Theological Commentary: Click Here
Isaiah 16
continues what we began to hear in the last chapter. Isaiah mourns for Moab. Continue to notice that it is not a mourning
because the punishment is unjust, it is mourning because the punishment is just
and necessary. It will happen, that is
certain. It is unfortunate that the depravity
of mankind has made it happen.
I was struck
by how this passage opens. “Give
counsel, grant justice.” In other words,
don’t take advantage of the people of Moab.
Treat them fairly. Give them the
rights that any Hebrew person would receive.
Be hospitable. Speak truth to them. Isaiah tells the people to treat them as they
would themselves like to be treated.
“Shelter the
outcasts, do not reveal the fugitive.”
In other words, give them quarter.
Allow them to dwell among you. Assyria
will want them destroyed, but God knows the value of the remnant. Judgment is coming upon Moab, but God does
not intend for it to be utter destruction.
God simply wants to humble them and remind them what the important
things in life truly are.
I think this
is great foreshadowing for the people of Judah.
They came out of the bondage of Egypt.
They are headed into the bondage of Babylon. They avoid the bondage of Assyria by the skin
of their teeth. If anyone should
understand the position of the oppressed remnant, the people of Judah
should. If they hope for fair treatment
under Babylon and Persia – which they get by and large – they should be willing
to do their part now and treat the refugees of Moab in the same way.
God is
always giving us times to show our true colors.
There are times when we are in a position to help, and we show who we
are when we decide to help or to refrain from getting involved. There are also times when we could use a
little help, and we likewise show our colors by whether we ask for help and
then receive it. The people of Judah are
getting such a chance now with Moab.
Isaiah wants them to make the right choice.
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