Isaiah 16:1

Moab’s Destruction · Isaiah 16:1–14
Read Isaiah 16

Translations

Modern
Send the tribute lambs to the ruler of the land, from Sela in the desert to the mount of Daughter Zion.
Traditional
Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion.
Literal
Send the lamb to the ruler of the land, from Sela in the wilderness, to the mountain of the daughter of Zion.
Latin
Emitte agnum, Domine, dominatorem terræ, de petra deserti ad montem filiæ Sion.

Original

Hebrew
English
Send the tribute lambs to the ruler of the land, from Sela in the desert to the mount of Daughter Zion.

Notes

  • Moab was famous for its sheep (see 2 Kings 3:4). The Moabites sent lambs as tribute to Judah, acknowledging Judah's control over Moab.

  • Sela (the cliff), a mysterious and distant location, was likely where the Moabites fled through the desert.

Moab is making a request to Judah for asylum (protection in another country).

This message of judgment and sorrow was about Moab's fall. The many references to Moabite places show that Isaiah knew Moab well.

Events

Parallels

Zephaniah 2:8–11

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions Sela: Edomite stronghold captured by King Amaziah of Judah

Glossary

Book of Jeremiah Isaiah, Book of Kerioth Moab, Moabites Ruler Sela

Topics

Isaiah: Prophecies, Reproofs, and Exhortations of Burden of Moab Moabites: Paid Tribute of Sheep and Wool to the King of Israel Sela: A City in the Country of: Edom The Lamb: Tribute often Paid In