Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 15

This message of judgment and sorrow was about Moab's fall. The many references to Moabite places show that Isaiah knew Moab well.

• Moab was located east of the Dead Sea. It was an enemy of Judah.

• in a night!: The destruction would be quick and final.

In the ancient Near East, people shaved or cut off their beards to show deep sorrow (see Jeremiah 48:37).

• Heshbon was once the capital of Sihon (Numbers 21:23–26).

• Elealeh was near Heshbon.

• Jahaz was located between Heshbon and the Arnon River (see Jeremiah 48:34).

• My heart cries out over Moab: The prophet joined the mourning to show how much Moab suffered.

• Zoar was in the southeastern part of the Dead Sea (Genesis 14:2; 19:23).

• The exact location of the waters of Nimrim is unknown (see also Jeremiah 48:34).

• dried up … withered … the vegetation: For more on natural resources drying up as a form of judgment, see study note on Isaiah 24:4.

The exact locations of the Brook of the Willows, Eglaim, and Beer-elim are unknown.

• Dimon is a play on the Hebrew word for blood (dam).

• blood: Many people from Moab had already died, but their punishment had just started.