Isaiah 15:5 - 16:5 Mercy for Refugees
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Introduction:
Introduction:
THE BEGINNING OF MOAB:
THE BEGINNING OF MOAB:
A reminder of how Moab began, and the significance of Zoar -
What is he saying?
What is he saying?
THE EXILE OF MOAB:
THE EXILE OF MOAB:
Isaiah will apparently sense the agony and cry out for Moab. The entire passage shows that there will be refugees coming from Moab to Jerusalem (, ).
Why is he saying this?
Why is he saying this?
Isaiah is saying this because he is prophesying of the destruction of Moab that will take place within three years of this prophecy ().
The destruction of Moab explained:
The destruction of Moab explained:
Refugees fleeing to Zoar (the subsequent phrase either means that Zoar was unyoked/unbroken or is name of a city)
Waters of Nimrim were spring-fed fresh waters that emptied out into the Dead Sea
Reveals the futility of their abundance
Lists a few other cities of Moab, with a possible wordplay for the city “Dibon” with “Dimon” which signifies blood.
The deliverance of Moab envisioned:
The deliverance of Moab envisioned:
Appears to be a reference to sending a gift to Jerusalem so that the refugees might be accepted. Moab known for their sheep, and this was not an unusual practice. See
Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land From Sela to the wilderness, Unto the mount of the daughter of Zion.
And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.
This would appear to be the appeal from the ambassage from Sela (possibly Petra) to Jerusalem.
It should also be noted that this is not the first time a refugee came out of Moab to seek refuge among the people of God.
What is the principle?
What is the principle?
The only refuge is in the mercy of the One who sits on the throne of His Father David.
To the immediate hearers of this message of Isaiah, they would understand:
- Don’t trust in Moab
- Don’t trust in strategic locations in the wilderness
- Trust in the Lord!
- Receive others who will trust in the same King!
Where is Jesus (why do we need him first?)?
Where is Jesus (why do we need him first?)?
THE TENDENCY OF MOAB IS A TENDENCY OF MANKIND:
THE TENDENCY OF MOAB IS A TENDENCY OF MANKIND:
We really need this type of exhortation today because our tendency as humans is to place faith in ourselves.
(1) Those who have never trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior do this with eternity at stake.
Their hope is that what they offer will make them acceptable, especially in times of turmoil.
(2) Christians do this when they have forgotten the LORD’S mercy.
They begin to look at their lives, their careers, their talents and begin to think that the LORD is happier with them than with others because of these things.
This leads to Christians who do not know how to show mercy to people who are morally corrupt and in sin.
Notice Isaiah’s resolution though:
Notice Isaiah’s resolution though:
is instructive for both non-believers and believers.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Lord’s mercy means that He has “compassion” or “pity”.
God’s mercy means God’s goodness toward those in misery and distress.
Grudem, W. A. (2004). Systematic theology: an introduction to biblical doctrine (p. 200). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House.
THE LORD’S MERCY HAS BEEN EXTENDED IN JESUS CHRIST.
THE LORD’S MERCY HAS BEEN EXTENDED IN JESUS CHRIST.
The Lord’s mercy has been extended to us in the Person of Jesus Christ. Isaiah spoke earlier of the One to come and sit on the throne of David:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice From henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
What is the application today?
What is the application today?
APPLICATION FOUND IN CHRIST:
APPLICATION FOUND IN CHRIST:
(1) Quite literally this refuge for distressed people is found in Jesus Christ.
APPLICATION FOR THOSE LATER IN LIFE:
APPLICATION FOR THOSE LATER IN LIFE:
(2) Retiree, have you received the pity of the Lord in Jesus Christ? If so, who needs this same mercy - though they may be a person you have reason to despise?
(3) Grandparents, how great is the mercy that you’ve received in Christ? Is it great? If so, how is this stage in your life being used to help bring spiritual refugees to Jesus Christ?
APPLICATION FOR THOSE IN CAREERS:
APPLICATION FOR THOSE IN CAREERS:
(4) Career individuals, was Jesus more than nice in his mercy to you? Whom has God placed in your life that needs God’s mercy? They need more than just a nice co-worker.
APPLICATION FOR CHRISTIANS & THE CHURCH:
APPLICATION FOR CHRISTIANS & THE CHURCH:
(5) Christian, maybe your the cantankerous one. You sense the unrest in your heart. Have you considered how much mercy you needed from the Lord — what this cost? Have you considered that your bitterness could be because you’ve forgotten how merciful the LORD has been to you?
(6) Local Church - What does this mean for the local church body? Currently, the local church is the outpost of the Lord’s Kingdom. It is the place where Jew and Moabite alike can come to observe Christ as the Head (through how we receive one another).