Isaiah 16:2

2 They wait on the banks of the Arnon River and move aimlessly back and forth, like birds driven from their nest.

Isaiah 16:2 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 16:2

For it shall be
Or, "otherwise it shall be" ^F26; if ye do not pay this tribute: [that] as a wandering bird cast out of the nest:
or, "as a wandering bird, the nest sent out": that is, as a bird that has forsaken its nest, and wanders about, and its young ones are turned out of the nest, scarcely fledged, and unable to shift for themselves, but flutter about here and there, trembling and frightened, see ( Proverbs 26:2 ) : [so] the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon:
turned out of their houses, wandering up and down, not knowing where to go; unable to help themselves, and in the utmost fright and consternation, fleeing to the very borders of their land, as the fords of Arnon were, see ( Numbers 21:13 Numbers 21:14 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F26 (hyhw) "alioqui", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.

Isaiah 16:2 In-Context

1 From the city of Sela in the desert the people of Moab send a lamb as a present to the one who rules in Jerusalem.

2 They wait on the banks of the Arnon River and move aimlessly back and forth, like birds driven from their nest.

3 They say to the people of Judah, "Tell us what to do. Protect us like a tree that casts a cool shadow in the heat of noon, and let us rest in your shade. We are refugees; hide us where no one can find us.

4 Let us stay in your land. Protect us from those who want to destroy us." (Oppression and destruction will end, and those who are devastating the country will be gone.

5 Then one of David's descendants will be king, and he will rule the people with faithfulness and love. He will be quick to do what is right, and he will see that justice is done.)