King James Version

What Does Isaiah 15:5 Mean?

Isaiah 15:5 in the King James Version says “My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting u... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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. his: or, to the borders thereof, even to Zoar, as an heifer destruction: Heb. breaking

Isaiah 15:5 · KJV


Context

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.

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. his: or, to the borders thereof, even to Zoar, as an heifer destruction: Heb. breaking

6

For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing. desolate: Heb. desolations

7

Therefore the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have laid up, shall they carry away to the brook of the willows. brook: or, valley of the Arabians


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Isaiah's "heart shall cry out for Moab" demonstrates the prophet's compassion despite being Israel's enemy. This reflects God's own heart—taking no pleasure in judgment (Ezekiel 18:23, 32; 33:11) yet remaining committed to justice. The refugees fleeing to Zoar (south of the Dead Sea, spared in Sodom's destruction, Genesis 19:22-23) seek any refuge from advancing armies. The vivid image of fugitives as "an heifer of three years old" suggests strength turned to flight, productive animals becoming refugees. The phrase "going up of Luhith with weeping" and "way of Horonaim" describe literal geographical ascents and descents, but also spiritual desperation. Reformed pastoral theology emphasizes that true ministers must combine unflinching proclamation of judgment with genuine grief over the lost—never celebrating others' destruction while maintaining conviction about divine justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zoar's association with Lot connects Moab's origin and end—both linked to divine judgment. The geographical references (Luhith, Horonaim) describe mountain passes used by refugees, confirmed by archaeological surveys showing these as ancient routes. The comparison to "an heifer of three years old" references an animal in its prime before breaking to yoke—strong but untrained for hardship, thus particularly distressed when forced to flee. Ancient Near Eastern warfare regularly produced massive refugee movements, documented in Assyrian annals and archaeological evidence of destroyed cities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can we maintain both conviction about God's righteous judgment and genuine compassion for those under judgment?
  2. What does Isaiah's grief for Moab teach us about proper Christian attitude toward enemies?
  3. Why is Zoar's connection to Lot's story significant for understanding Moab's end?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
לִבִּי֙1 of 20

My heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לְמוֹאָ֣ב2 of 20

for Moab

H4124

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

יִזְעָ֔ק3 of 20

shall cry out

H2199

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

בְּרִיחֶ֕הָ4 of 20

his fugitives

H1280

a bolt

עַד5 of 20
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

צֹ֖עַר6 of 20

shall flee unto Zoar

H6820

tsoar, a place east of the jordan

עֶגְלַ֣ת7 of 20

an heifer

H5697

a (female) calf, especially one nearly grown (i.e., a heifer)

שְׁלִשִׁיָּ֑ה8 of 20

of three years old

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

כִּ֣י׀9 of 20
H3588

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

מַעֲלֵ֣ה10 of 20

for by the mounting up

H4608

an elevation, i.e., (concretely) acclivity or platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or (figuratively) priority

הַלּוּחִ֗ית11 of 20

of Luhith

H3872

luchith, a place east of the jordan

בִּבְכִי֙12 of 20

with weeping

H1065

a weeping; by analogy, a dripping

יַֽעֲלֶה13 of 20

shall they go it up

H5927

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

בּ֔וֹ14 of 20
H0
כִּ֚י15 of 20
H3588

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

דֶּ֣רֶךְ16 of 20

for in the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

חוֹרֹנַ֔יִם17 of 20

of Horonaim

H2773

choronajim, a place in moab

זַעֲקַת18 of 20

a cry

H2201

a shriek or outcry

שֶׁ֖בֶר19 of 20

of destruction

H7667

a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)

יְעֹעֵֽרוּ׃20 of 20

they shall raise up

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)


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 15:5 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 15:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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