Isaiah 16:2 Meaning and Explanation
“For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moab's women will flee like birds, crossing the Arnon River in desperate escape.
The Context of Isaiah 16:2
The devastating consequences of invasion: families fleeing across borders in desperation.
What Does Isaiah 16:2 Mean?
The image of daughters cast out of a nest compares displaced people to birds separated from their home and protection. The Arnon River, which forms the border of Moab, becomes the crossing point where refugees gather in panic. This verse portrays the trauma and disorder that comes with military invasion and displacement.
The natural imagery captures the chaos of flight—swift, uncontrolled, stripped of dignity and security. Women at the fords represent entire families and communities uprooted and vulnerable. The powerlessness conveyed in the metaphor illustrates the totality of Moab's crisis and the indiscriminate nature of refugee flight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 16:2
What does Isaiah 16:2 mean?
Moab's women will flee like birds, crossing the Arnon River in desperate escape.
What is the context of Isaiah 16:2?
The devastating consequences of invasion: families fleeing across borders in desperation.