Isaiah 16:13

"It will happen that when Moab presents himself, when he wearies himself on the high place, and comes to his sanctuary to pray, that he will not prevail."

Key Reflection

In Isaiah 16:13, the prophet foretells a future scenario where Moab, a neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel, seeks refuge and solace by offering prayers at their religious sanctuaries. Despite their efforts to appease their gods through prolonged worship on high places—a symbol of their devotion—their attempts will ultimately fail. This verse reveals the futility of Moab's religious practices in the face of divine judgment, highlighting the prophet’s assertion that true spiritual fulfillment and security can only come from God’s favor and not through mere ritualistic acts or prayers.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

This is the word -This is the substance of the “former” predictions respecting Moab. This has been the “general course” or sense of the prophecies respecting Moab, during all its history. Since that time -Formerly; from former times. There had been a course of predictions declaring in general that Moab should be destroyed, and the prophet says here that he had expressed their general sense; or that “his” predictions accorded with them all - for they all predicted the complete overthrow of Moab. He now saysIsaiah 16:14that these general prophecies respecting Moab which had been of so long standing were now to be speedily accomplished.

More from Isaiah 16

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