The nation of Moab was born out of Lot’s incestuous union with one of his daughters (Gen. 19:30–38). It was a proud nation that would not honor the God of Israel but trusted in its fortifications. Pride is a sin that God hates (Prov. 6:16–17), whether in nations or in individuals, and it leads to judgment.
When the Assyrians invaded, the Moabites turned from boasting to weeping (15:1–4) and fleeing (15:5–9). They had faith in their fortifications, but everything failed them. Contrast this with Isaiah 2:10–11. They should have made peace with Judah (16:1–2) and gone to Jerusalem for asylum. God had promised to protect Judah from the Assyrian army (10:24ff.) because that was where David’s throne was (16:5).
The prophet looked beyond this event to the time when the Son of God would sit on David’s throne and bring in righteousness and justice (16:5). God could do without Moab; but He had a covenant with David (2 Sam. 7), and He would be faithful to His promises. Judah was safe because the people trusted the Lord.
