| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| July 13, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
Isaiah 15-18
Observation & Interpretation
God through Isaiah speaks an oracle concerning Moab, that because Ar of Moab is laid waste in a night, Moab is undone (Is. 15:1). The FSB provides helpful context regarding Moab:
Moab was Israel and Judah’s neighbor to the east across the Jordan River. Many of the northern Moabite cities described in this passage were once possessed by Israel. Several of them—such as Heshbon and Elealeh—were built by Israelites (Num 32:37). When Israel and Judah were strong, they dominated and controlled this area of the Transjordan. During Isaiah’s day, Moab—along with all the other countries in the region—was subject to Assyrian invasion.
The FSB continues in explanation of this particular oracle of Moab, saying, ”Unlike most of the other oracles against the nations, which gloat over their eventual downfall, this oracle about Moab is sympathetic. In v. 5 and 16:9–11, Yahweh laments over the misfortune of Moab. Still, the same sin of pride and arrogance requires judgment. Jeremiah offers a similar prophecy against Moab in Jer 48.” (FSB)
Then follows in chapter 17 an oracle of Damascus, that she would cease to be a city and would become a heap of ruins (Is. 17:1). “This oracle—which focuses on Damascus, the capital of Aram (also called Syria)—recalls the crisis of chs. 7–8 (ca. 735 BC), where Aram and Israel jointly rebelled against Assyria and besieged Judah in an attempt to force them into their alliance.” (FSB). Isaiah speaks of how Israel had forgotten God—implying “obeying and worshiping him”—and had not remembered the Rock of their refuge (Is. 17:10). “God’s judgment comes quickly, in a single day (in the evening … before morning). The victim of the nations (God’s people) speaks here in the first person (us).” (Is. 17:14) (FSB).
Next, in chapter 18, Isaiah declares an oracle of Cush. “The oracle describes a distant land desperately sending out envoys to find allies.” (Is. 18:1-7). Much imagery is used in the description (ex. harvest, flower, grape, birds of prey, beasts of the earth, etc.).
Application
The theme of God’s perfect righteousness and just punishment of sin continues in these chapters. Israel had forgotten the God of their salvation and sown in their own ability instead. As s result, their efforts of self-sufficiency would yield no harvest. How often I do the same. Rather than seeking the Lord in prayer in surrender to His will and guidance, I take steps on my own accord, initiating movement toward an end that I desire. What a grace of the Lord it is that by His Spirit working through His Word our sin and selfish pursuits are illumined, such that we would turn from them and pursue Him in obedience.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.
