Isaiah 16:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

But you, Arnon, think deeply about how you can save those who remain and are able to escape the wrath of the ravagers. You shall offer a covering for her tears always. Indeed, listen to the call of humanity; be a refuge for those overwhelmed by profound grief. They flee in the brightness of day, yet their minds are shrouded in darkness; the fear of death often clouds the soul, infusing a kind of night into the spirit, causing intense dread. Thus, he states that they were terrified, nearly losing their senses due to the horrors of war. Yet, even if you took in the people of Moab, recognize and be fully aware that you have saved only a small, countable remnant of those lost. He signifies this by stating that the exiles of Moab shall not dwell among you from the start; from the onset of the conflict, he says, you have received only a few fugitives, easily counted in number. Thus, the fulfillment of what God decreed against the Moabites came to fruition; they were destroyed, though a small remnant barely survived. Yet, O Arnon, you have received this remnant of Moabites, perhaps hoping that they too will eventually receive favor from you against your adversaries. But this will not happen. Why? Because your aid is gone, and the ruler who once dominated the earth is no more. The one who protected you, asserts the Moabite leader, who was both fearful and prideful, who trampled upon foes as if they were dust, has vanished and met his end. He teaches that the hope of the Moabites for regaining their former strength has also been taken away. For it is said of the wicked that they shall be cut off from the earth even to their roots. When the Divine wrath manifests completely, what remnant can survive among those subjected to it? Who can rise again when they are cast down by God?

Thus, when the mother takes flight, you will be removed from the nest, having no strength to defend yourself nor the ability to escape. The same force will both take you from the nest and drive away the mother who shields you. This illustrates how souls raised by a wicked and capricious spirit become easy prey for those who strive diligently in good works and call upon the name of Christ. Such nurturing raises them in Christ, guiding them toward perfection. The echoes of your weakness have been laid bare, O Lady of Moab. What will you become? What you once were will be made known. You have forgotten your humble beginnings and your lineage—born as you were from a father whose union was arranged in temptation, for your mother used the night and wine to ensnare him. The Arnon has conferred with many, yet past encounters have been meaningless for you. Though you ponder well-crafted doctrines in vain, consider fresh gatherings if you wish. It appears the prophet, with a hint of ridicule, invites Arnon to foolish assemblies, hoping they will tire of their futile pursuits and ultimately turn to sound doctrine. The Arnon is the fortified stronghold of Moab, and it is through the prophetic word that we are shown this place in Arabia. The name Arnon bears significance as it means enlightenment. Therefore, men, who are puffed up with a false sense of wisdom while believing their minds are enlightened, are, in truth, enveloped in darkness and estranged from God. The prophet addresses those who perceive themselves to be illuminated by knowledge, advising, "Provide shelter for her, weeping continually."

The mountain of the daughter of Zion symbolizes either the city of Jerusalem or, in a more profound interpretation, the Church established upon the pinnacle of virtue.

It shall be as a bird in flight, just as chicks flee the nest; so shall the daughters of Moab be at the fording of the Arnon. Returning to the initial vision, the text indicates that when a fiercer lion comes, breaking their bones, they shall scatter in fright, as all the daughters—representing the towns and communities of Moab—cross the Arnon, which defines the border between the Ammonites and Moabites.

Engage in dialogue, convene a council; create your shelter at noon as a shadow, protecting those who escape, and do not betray those who wander. My exiles shall find refuge with you; Moab, be a sanctuary for them against the devourer. For the dust is complete, the wicked one has vanished, and he who has trampled the earth no longer exists. The Hebrew term here implies both 'dust' and 'desolator.' Thus, to Moab it is advised to seek divine counsel and gather the elders for their salvation. If you wish for mercy from God, you will provide shelter to my fleeing people, covering them during the day as a shadow and not forsaking those who have strayed. It is explained why this is required: my exiles shall dwell with you. Following the devastation of Jerusalem and Judea, the people will migrate to you. Be their refuge and fear not the desolator, for he will soon vanish like dust, along with the tyrant who subjugated the land.

The throne shall be established in mercy, and He shall reign in truth within the tabernacle of David, a ruler who advocates for justice, swiftly recompensing right actions. The Hebrew understanding posits that after the defeat of the Assyrian king, Hezekiah, a just man, will reign over Judah, occupying David’s throne with integrity. Others maintain that this vision pertains to Christ. Once the reign of the Antichrist has been subdued and the desolator is vanquished, King Christ shall reign within the tabernacle of David and, at the judgment, dispense rewards according to each person's deeds. It is clear that this section foretells the coming of Christ, and one could also interpret it to reference His first coming while recognizing that the churches springing up throughout Moab bear witness to the power of Christ.