Isaiah 16:3

"For it will be that as wandering birds, as a scattered nest, so will the daughters of Moab be at the fords of the Arnon."

Key Reflection

The verse paints a vivid picture of Moab's destruction, comparing the scattered daughters of Moab to wandering birds and a broken nest at the fords of the Arnon River. This imagery would have resonated with the original audience as it evoked scenes of chaos and desolation, reflecting the harsh realities of war and conquest that displaced people and left their homes in ruins. The specific location at the Arnon River, which marked the border between Moab and Ammon, emphasizes the geographical extent of this devastation.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Take counsel -Hebrew, ‘Bring counsel;’ or cause it to come (הבאוhâbı̂'ı̂û, or as it is in thekeriהביאי). The Vulgate, renders this in the singular number, and so is thekeri, and so many manuscripts J. D. Michaelis, Lowth, Etchhorn, Gesenius, and Noyes, regardIsaiah 16:3-5as a supplicatory address of the fugitive Moabites to the Jews to take them under their protection, and as imploring a blessing on the Jewish people if they would do it; andIsaiah 16:6as the negative answer of the Jews, or as a refusal to protect them on account of their pride.

More from Isaiah 16

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