Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Isaiah 16 - Warning to Moab

Warning to Moab

Isa 16:9 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.

God takes no pleasure in punishing transgressors. He understands the sorrow and weeps in the spirit with them.

John 11:35 Jesus wept.
John 11:36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

Their blessings were removed because they did not seek him.

Isa 16:10 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.

No more good harvests and joyful feasts, I the LORD have caused it to cease.

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Isa 16:11 Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh.

Bowels refers to the tender feelings and affections.

Phil 1:8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

Phil 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Phil 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

The LORD will mourn as the strings of a harp play gentle soothing music.

Isa 16:12 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.

Moab will pray in their pagan altars and seek their own help and it will be for nothing. Just as the afflicted in our land seek the government and are critical, instead of seeking the LORD for strength and guidance.

Isa 16:13 This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning Moab since that time.
Isa 16:14 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.

Isaiah announces that the LORD had said that in three years these things would come about. They were told ahead of time so that they were without excuse if they did nothing to change their ways. Mighty Moab will be reduced in number and their land ravaged. They would be small and feeble.

God judges all nations who will not repent and turn to him. He gives warnings, and time to repent, but if no repentance comes he will bring His wrath. There is a mistaken idea in our land that God is only love and all is grace. Grace is towards those in Christ Jesus who follow him in obedience. Just as Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. So be the promises and wrath of God on those who will not come to him.

Isaiah 1 Table of Contents

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