King James Version

What Does Isaiah 15:1 Mean?

Isaiah 15:1 in the King James Version says “The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of M...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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; brought: or, cut off”

Isaiah 15:1 · KJV

Context

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; brought: or, cut off

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. weeping: Heb. descending into weeping, or, coming down with weeping

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The Hebrew word massa (burden/oracle) introduces divine judgment pronouncements. Moab, descended from Lot's incestuous union (Genesis 19:30-37), maintained a complex relationship with Israel—sometimes ally, often adversary. The repetitive structure "in the night...laid waste" emphasizes sudden, unexpected devastation. Ar and Kir, Moab's principal cities, represent the nation's strength and pride. Their simultaneous destruction "in the night" suggests divinely orchestrated military conquest, likely the Assyrian invasions under Tiglath-Pileser III (732 BCE) or Sargon II (715 BCE). God's sovereignty extends beyond Israel to judge all nations according to His righteous standards. The prophet's compassion for Moab (verses 5, 9) demonstrates that divine judgment brings no pleasure to God (Ezekiel 33:11), yet His holiness demands response to sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moab occupied the plateau east of the Dead Sea, a fertile agricultural region. Historical enmity existed since Israel's wilderness journey when Moab refused passage (Numbers 22-25) and hired Balaam to curse Israel. By Isaiah's time (740-700 BCE), Moab existed as an Assyrian vassal state. Archaeological evidence from Dibon and other Moabite sites shows destruction layers from this period. The Mesha Stele (c. 840 BCE) demonstrates Moab's proud defiance of Israel, boasting of victories over Israel's King Omri. This prideful nationalism made Moab's humiliation especially significant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment of nations outside Israel demonstrate His universal sovereignty and justice?
  2. What does the prophet's compassion for enemies (Moab) teach us about combining truth and love in confronting sin?
  3. In what ways does sudden judgment "in the night" warn against presuming on God's patience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
מַשָּׂ֖א1 of 14

“The burden”

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

מוֹאָ֖ב2 of 14

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

כִּ֠י3 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְּלֵ֛יל4 of 14

“Because in the night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

שֻׁדַּ֥ד5 of 14

“is laid waste”

H7703

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

עָ֤ר6 of 14

“Ar”

H6144

ar, a place in moab

מוֹאָ֖ב7 of 14

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

נִדְמָֽה׃8 of 14

“and brought to silence”

H1820

to be dumb or silent; hence, to fail or perish; trans. to destroy

כִּ֗י9 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְּלֵ֛יל10 of 14

“Because in the night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

שֻׁדַּ֥ד11 of 14

“is laid waste”

H7703

properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage

קִיר12 of 14

“Kir”

H7024

kir, a place in assyrian

מוֹאָ֖ב13 of 14

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

נִדְמָֽה׃14 of 14

“and brought to silence”

H1820

to be dumb or silent; hence, to fail or perish; trans. to destroy

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 15:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 15:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 2:1-3Jeremiah 48:1-47Numbers 21:28Ezekiel 25:8-11Isaiah 11:14Isaiah 25:10

Places in This Verse

ArSettlement · Modern: Khirbet al Balua · 31.36°N, 35.78°E7 verses across 3 books
Kir 2Settlement · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E1 verse across 1 book
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Isaiah 15 →

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