Isaiah 15:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Her soul perceives this reality, and therefore it mourns and cries out to Sihor, representing the entirety of Moab, even to its furthest reaches; for Sihor is believed to lie along Moab's boundaries. What anguish awaits her? The young girl is merely three years old. In the life cycle of certain creatures, three years is sufficient for them to reach a blossoming phase and to develop their maturity. This year also serves as a point of training. Just as an unbroken heifer, still youthful and playful, with only developing horns, often escapes her confines, so too does the land of Moab attack its neighbors and prey upon the vulnerable. Moab is characterized by its elevated terrain, and by the singular route known as Aronim, those traveling from other towns or regions find their way into it. Thus, as they ascend the path of Aronim, those who mourn shall rise up. The words of the weepers express feelings of despair and cowardice as they lament the sufferings to come, which will reverberate across all things, cities, and homes, ultimately destroying those who inhabit them.

Genuine repentance begins with a heartfelt cry and leads to a transformed life, serving as a witness to others, thus embodying the essence of repentance.

The young woman symbolizes spiritual readiness; being three years old indicates maturity and the ability to bear fruit and submit to righteous obligations. This suggests that for one to undergo transformation, they must attain both spiritual maturity and an understanding of the truths they embrace. The Prophet referred to this as a youth of three years because a person who has not yet grown into full maturity lacks the complete insight necessary for repentance. In the Book of Genesis, when Abraham sought assurance from God, he asked, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit this land?” God responded, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer and a three-year-old goat” (cf. Genesis 15:8-9), indicating the selection of perfect and fully capable creatures. He did not specify a time for the turtledove and pigeon since they reproduce swiftly.

As those who mourn turn to You, it is written that sorrow for God becomes the foundation of spiritual elevation and joy. The Apostle expresses joy for those who weep, for his teachings lead them to self-awareness and genuine sorrow for their sins, allowing for repentance that leads to salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10). Those who lament their transgressions will not descend into the depths of despair but instead will rise, guided by their sorrow for God. Yet, the wretched person who avoids such feelings will cry out in fear. The word of God challenges and strikes down false wisdom, provoking a reexamination of harmful thoughts to replace them with righteous understanding. Hence, God does not forsake a contrite and humble spirit (Psalm 50:19). While the grip of sin remains steady, sinners will not weep or ascend. However, should their hearts be shattered, and their souls distressed by deceitful teachings, then a cry of repentance will be heard that offers hope to all who listen.

It is referred to as Bala, meaning swallowed up, because, as per Jewish tradition, it was destroyed during the third earthquake; this city is currently known as Zoora in Syriac and Sigor in Hebrew, with both names signifying small. The three-year-old heifer may symbolize a state of completeness, as the age of peak strength in humans is the thirtieth year, so it is with livestock and pack animals at the third year. The boundaries can be interpreted as limits and fortitude, given that Sihor marks the border of the Moabites, delineating their territory from that of the Philistines. At the emergence of the Luhid, a lament will arise. Jeremiah proclaims, "When the Luhid springs up, lamentation after lamentation shall go up." We discern that this refers to the incline leading to the Assyrians, signifying captivity. Along the path to Oronaim, cries of anguish will be heard. Jeremiah again states, "the voice of crying in Oronaim, desolation and great brokenness." It would take considerable time to discuss each aspect in detail, yet it is clear that this refers to the names of the cities or places in Moab that the refugees abandon.