Isaiah 15:1 Meaning and Explanation
“The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Isaiah announces Moab's sudden destruction in the night.
The Context of Isaiah 15:1
Opening of Isaiah's prophecy against Moab (Isaiah 15–16).
What Does Isaiah 15:1 Mean?
Isaiah delivers a prophetic message about Moab, Judah's eastern neighbor. A burden in prophetic speech means a weighty judgment or pronouncement. The prophet declares that two of Moab's major cities—Ar and Kir—will be destroyed and left in ruins overnight, emphasizing the swiftness and totality of the calamity.
This nighttime destruction was historically understood as divine judgment. The repetition of the phrase about Ar and Kir being laid waste and brought to silence emphasizes both the certainty and the completeness of Moab's downfall, leaving nothing and no one to respond.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 15:1
What does Isaiah 15:1 mean?
Isaiah announces Moab's sudden destruction in the night.
What is the context of Isaiah 15:1?
Opening of Isaiah's prophecy against Moab (Isaiah 15–16).