Isaiah 15:1

The verse stands somewhat apart from the sequel of the poem. It announces the catastrophe which has placed the entire country at the mercy of the invaders, viz. the fall of the two chief cities of Moab. What follows is a description, not of the further progress of the campaign, but first of the universal mourning caused by this sudden blow, and second, of the flight of the inhabitants. The opening word becauseseems to have the force of an interjection, equivalent to "yea" or "surely."

in the night may be meant literally (by a night attack), or we may render "in a night," i.e. "suddenly."

Ar the capital of Moab, lay on the Arnon (Numbers 21:15; Numbers 21:28). It is not to be confounded (as is sometimes done) with the later capital Rabba, which lies about 10 miles further south. Kir of Moabis the modern Kerak, some 17 miles S. of the Arnon. It is perhaps identical with Kir-haresethor Kir Heres(ch. Isaiah 16:7; Isaiah 16:11; 2 Kings 3:25); its situation has always been considered well-nigh impregnable. These two cities were both S. of the Arnon and therefore within the proper territory of Moab. Those mentioned in Isaiah 15:2 on the other hand were in the fertile district to the north (now called El-Belka), which Israel claimed for the tribes of Reuben and Gad. The possession of this coveted tract of country was one great motive of the interminable wars between the two nations. Mesha's inscription on the Moabite Stone is really an account of the reconquest of this region from Ahab. At the time of the prophecy Moab must have long held undisputed possession of these lands.