Chapter Summary
This chapter delivers a sorrowful prophecy detailing the complete destruction and widespread distress that will suddenly strike the nation of Moab. It describes how Moabite cities will be ruined overnight, leading to intense public mourning, weeping, and self-mutilation as signs of extreme grief. People will flee their homes, carrying their possessions, while the land itself becomes barren. The cries of sorrow will echo across the entire country, and the prophecy grimly concludes with a picture of bloodshed and further divine judgment upon the few survivors.
Bible:Essence Verses
- This is a heavy message of doom for Moab. Overnight, Ar of Moab is utterly destroyed and silenced; overnight, Kir of Moab is also completely wiped out and left empty.
- The people have climbed to their sacred places in Bajith and Dibon to weep. Moab will wail loudly for Nebo and Medeba. As a sign of their deep sorrow, everyone will shave their heads and cut off their be beards.
- In their city squares, they will dress in rough, uncomfortable cloth to show their grief. On their rooftops and in the streets, everyone will be crying out in loud sobs, shedding many tears.
- Heshbon and Elealeh will join in the outcry; their loud wails will reach as far as Jahaz. Even the armed soldiers of Moab will cry out in distress, finding life unbearable.
- My own heart feels sorrow for Moab. Its people who escape will run quickly towards Zoar, like a strong young animal fleeing danger. They will climb the steep path of Luhith, weeping all the way. Along the road to Horonaim, they will shout out about the terrible disaster.
- This is because the waters of Nimrim will become dry and empty. The hay has withered, the grass is gone, and no plants or greenery are left anywhere.
- As a result, all the valuable things they worked hard to get, and all their stored treasures, will be carried off as they flee towards the Valley of the Poplars.
- The sounds of agony have echoed throughout all of Moab’s borders. The loud cries of pain can be heard from Eglaim all the way to Beerelim.
- The waters of Dimon will be completely red with blood. For I (God) will send even more trouble to Dimon, sending fierce lions to attack anyone from Moab who manages to escape, and also the few people left in the country.