Yeshayahu 15

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Moav's Turn

Now Isaiah addresses the nation of Moav. Two of their cities were destroyed at night, while they were sleeping and unprepared. The Moabites went to mourn in their temples; they shaved their hair and beards, a sign of mourning among them. They put on sackcloth and cried. Isaiah says that he feels the pain of Moav. The waters of Nimrim (a place) will dry up, and the plants will all die. (The plants are symbolic of their heroes and leaders.)

The people of Moav did many things to the Jews over the years, culminating in aiding Assyria in their conquests, so their enemies will conquer them. There will be weeping throughout Moav.

The river Dimon is full of blood of the conquered. The survivors, whom Assyria will leave over, will be captured by Nebuchadnezzar, who is compared to a lion, while the remnant of Israel will have the Moabites' land.

Author: Rabbi Jack Abramowitz