Translations
Modern
And now the LORD says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts the years, Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, with all her many people. And those who are left will be few and feeble.”
Traditional
But now the Lord hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.
Literal
…and YHWH has spoken, saying, “In three years, according to the years of a hireling, then the glory of Moab will be turned to dishonor, with all the great multitude; and the remnant is little—small, not mighty.”
Latin
Et nunc locutus est Dominus, dicens: In tribus annis, quasi anni mercenarii, auferetur gloria Moab super omni populo multo, et relinquetur parvus et modicus, nequaquam multus.
Original
Hebrew
English
And now the LORD says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts the years, Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, with all her many people. And those who are left will be few and feeble.”
Notes
In three years, as a hired worker counts the years (see also Isaiah 21:16): A man who sold himself into servitude would calculate the remaining time down to the last day. This verse refers to unknown events.
The glory of Moab will be ended, probably because of the Assyrian conquest of Moab (late 700s BC).
those who are left will be few and feeble: Though reduced by war, the Moabites still existed during Nehemiah’s time (Nehemiah 13:23).
This message of judgment and sorrow was about Moab's fall. The many references to Moabite places show that Isaiah knew Moab well.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
Parallels
Places
Moab: Ancient kingdom east of the Dead Sea in Jordan
Glossary
Topics
Moabites: Prophesies Respecting: To Destroyed in Three Years Servants: Hired: Engaged by the Year