"An oracle concerning Moab. Because Ar of Moab is laid waste in a night, Moab is undone; because Kir of Moab is laid waste in a night, Moab is undone" (Isaiah 15:1, ESV). Moab has nothing left. But what I find somewhat bewildering is that part of Christ's lineage can be traced back to the Moabites (see Ruth). And yet here God has turned his back on Moab and laid him bare, undone him? Chapter 16:6 explains why: Pride. . . (Is God perhaps trying to tell me something?)
"Send the lamb to the ruler of the land, from Sela, by way of the desert, to the mount of the daughter of Zion" (Isaiah 16:1, ESV). Is this not a picture of Christ? Commencing Christ's ministry was his 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, remember?
Verses 3-5 of Isaiah chapter 16 are worth pondering.
Verse 9 gives some insight into Isaiah character, but also, perhaps, into God's character as well. "Therefore I weep with the weeping of Jazer...I drench you with my tears" (ESV). Despite all the punishment and and justice he is pouring out on the Moabites, God still has deep compassion for them. In the same way, he has compassion for us. When God sees pride in world, no matter how much he loves the people, even if they are his, he has to punish them in some way. And oh what pain that must cause him. For there can only be one who is truly exalted.
And this morning, as I think on these things, I watch as the sun rises from beyond the horizon, glorious and bright and beautiful.
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