Moab will suffer fierce judgment, leaving no escape from divine retribution.
In “For the waters of Dimon are full of blood; Surely I will bring added woes upon Dimon, A lion upon the fugitives of Moab and upon the remnant of the land.” (v.9), the prophet Isaiah portrays a scene of impending judgment. The word Dimon in this passage likely refers to a site in the region of Moab, a kingdom located east of the Dead Sea. Moab originated from the oldest daughter of Lot (Genesis 19:37), and its inhabitants frequently opposed Israel in various eras, even conspiring against them under kings like Balak and Eglon. According to other parts of Scripture, Moab’s antagonism against the LORD and His people brought about repeated divine pronouncements of doom (Isaiah 25:10).
When Isaiah states that “the waters of Dimon are full of blood” (v.9), it conveys the imagery of widespread violence or a catastrophic event. The mention of “added woes” and the threat of “a lion upon the fugitives of Moab” reflect a twofold warning: Moab’s attempt to flee or resist will prove futile, and the land’s remnant (those who manage to survive) will still face further peril. In ancient Near Eastern literature, lions often symbolized impending calamities, sometimes representing invading armies or direct acts of judgment from God.
The historical Moab, positioned southeast of Israel, was well known for its mountainous territory and hostile relations with its Israelite neighbors. The prophecy here underscores that no refuge will exist for Moab. Even those who survive the initial bloodshed shall be pursued. This grim scene testifies that the sins of Moab have reached a tipping point, calling for decisive retribution from the LORD.
God’s judgment on Moab serves as a recurring reminder for any nation or people living in continued rebellion, showcasing the universal truth that wrongdoing often leads to ruin.
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Isaiah 15:9 meaning
In “For the waters of Dimon are full of blood; Surely I will bring added woes upon Dimon, A lion upon the fugitives of Moab and upon the remnant of the land.” (v.9), the prophet Isaiah portrays a scene of impending judgment. The word Dimon in this passage likely refers to a site in the region of Moab, a kingdom located east of the Dead Sea. Moab originated from the oldest daughter of Lot (Genesis 19:37), and its inhabitants frequently opposed Israel in various eras, even conspiring against them under kings like Balak and Eglon. According to other parts of Scripture, Moab’s antagonism against the LORD and His people brought about repeated divine pronouncements of doom (Isaiah 25:10).
When Isaiah states that “the waters of Dimon are full of blood” (v.9), it conveys the imagery of widespread violence or a catastrophic event. The mention of “added woes” and the threat of “a lion upon the fugitives of Moab” reflect a twofold warning: Moab’s attempt to flee or resist will prove futile, and the land’s remnant (those who manage to survive) will still face further peril. In ancient Near Eastern literature, lions often symbolized impending calamities, sometimes representing invading armies or direct acts of judgment from God.
The historical Moab, positioned southeast of Israel, was well known for its mountainous territory and hostile relations with its Israelite neighbors. The prophecy here underscores that no refuge will exist for Moab. Even those who survive the initial bloodshed shall be pursued. This grim scene testifies that the sins of Moab have reached a tipping point, calling for decisive retribution from the LORD.
God’s judgment on Moab serves as a recurring reminder for any nation or people living in continued rebellion, showcasing the universal truth that wrongdoing often leads to ruin.