And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh: their voice shall be heard even unto Jahaz: therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his life shall be grievous unto him.
ISAIAH 15:4KJVWhat does Isaiah 15:4 mean?
Isaiah 15:4 describes a scene of widespread mourning and distress in Moab, where the cities of Heshbon and Elealeh cry out so loudly that their voices reach Jahaz, and even the armed soldiers of Moab are overcome with grief and fear for their lives. The verse shows that the suffering is so great that even warriors, who are usually brave, are deeply troubled.
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking about the coming judgment on Moab, a neighboring nation to Israel. The mention of specific cities—Heshbon, Elealeh, and Jahaz—highlights how the entire region is affected. The verse paints a vivid picture of national disaster, where both civilians and soldiers are overwhelmed by sorrow and anxiety.
The Hebrew behind Isaiah 15:4
- The word for "cry" is זָעַק (za'aq), which often means to cry out in distress or for help. Here, it emphasizes the depth of the people's anguish.
- "Voice" is קוֹל (qol), meaning sound or voice, showing that the cries are so loud and desperate they travel far.
- "Grievous" comes from יָרַע (yara‘), which can mean to be bad, evil, or distressed. In this context, it suggests that life has become unbearable for the people of Moab, especially the soldiers.
Why Isaiah 15:4 matters
- This verse makes clear that the disaster is not limited to one city or group; the whole land, including its strongest defenders, is affected.
- The mention of the soldiers’ distress highlights the totality of the calamity—when even the protectors are overwhelmed, the situation is truly dire.
- Isaiah 15:4 fits into a larger prophecy against Moab, showing the seriousness of the coming judgment and the emotional impact on the people.