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Overview

The vision now speaks against Moab. Moab has a complicated past with God’s people, which makes its judgment even more heavy. But the vision is clear: Judgment is coming. 

Isaiah 15:1

An oracle concerning Moab. Because Ar of Moab is laid waste in a night, Moab is undone; because Kir of Moab is laid waste in a night, Moab is undone.

Moab. Where did this nation come from? The founder of the people of Moab was the son born of the incestuous relationship between Lot and one of his daughters, when his daughters made Lot drunk, after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Guzik). Rough start. Not ideal. Most of the time, Moab was an enemy of Israel. 

And yet, Moab produced Ruth, the great-grandmother of King David. Furthermore, there were times God spared Moab, because Lot was Abraham’s nephew. Moab was like a rebellious second cousin. Not really part of the family—but sort of. 

Isaiah 15:5a

My heart cries out for Moab; her fugitives flee to Zoar, to Eglath-shelishiyah.

Notice Isaiah cries out for Moab. His heart breaks for them. We aren’t really told why Isaiah speaks like this, but I have a guess. Moab was so close to the truth. They were also connected to the patriarch Abraham. Yes, their origins were incestous and shameful, but the end did not have to be. Generational sins are a reality, but the power of God can break through any cycle. 

Who are the Moabs in your life? People who are close to the truth, interact with the truth, but still reject it? Are you praying for them? Don’t give up on them. God is patient, wanting all people to come to repentance.