Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 16

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

Moab is making a request to Judah for asylum (protection in another country).

• Moab was famous for its sheep (see 2 Kings 3:4). The Moabites sent lambs as tribute to Judah, acknowledging Judah's control over Moab.

• Sela (the cliff), a mysterious and distant location, was likely where the Moabites fled through the desert.

do not betray … be a refuge: Moab's situation would become so desperate that they would ask for refuge in other countries.

• This prophecy of salvation spoke about the future of David’s royal line. It promised hope for the dynasty of David.

• Acts of oppression and destruction would come to an end. This would happen when the hostility of Moab stopped (see 2 Kings 13:20).

God would establish one of David’s descendants as king (see also Isaiah 9:7; 11:1–5, 10–12).

The response to Moab’s request for asylum (Isaiah 16:1–4).

The Moabites were too proud, angry, and boastful to humble themselves before God.

• The vineyards at Sibmah were near the Moabite city of Heshbon.

• Moab was like a lush vine spreading far and wide, but Israel's beautiful vine reached the ends of the earth (Isaiah 27:6).

• The location of Jazer is unknown.

• The hilltops were sites for pagan shrines (see Isaiah 15:2).

• No one will be able to save them, including the idols the Moabites called on for protection (see Isaiah 40:18–19; 44:18–19).

• In three years, as a hired worker counts the years (see also Isaiah 21:16): A man who sold himself into servitude would calculate the remaining time down to the last day. This verse refers to unknown events.

• The glory of Moab will be ended, probably because of the Assyrian conquest of Moab (late 700s BC).

• those who are left will be few and feeble: Though reduced by war, the Moabites still existed during Nehemiah’s time (Nehemiah 13:23).