King James Version

What Does Isaiah 16:12 Mean?

Isaiah 16:12 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, that he shall come to his sanctuary to ...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, that he shall come to his sanctuary to pray; but he shall not prevail.”

Isaiah 16:12 · KJV

Prayer

Context

10

And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease.

11

Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh.

12

And it shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, that he shall come to his sanctuary to pray; but he shall not prevail.

13

This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning Moab since that time.

14

But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble . feeble: or, not many

Read Isaiah 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When Moab appears at high places, exhausting themselves in prayer to false gods, it proves ineffective—"he shall not prevail." Desperate religious activity reveals idolatry's impotence. They go to sanctuary to pray but accomplish nothing. Religious zeal directed toward false gods is futile—sincerity doesn't validate falsehood. Reformed theology emphasizes only prayer directed to the true God through Christ avails. All other religious activity, however earnest, fails to turn aside judgment. Moab's frantic but futile prayers contrast with effective prayer rooted in covenant relationship with Yahweh.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moab's high places were outdoor worship sites dedicated to Chemosh, their national deity. Archaeological excavations reveal altars, standing stones, cult objects. In crisis, Moabites intensified worship of traditional gods—the human instinct toward religion in trouble. However, Chemosh couldn't deliver (1 Kings 11:7 calls him "the abomination of Moab"). This prophecy mocks religious activity disconnected from truth. The failure of Moabite prayer vindicated Yahweh as the only true God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does futile prayer at high places teach about religious sincerity versus truth?
  2. How does false gods' failure in crisis demonstrate only the true God provides refuge?
  3. How do people today exhaust themselves in ineffective religious activities rather than coming to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהָיָ֧ה1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִֽי2 of 14
H3588

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

נִרְאָ֛ה3 of 14

“And it shall come to pass when it is seen”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּֽי4 of 14
H3588

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

נִלְאָ֥ה5 of 14

“is weary”

H3811

to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted

מוֹאָ֖ב6 of 14

“that Moab”

H4124

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

עַל7 of 14
H5921

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

הַבָּמָ֑ה8 of 14

“on the high place”

H1116

an elevation

וּבָ֧א9 of 14

“that he shall come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל10 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִקְדָּשׁ֛וֹ11 of 14

“to his sanctuary”

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֖ל12 of 14

“to pray”

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

וְלֹ֥א13 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יוּכָֽל׃14 of 14

“but he shall not prevail”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

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 16:12 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 16:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 15:2Jeremiah 48:351 Kings 18:29Numbers 23:14Jeremiah 48:7Numbers 23:28

Places in This Verse

Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Isaiah 16 →

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