Chapter 16 See the opening comments on chapter 15, a closely related chapter. v1-4d apparently gives the image as that of a messenger of the remnant of Moab pleading their case before the various surrounding nations. The rendering of v. 1 varies considerably between all of the major translations to the point that it seems impossible to determine its meaning on its own merits. The result is one would read the context of v. 2-4 back into v. 1 and hope it fits. Thus, v. 2-4 is the message carried by what is probably intended to be a messenger to in v. 1. v1c "Sela", a reference to mount Seir in Edom. v3 gives the image of the messenger pleading with the audience to stand over and protect, and thereby overshadow, the refugees of Moab. v4e-5 With the Day of the Lord where Israel is redeemed, theocracy will be instituted and the ruling lineage of the House of David will once again be established. This invokes the history of Israel, in that under the historical David all of Israel was united into one kingdom, as a type of things to come in the Millennium. This passage also has obvious application to the personal reign of the Lord Jesus Christ on the earth during the Millennium. The resulting Millennial theocracy will enjoy peace while conquest and its attendant atrocities are unknown. v6 frames what is ostensibly Jerusalem's reply to the messenger's plea for mercy on the Moabite refugees. As all other nations are to be eradicated in favor of Israel and Jerusalem is to be the head of Israel, and Zion/Jerusalem was referenced int he interceding text, we may safely assume that the Isaiah's primary intent is to portray this response as being that of the ruler of Jerusalem. But, as the messenger is portrayed as travelling to all local rulers of the land (assuming the JPS rendering of v. 1 is reasonably accurate), then this can also be considered a typical response any local ruler would have to the plea for mercy. The response indicates that Moab's reputation is well known to all surrounding nations and they are in no big rush to succor the refugees as they too will carry the nature of Moab within them. This verse also informs the reader as to what Moab's sin was and why the Lord destroyed in such a decisive manner. It is worthwhile to note that Isaiah's presentation of the nature of Moab is quite different from those made by Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Where Jeremiah and Ezekiel list the gross sins of Moab and why they are to be destroyed, Isaiah rather as an aside informs us that Moab is guilty of arrogance and pride. While this indicates that Moab got/will get what it deserves it also indicates that Isaiah has a different agenda than the other two prophets (see comments on v. 9-10 to see what this agenda is). v7-8 compares the once prosperous Moab to a grape vine whose tendrils spread over large areas and were mighty enough to surmount even great physical obstacles like deserts and seas to increase their empire. But now they are simply withered and the remaining remnant will be left to mourn their fate. v7c "raisin-cakes", while raisin cakes were sometimes used in idolatrous rituals, cross reference with Jeremiah 48:36 provides a reading that is probably the better one, namely "men". v9-11 intermingles the vine=nation symbolism from v. 7-8 with a more literal famine theme. Thus, the withering of the vines (literal vegetation) results in a withering of the vine (figurative nation). Isaiah also picks up a theme started in 15:5 where he states that his "heart cries out for [the fugitives of] Moab". Here, Isaiah goes much further to state that he weeps over various specific cities and even drenches them in his tears over the destruction and famine they have faced. Isaiah is apparently showing sympathy on the surviving remnant of Moab that has passed through war and famine. His intent here may be to soften the hearts of those rulers who responded negatively in v. 6 to their plea for help. Isaiah himself reminds these various rulers of the humbled condition of the remnant of a once great nation. Thus, not only is the messenger in v.1-4 pleading for mercy, but Isaiah is asking the rulers and readers to be merciful despite Moab's past sins (which Isaiah does not really mention to any great detail as do Jeremiah and Ezekiel, indicating that he himself has already forgiven them). v12-14 present two statements by the Lord, and old one and a new one. Verse 12 is the word which the Lord spoke long ago and v. 14 is the current word spoken concerning Moab. Verse 12 states that Moab is willing to try various forms of idolatry in order to better their lot, but never turn to the Lord and never really succeed in gaining anything. The current word of the Lord concerning Moab is that within three years of the start of the Lord's plan (a definite time period as indicated by the comparison to the laborer's contract which would have specific terms regarding when to start and stop), the teeming populace of the great and mighty Moab will be reduced to a small and insignificant remnant. The usage of the time period of "three years" also appears in 21:16, 20:3, 37:30, as well as Dan. 7:25, Dan. 12 and Rev. 12:14.