Isaiah 15:1-9

The Overthrow of Moab. A sudden catastrophe has overwhelmed Ar (Numbers 21:15 *) and Kir in one night. The daughter (read bath for Bayith; cf. Jeremiah 48:18) of Dibon (Numbers 21:30 *) has gone up to the high places to lament; everywhere are signs of mourning. The cry of distress is heard from Heshbon (Numbers 21:25 *) and Elealeh (Numbers 32:37 *) in Jahaz (Numbers 21:23 *). The fugitives (mg.) flee to Zoar (Genesis 19:22 *) and the third Eglath. They mount the ascent of Luhith (between Rabba and Zoar), and lament in the way of Horonaim. The waters of Nimrim have been stopped by the enemy, the pastures are parched. The Moabites carry their goods across the brook of the willows, apparently into Edom; from one end of the land to the other the howling of anguish is heard. All bloody are the waters of Dimon. A more terrible enemy (? Assyria) is to come on the remnant which has escaped.

Isaiah 15:1. Kir: probably Kerak, a very strong fortress about 17 miles S. of the Arnon.

Isaiah 15:2. Baldness and cutting off the beard are signs of mourning (p. 110).

Isaiah 15:5. Probably there were three places named Eglath, near together; the third would be intended here. The sense of mg. is that Moab (or Zoar) is a vigorous power hitherto unconquered, but now to be crushed into servitude. Nimrim: probably not Bath-nimrah (Numbers 32:36 *), which is too far N., but the Wadi Numeirah, S. of Kir.

Isaiah 15:8. Eglaim: probably at the S. extremity of Moab, Beer-elim (Numbers 21:16 *), in the N.

Isaiah 15:9. Dimon: probably the same as Dibon, the change securing an assonance with the word for blood (dâ m).