Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land.

ISAIAH 16:4KJV
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Isaiah 16:4 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 16:4 mean?

Isaiah 16:4 is a plea for the people of Moab to shelter those who have been driven out, offering them protection from those who would harm them. The verse assures that the time of oppression and violence is coming to an end, and those who caused suffering will soon be gone from the land.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking about refugees from Israel or Judah who have fled to Moab to escape destruction. Isaiah calls on Moab to provide a safe hiding place ("covert") for these outcasts, promising that the threat from oppressors and destroyers will not last forever. The verse is set during a time of crisis and invasion, emphasizing both the need for compassion and the hope that the period of turmoil is temporary.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 16:4

  • "Outcasts" (נָדַח, nadach): This word refers to people who have been driven away or scattered, highlighting their vulnerable and displaced state.
  • "Covert" (סֵתֶר, seter): This means a hiding place or shelter, emphasizing the need for Moab to offer real protection and safety.
  • "Spoiler" (שָׁדַד, shadad): This word describes someone who devastates or plunders, making clear the danger from which the outcasts need protection.
  • "Extortioner" (מֵלֵץ, meletz): Often understood as a violent oppressor or one who causes distress, showing the kind of threat that is ending.

Why Isaiah 16:4 matters

  • Isaiah 16:4 clarifies that the call is not just for temporary help, but for Moab to offer genuine refuge and safety to those in need.
  • The verse connects to the broader message of Isaiah, where God's justice means that those who cause suffering will not have the final say.
  • This verse highlights the responsibility of neighboring nations to show compassion, even in times of political and military upheaval.

Where else these words appear

“end” Hebrew H656 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 47:15 And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.
  • Genesis 47:16 And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.
  • Psalms 77:8 Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?

“be” Hebrew H1933 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 27:29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.
  • Nehemiah 6:6 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:22 For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?

“oppressors” Hebrew H7429 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Kings 7:17 And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.
  • Psalms 91:13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
  • Ezekiel 26:11 With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground.

“spoiler” Hebrew H7701 · used in 24 verses

  • Job 5:21 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.
  • Isaiah 51:19 These two things are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?
  • Hosea 9:6 For, lo, they are gone because of destruction: Egypt shall gather them up, Memphis shall bury them: the pleasant places for their silver, nettles shall possess them: thorns shall be in their tabernacles.