah 17:12). Wind represents war (Isaiah 17:13).
The military might of nations waging war (the wind) is nothing before the LORD. Thus, Isaiah announces that deliverance for God’s people will come at the appointed time and will be swift.
“Then behold, at eventide, trouble! And before the morning, he is no more. This is the portion of those who plunder us, and the lot of those who rob us.” (Isaiah 17:14, NKJV)
These words are intended to encourage and comfort God’s people in times of trial. We must persevere and trust. Deliverance will come at the appointed time, and it comes from God and is assured.