Question 1

What does Isaiah 16:14 mean?

Accepted Answer

Isaiah 16:14 says that the LORD has declared Moab’s greatness and large population will soon be brought low, and in just three years, only a small, weak remnant will remain. This is a specific prophecy of coming judgment and loss for the nation of Moab. Isaiah is speaking God’s message to the people of Moab, a neighboring nation east of Israel. The verse uses the image of a “hireling” (a hired worker) to show that the time frame is fixed and certain, not open-ended. The prophecy warns that despite Moab’s current strength and numbers, devastation is coming soon, and only a few survivors will be left, and they will be powerless.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 16:14

Accepted Answer

“LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that this message comes with divine authority, not just human prediction. “hireling” (שָׂכִיר, sakir): This word means a hired worker, someone who works for a set period. The idea is that just as a worker’s time is strictly counted, so is the time left for Moab—there is no delay or extension. “glory” (כָּבוֹד, kavod): This word refers to Moab’s honor, reputation, and splendor. The prophecy is not just about numbers but about Moab’s pride and status being brought down. “contemned” (קָלַל, qalal): This means to be made light of, despised, or treated as insignificant. Moab’s greatness will be reduced to something people look down on. “remnant” (שְׁאָר, she’ar): This word means what is left over after disaster. The prophecy stresses that even the survivors will be very few and weak.

Question 3

Why Isaiah 16:14 matters

Accepted Answer

Isaiah 16:14 clarifies that God’s judgment is not vague or far-off but is set to happen within a specific, short time frame—three years—making the warning urgent. The verse highlights that even nations with great numbers and reputation, like Moab, are not beyond God’s reach or justice; their “glory” can quickly become “contemned.” This prophecy connects to the larger section in Isaiah where God addresses various nations, showing that His authority and plans extend beyond Israel to all peoples.

Isaiah 16:14 (KJV)