Isaiah 16 KJV: Sought Refuge and the Throne of Mercy

Isaiah 16 documents Moab’s futile attempt to find safety through tribute while highlighting the only true source of stability: a throne established in mercy. This chapter articulates the contrast between the fleeting pride of a nation and the enduring justice of the Davidic line.

  1. v1-5: The Appeal for Sanctuary and the Coming King
  2. v6-12: The Pride of Moab and the Futility of Idols
  3. v13-14: The Finality of the Three-Year Sentence

Isaiah chapter 16

Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion.
For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.
Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth.
Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land.
And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.
We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so.
Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken.
For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even unto Jazer, they wandered through the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea.
Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.
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.
Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh.
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.
This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning Moab since that time.
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.

Trace the tragic arc of a nation that chooses its own idols over the mercy offered from the throne of David. Begin your study with isaiah 16 summary.

The text points to a future ruler who will judge with 'speedy justice,' a direct reference to the Messianic hope that stabilizes the world. The 'Word Secret' is Sela, meaning 'Rock' or 'Petra,' suggesting that even the most impenetrable physical defenses cannot protect a heart hardened by pride. Discover the riches with isaiah 16 commentary, containing expert led word study (original greek/hebrew) and passage level analysis.

Unlock the hidden isaiah 16 1 meaning and summary by exploring context, analyzing original greek and hebrew words, and studying cross references of each verse.

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3 min read (415 words)