This verse prophesies Moab’s widespread grief, revealing that earthly assurances crumble before the judgment and sovereignty of God.
“Therefore Moab will wail; everyone of Moab will wail. You will moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth As those who are utterly stricken” (v.7). This verse portrays a scene of deep mourning among the people of Moab, a region located east of the Dead Sea in what is now central Jordan. Historically, Moab existed as a neighboring territory to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, and its people often came into conflict with God’s chosen nation. Here, the prophet Isaiah—who delivered oracles to Judah around 740-681 BC—describes Moab’s despair, emphasizing how widespread and personal the anguish will be. The “raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth” likely refer to offerings associated with Moabite religious practice or local produce central to their economy, making their destruction and loss all the more grievous. Kir-hareseth itself (sometimes called Kir Moab) would have been an important fortified city, a place where such raisin cakes (possibly a delicacy or an item of trade) were produced or offered, thus intensifying the tragedy of this lament.
Dwelling on Moab’s sorrow, we may see a reminder of sin’s consequences and the fragility of worldly reliance (Isaiah 16:6). Just as Moab’s hope was linked to its economic goods, humanity’s deepest needs cannot be met by material resources but by God’s provision. Isaiah’s words also prompt reflection on God’s sovereign oversight of all nations: this judgment clarifies that no nation, not even the powerful or prosperous, stands beyond the reach of divine assessment (Proverbs 21:2). An interesting link in Scripture is that Ruth, an ancestor of King David and therefore of Jesus (Matthew 1:5-6), came from Moab. Her story highlights God’s redemptive purpose, showing His desire to bring people from all nations into relationship with Him, even if at times He allows judgment to fall so that hearts might turn to His mercy.
Moab’s impending calamity reminds us that hopes placed in human power or local traditions inevitably fall short, especially without humility and reverence before God.
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Isaiah 16:7 meaning
“Therefore Moab will wail; everyone of Moab will wail. You will moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth As those who are utterly stricken” (v.7). This verse portrays a scene of deep mourning among the people of Moab, a region located east of the Dead Sea in what is now central Jordan. Historically, Moab existed as a neighboring territory to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, and its people often came into conflict with God’s chosen nation. Here, the prophet Isaiah—who delivered oracles to Judah around 740-681 BC—describes Moab’s despair, emphasizing how widespread and personal the anguish will be. The “raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth” likely refer to offerings associated with Moabite religious practice or local produce central to their economy, making their destruction and loss all the more grievous. Kir-hareseth itself (sometimes called Kir Moab) would have been an important fortified city, a place where such raisin cakes (possibly a delicacy or an item of trade) were produced or offered, thus intensifying the tragedy of this lament.
Dwelling on Moab’s sorrow, we may see a reminder of sin’s consequences and the fragility of worldly reliance (Isaiah 16:6). Just as Moab’s hope was linked to its economic goods, humanity’s deepest needs cannot be met by material resources but by God’s provision. Isaiah’s words also prompt reflection on God’s sovereign oversight of all nations: this judgment clarifies that no nation, not even the powerful or prosperous, stands beyond the reach of divine assessment (Proverbs 21:2). An interesting link in Scripture is that Ruth, an ancestor of King David and therefore of Jesus (Matthew 1:5-6), came from Moab. Her story highlights God’s redemptive purpose, showing His desire to bring people from all nations into relationship with Him, even if at times He allows judgment to fall so that hearts might turn to His mercy.
Moab’s impending calamity reminds us that hopes placed in human power or local traditions inevitably fall short, especially without humility and reverence before God.