My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.
ISAIAH 15:5KJVWhat does Isaiah 15:5 mean?
Isaiah 15:5 describes the prophet’s deep sorrow for Moab as its people flee in distress, traveling toward Zoar and other places while weeping and crying out because of the destruction that has come upon them. The verse paints a vivid picture of refugees escaping disaster, filled with grief and fear as they journey through specific locations.
In this verse, Isaiah is speaking about the nation of Moab, a neighbor and sometimes rival of Israel. The prophet expresses compassion for Moab’s suffering, even though they are not Israelites. The verse names places like Zoar, Luhith, and Horonaim, showing the real path of escape and the emotional weight of the disaster. Isaiah’s words highlight both the physical flight and the overwhelming sadness of the Moabite people.
The Hebrew behind Isaiah 15:5
- The word for "heart" (לֵבָב, levav; H3820) shows that Isaiah’s grief is heartfelt and personal, not just a distant observation.
- "Cry out" (זָעַק, za‘aq; H2199) is a strong word for a loud, urgent cry, emphasizing the intensity of Isaiah’s sorrow for Moab.
- "Fugitives" (בְּרִיחָה, beriychah; H1280) refers to people escaping danger, highlighting the desperation of those fleeing.
- "Heifer" (עֶגְלָה, ‘eglah; H5697) and "three years old" (שְׁלִישִׁי, shelishiy; H7992) together likely describe the fugitives as young and full of life, now forced to flee, which adds to the tragedy.
- "Weeping" (בְּכִי, bekhi; H1065) and "cry" (זְעָקָה, ze‘aqah; H2201) both stress the emotional pain and public mourning of the Moabite refugees.
- "Destruction" (שֵׁבֶר, shever; H7667) is a word for breaking or ruin, making clear that the people’s cries are because of devastating loss.
Why Isaiah 15:5 matters
- Isaiah’s compassion for Moab, even as a foreign nation, shows that the prophet’s message is not only about judgment but also about shared human sorrow.
- The verse connects specific places and emotional responses, grounding the prophecy in real geography and lived experience, which makes the suffering more tangible.
- This verse helps set the tone for the whole chapter, emphasizing that God’s prophets can feel deep empathy for all people, not just their own nation.