Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. The burden of Damascus.] Which is, according to the common version, The cities of Aroer are forsaken. It has already been observed by the learned prelate that the prophecy, as it relates to Damascus, was executed in the beginning of the reign of Ahaz, probably about the third year. If we credit Midrash, the Damascenes were the most extensive and flagrant of all idolaters. "There were in Damascus three hundred and sixty-five streets, in each of these was an idol, and each idol had his peculiar day of worship; so that the whole were worshipped in the course of the year." This, or any thing like this, was a sufficient reason for this city's destruction.
A ruinous heap] For y[m mei, "a ruinous heap," the Septuagint reads y[l lei, "for a ruin," the Vulgate y[k kei, "as a ruin." I follow the former.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- Moab is exhorted to yield obedience. (Is. 16:1-5) The pride and the judgments of Moab. (Is. 16:6-14)
Is. 16:1-5 God tells sinners what they may do to prevent ruin; so he does to Moab. Let them send the tribute they formerly engaged to pay to Judah. Take it as good advice. Break off thy sins by righteousness, it may lengthen thy quiet. And this may be applied to the great gospe duty of submission to Christ. Send him the lamb, the best you have yourselves a living sacrifice. When you come to God, the great Ruler come in the name of the Lamb, the Lamb of God. Those who will no submit to Christ, shall be as a bird that wanders from her nest, whic shall be snatched up by the next bird of prey. Those who will not yiel to the fear of God, shall be made to yield to the fear of every thin else. He advises them to be kind to the seed of Israel. Those tha expect to find favour when in trouble themselves, must show favour to those in trouble. What is here said concerning the throne of Hezekiah also belongs, in a much higher sense, to the kingdom of Jesus Christ Though by subjection to Him we may not enjoy worldly riches or honours but may be exposed to poverty and contempt, we shall have peace of conscience and eternal life.
Is. 16:6-14 Those who will not be counselled, cannot be helped. Mor souls are ruined by pride than by any other sin whatever. Also, the very proud are commonly very passionate. With lies many seek to gai the gratification of pride and passion, but they shall not compas proud and angry projects. Moab was famous for fields and vineyards; but they shall be laid waste by the invading army. God can soon tur laughter into mourning, and joy into heaviness. In God let us alway rejoice with holy triumph; in earthly things let us always rejoice with holy trembling. The prophet looks with concern on the desolations of such a pleasant country; it causes inward grief. The false gods of Moa are unable to help; and the God of Israel, the only true God, can an will make good what he has spoken. Let Moab know her ruin is very near and prepare. The most awful declarations of Divine wrath, discover the way of escape to those who take warning. There is no escape, but by submission to the Son of David, and devoting ourselves to him. And, a length, when the appointed time comes, all the glory, prosperity, an multitude of the wicked shall perish _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew משׂא4853 דמשׂק1834 הנה2009 דמשׂק1834 מוסר5493 מעיר5892 והיתה1961 מעי4596 מפלה׃4654
