Isaiah 16:13

13 The LORD has already said these things about Moab in the past.

Isaiah 16:13 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 16:13

This [is] the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning
Moab
That is, this prophecy now delivered out is what comes from the Lord; it is the word of the Lord, and not of man, and so shall certainly come to pass; when this word was spoken follows: since that time;
from eternity, as some, and so refer it to the decree of God within himself; or from the time that Moab was in being, or a nation, as others; or from the time that Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel, so Jarchi; or rather from the time that the Lord made known his mind and will, concerning this matter, to the prophet Isaiah: for it should be rendered, "this is that word which the Lord spake concerning Moab then" ^F9; that is, at the time or year in which Ahaz died, ( Isaiah 14:28 ) and is observed, to distinguish it from what the prophet spoke, or was about to speak, now or from this time, concerning him, as in the next verse ( Isaiah 16:14 ) .

---

FOOTNOTES:

F9 So Noldius, Ebr. Concord. Part. p. 473. No. 1586.

Isaiah 16:13 In-Context

11 My heart’s cry for Moab is like a lament on a harp. I am filled with anguish for Kir-hareseth.

12 The people of Moab will worship at their pagan shrines, but it will do them no good. They will cry to the gods in their temples, but no one will be able to save them.

13 The LORD has already said these things about Moab in the past.

14 But now the LORD says, “Within three years, counting each day, the glory of Moab will be ended. From its great population, only a feeble few will be left alive.”