King James Version

What Does Isaiah 15:2 Mean?

Isaiah 15:2 in the King James Version says “He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all thei...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Isaiah 15:2 · 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

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.

Read Isaiah 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The cascade of place-names (Bajith, Dibon, Nebo, Medeba) traces Moab's grief from temple to high places to cities. "Going up" to weep suggests both geographical movement to elevated worship sites and spiritual seeking in crisis—yet Moab seeks help at idolatrous shrines, not from the true God. The shaving of heads and cutting off of beards represents extreme mourning in Ancient Near Eastern culture, often forbidden to Israel (Leviticus 19:27-28) as it resembled pagan mourning rites. Moab's desperate grief reveals the inadequacy of false gods in genuine crisis. Reformed theology emphasizes that mankind instinctively seeks the transcendent in suffering, yet apart from revelation in Christ, these religious impulses lead to empty ritual rather than redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nebo and Medeba were significant Moabite cities mentioned in the Mesha Stele. High places (bamot) served as outdoor worship sites throughout the region. Archaeological excavations at these sites reveal altars, standing stones, and cult objects. The Moabites worshiped Chemosh as their national deity (Numbers 21:29), engaging in practices including child sacrifice (2 Kings 3:27). Isaiah prophesied during a period when Assyrian military pressure forced vassal states into desperate political and religious responses.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do people instinctively turn to religion in crisis, yet often fail to find genuine help?
  2. How does Moab's futile weeping at false shrines illustrate the emptiness of idolatry?
  3. What distinguishes genuine repentance from mere crisis-driven religious activity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
עָלָ֨ה1 of 17

“He is gone up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הַבַּ֧יִת2 of 17

“to Bajith”

H1006

bajith, a place in palestine

וְדִיבֹ֛ן3 of 17

“and to Dibon”

H1769

dibon, the name of three places in palestine

הַבָּמ֖וֹת4 of 17

“the high places”

H1116

an elevation

לְבֶ֑כִי5 of 17

“to weep”

H1065

a weeping; by analogy, a dripping

עַל6 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

נְב֞וֹ7 of 17

“over Nebo”

H5015

nebo, the name of a babylonian deity

וְעַ֤ל8 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מֵֽידְבָא֙9 of 17

“and over Medeba”

H4311

medeba, a place in palestine

מוֹאָ֣ב10 of 17

“Moab”

H4124

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

יְיֵלִ֔יל11 of 17

“shall howl”

H3213

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

בְּכָל12 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רֹאשָׁ֣יו13 of 17

“on all their heads”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

קָרְחָ֔ה14 of 17

“shall be baldness”

H7144

baldness

כָּל15 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

זָקָ֖ן16 of 17

“and every beard”

H2206

the beard (as indicating age)

גְּרוּעָֽה׃17 of 17
H1639

to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold

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 15:2 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 15:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 21:5Jeremiah 48:1Isaiah 3:24Numbers 21:30Jeremiah 48:18Deuteronomy 34:1

Places in This Verse

Dibon 1Settlement · Modern: Tall Dhiban · 31.50°N, 35.78°E10 verses across 4 books
MedebaSettlement · Modern: Madaba · 31.72°N, 35.80°E5 verses across 4 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
Nebo 1Settlement · Modern: Khirbet al Mukhayyat · 31.75°N, 35.74°E7 verses across 4 books
View all places in Isaiah 15 →

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