"Against Moab thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel
Moab was a longstanding enemy of Israel. A review of Israel’s history reveals numerous conflicts with the Moabites who tried to subdue Israel or seduce them into worshiping false gods (see Numbers 21—25). In fact, Deuteronomy 23:3–6 disallowed ten generations of Moabites from entering the sacred assembly.
Like the oracle against Egypt, today’s reading also underscores the reason for Moab’s downfall. In particular, Moab was a proud nation trusting in their “deeds and riches” (v.7). Later in the oracle, Moab’s pride is referenced eight times in two verses (vv.29-30). But pride was not the only problem. Moab was also rebuked for defying the Lord (vv.26, 42), likely a reference to Moab’s conflict with Israel, and for her false worship of other gods (v.35).
Yet despite all this, notice the concern God has for Moab. In the face of devastation, God wails, cries out, and weeps for them (vv.31-32). God told them, “my heart laments for Moab like the music of a pipe” (v.36). And then there is the final word of restoration: “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in days to come” (v.48). What a glimpse at the heart of God who, “desires that none should perish but all men should be saved should come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).
This should speak volumes of hope to all who wail, cry out, and weep for their loved ones who are not walking with the LORD right now. For His heart laments for them just as He did for Moab, desiring to provide restoration to those who will repent.
The Truth: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
Moab was a longstanding enemy of Israel. A review of Israel’s history reveals numerous conflicts with the Moabites who tried to subdue Israel or seduce them into worshiping false gods (see Numbers 21—25). In fact, Deuteronomy 23:3–6 disallowed ten generations of Moabites from entering the sacred assembly.
Like the oracle against Egypt, today’s reading also underscores the reason for Moab’s downfall. In particular, Moab was a proud nation trusting in their “deeds and riches” (v.7). Later in the oracle, Moab’s pride is referenced eight times in two verses (vv.29-30). But pride was not the only problem. Moab was also rebuked for defying the Lord (vv.26, 42), likely a reference to Moab’s conflict with Israel, and for her false worship of other gods (v.35).
Yet despite all this, notice the concern God has for Moab. In the face of devastation, God wails, cries out, and weeps for them (vv.31-32). God told them, “my heart laments for Moab like the music of a pipe” (v.36). And then there is the final word of restoration: “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in days to come” (v.48). What a glimpse at the heart of God who, “desires that none should perish but all men should be saved should come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).
This should speak volumes of hope to all who wail, cry out, and weep for their loved ones who are not walking with the LORD right now. For His heart laments for them just as He did for Moab, desiring to provide restoration to those who will repent.
The Truth: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
