King James Version

What Does Isaiah 15:7 Mean?

Isaiah 15:7 in the King James Version says “Therefore the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have laid up, shall they carry away to the brook of the wi...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Isaiah 15:7 · KJV

Context

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

8

For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab; the howling thereof unto Eglaim, and the howling thereof unto Beerelim.

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. more: Heb. additions

Read Isaiah 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Refugees carrying remaining possessions "to the brook of the willows" (likely the Zered valley marking Moab's southern border) depicts desperate flight with whatever can be salvaged. The phrase "the abundance they have gotten" (Hebrew yitrah, surplus/remainder) suggests not wealth but survival supplies—what little remains after devastation. Crossing the border represents losing homeland, identity, and security. This scene of displaced persons prefigures countless refugee movements through history. Theologically, it illustrates that earthly possessions and securities ultimately fail; only relationship with the eternal God provides refuge that cannot be shaken. The willows' association with water in desert suggests searching for life-giving resources in exile—a picture of humanity's search for hope amid judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The "brook of the willows" (Wadi Arabah/Zered) formed the traditional boundary between Moab and Edom, mentioned in Israel's wilderness journey (Deuteronomy 2:13-14). In ancient warfare, refugees typically fled to neighboring territories, often receiving harsh treatment or enslavement. The image of carrying remaining possessions mirrors countless ancient reliefs showing deportation scenes, particularly Assyrian palace reliefs depicting conquered peoples. This prophecy's fulfillment created a diaspora of Moabite refugees, contributing to the nation's eventual disappearance from history.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the image of refugees carrying "the abundance they have gotten" teach about the transience of earthly security?
  2. How should God's people respond to displaced persons and refugees fleeing judgment?
  3. In what ways does Moab's fate warn against trusting in national pride and earthly securities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
עַל1 of 9
H5921

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

כֵּ֖ן2 of 9
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יִתְרָ֣ה3 of 9

“Therefore the abundance”

H3502

properly, excellence, i.e., (by implication) wealth

עָשָׂ֑ה4 of 9

“they have gotten”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וּפְקֻדָּתָ֔ם5 of 9

“and that which they have laid up”

H6486

visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)

עַ֛ל6 of 9
H5921

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

נַ֥חַל7 of 9

“to the brook”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

הָעֲרָבִ֖ים8 of 9

“of the willows”

H6155

a willow (from the use of osiers as wattles)

יִשָּׂאֽוּם׃9 of 9

“shall they carry away”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

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 15:7 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 15:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 48:36Isaiah 5:29Isaiah 10:6Isaiah 10:14Isaiah 30:6Nahum 2:12-13

Places in This Verse

Brook of the WillowsWadi · Modern: Wadi al Hasa · 31.03°N, 35.49°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Isaiah 15 →

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