Isaiah 16:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In explaining these words, we indicated that due to an earthquake, Moab’s wall was shattered, and before enemies launched their assault, it was nearly leveled to the ground, which echoed like thunder throughout the land of Moab. Although it was restored, that effort proved entirely futile, for the Assyrians and Babylonians easily overran the entire region. Thus, my inner being will cry out like a psaltery for your misfortunes, and I will declare your suffering to everyone, just as the wall you have repaired was ultimately torn down—not for lasting benefit. Since the wall collapsed of its own accord, it could not be hidden from anyone residing in all the land of Moab, nor from those in other cities and nations.

Thus, one who prepares their inward self to bless the holy name of God is also fully equipped to express gratitude to Him. Similarly, Isaiah's inner resolve stood strong, as God renewed it; he was transformed by the grace of the Word, which revitalized his inner man, creating a formidable barrier against evil thoughts and adversaries seeking to invade. Therefore, it is beneficial for us to solidify this understanding in our minds, to reflect like the prophet, proclaiming, “My belly like a psaltery shall sing, and my inner being like a wall thou hast renewed.”

My innermost being, compared to a wall of burnt brick (or as Theodotion translates, a demolished wall) signifies that all the defenses of the oppressors, in which they once placed their hope, will fall and be obliterated. Yet, the essence of the prophet reflects what David expressed in the Psalm: "Bless my soul unto the Lord, and all my inwardness unto His holy name" (Psalm 102:1). Just as a harp fails to produce harmonious sounds if even a single string breaks, the spiritual womb of the prophet will also struggle to emit a pleasing song, unable to cry out in fullness to the desolate wall if even one virtue is absent. Philosophers have posited that virtues are interlinked, and as the Apostle James notes, the absence of one virtue leads to the loss of all. When Moab realizes the futility of the lofty doctrines he once esteemed, he will enter sanctuaries—not those inherently sacred, but ones he mistakenly deemed holy—and find no salvation. Perhaps he will abandon his false beliefs and attempt to enter the sanctuaries of the Church seeking to claim them, yet he will be unsuccessful. Perfection in virtue cannot be achieved instantaneously. The phrase "This is the word which the Lord has spoken since that time to Moab" serves as a conclusion reiterating the initial introduction that presented "a word against Moab" or a burden, thus aligning with what is affirmed at the outset. The term "from that time" must then indicate when He began to speak to him, meaning all utterances collectively reflect one message from God, an overarching definition. Furthermore, the LXX's interpretation that the inward parts of the prophet are renewed by God implies that Moab will face humiliation, ultimately coming to the altars to engage in the works of hands; we understand this as the prophet's innermost being being perpetually refreshed and fortified by God, so adversaries may be shamed, recognizing that human efforts are futile and will not lead to salvation.

My womb will lament about Moab like a psaltery, and my innards like a wall of burnt brick. Let it not be misconstrued that the prophet's sorrow is one of joy at the downfall of Israel's enemies; rather, he mourns earnestly over the ruin of a once-mighty city.

And it shall happen, even if it is seen that Moab has toiled to exhaustion on his heights, and if he enters his sanctuaries to pray, yet he will find no assistance. It is a severe misfortune to discover a lack of help from those honored with great reverence. He notes that after losing strength through the death of his soldiers, Moab will turn to idols and pray in shrines, yet find no aid from those who will endure the same devastation.

From what point do we consider this? Surely from the moment of Moab’s creation, alongside the Lord's decree that "The Moabites and Ammonites shall not enter into the church of God" (Deuteronomy 23:3). Alternatively, it can be understood that this divine judgment has been established since ancient times—not indicating that God's foreknowledge caused the downfall, but rather that the divine majesty foresaw the coming desolation.