Isaiah 16:1-12

There is always a promise of hope in the midst of the judgment of God.  He longs for men to be reconciled to Him and He does not wish to judge the nations and the people.  His desire is to forgive them and be reconciled to them but He can only do so as people turn from their sin in repentance and humble themselves before Him in faith.  Apart from this turning to the Lord there is no hope and judgment in sure.

MOAB IS ENCOURAGED TO MAKE PEACE WITH ISRAEL: God has promised to send a redeemer of mankind through the nation of Israel.  Isaiah calls for Moab to recognize their need of a Savior and do demonstrate that recognition by making peace with Israel.  This of course would have required a major shift in their political agenda and their personal humility and pride.  All of us like to think that we are right.  It takes a great amount of humility to admit that we are wrong and that we need help; but that is exactly what we must do if we are going to be reconciled to Him through Christ.  Apart from repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus we will continue in condemnation.


MOAB IS EXPECTED TO BE ARROGANT AND JUDGED: Unfortunately, despite the call to repentance, the nation of Moab is expected to continue in its pride and arrogance.  They insist on rebelling against the Lord, going to war with Israel and will find themselves condemned because of it.  God will judge Moab and they will find themselves scattered in the desert and without a homeland to call their own.  God does not take pleasure in judgment rather He laments at the loss of those He judges.  However, He stands ready to judge and has determined a time to judge the nations and all men.  We would be wise the heed this warning and prepare for that judgment by humbling ourselves before the Lord and accepting the help and hope He has given us through Jesus Christ the Lord.

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