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Isaiah 16

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Chapter 16 - section continue from chapter 15

 

A bit of history is needed to understand verse 1 of chapter 16.  During King David's time Moab agreed that they would send lambs to Israel as a tax in order for Israel to not overthrow Moab.  Apparently during this time in which this prophecy refers to, Moab was now refusing to send these lambs.

 

Sela as you see in verse 1 is what the Bible also called Petra or Bozrah, which is important in Biblical prophecy.  Petra is where the remnant of Israel flees for protection.  Many Biblical Futurists see Isaiah 63:1 speaking of Jesus returning to earth at Bozrah.  Isaiah 63:1 asks the question, "Who is he coming from Bozrah" with blood stained clothes.

 

Sela is a specific place, but it's also a region.

 

I find verses 2 and 3 confusing at the moment.  Many Prophetic Futurists believe that the refugees spoken of here are Israelis fleeing from the anti-Christ.  Their thinking is that they flee to Bozrah in Moab
or, Jordan.

 

Verse 5is pretty much accepted as being Messianic.  The one spoken of here is Jesus who will set up His throne in Jerusalem and rule with justice. 

 

The phrase, "one who in judgment seeks justice" in verse 5 is important.  Of course, Jesus is the one judging.  It's important to know that when Jesus makes any kind of judgment, His judgment is not based on personal preference or revenge.  His judgment is motivated by justice.  He seeks justice and that is why He judges.

 

Verse 6 speaks of one of the main reasons why Moab is judged so harshly.  It's one of the main reasons why any nation is judged, and it is pride.

 

From verse 7 to the end of the chapter just shows us what God's judgment would look like concerning Moab .  It's not a pretty site.

 

 

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