Read Isaiah 15 in the King James Bible (opens in a new tab)
Isaiah 15 is a prophetic burden against Moab, showing the sudden collapse of a proud neighboring nation under the judgment of God. The chapter is filled with grief, crying, fleeing, and desolation, presenting Moab not as a distant political subject but as a people brought low by devastation. Cities, waters, roads, and high places become scenes of mourning, proving that human security, national pride, and false worship cannot save in the day of judgment. Isaiah’s tone is not cold or mocking; the chapter carries deep sorrow over the ruin that comes upon Moab. The spiritual message is severe but necessary: when a people trust in their own strength and do not turn to the LORD, even their strongest places can become places of lamentation.
Isaiah 15:1 - 15:9
1 The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence;
2 He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads [shall be] baldness, [and] every beard cut off.
3 In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.
4 And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh: their voice shall be heard [even] unto Jahaz: therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his life shall be grievous unto him.
5 My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives [shall flee] unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.
6 For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing.
7 Therefore the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have laid up, shall they carry away to the brook of the willows.
8 For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab; the howling thereof unto Eglaim, and the howling thereof unto Beer–elim.
9 For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood: for I will bring more upon Dimon, lions upon him that escapeth of Moab, and upon the remnant of the land.