Isaiah 15:7 - Therefore they will carry away the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have stored up, over the brook of the willows.
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What does "Isaiah 15:7" mean?
Isaiah 15 is a prophecy against Moab, a neighboring nation to Israel. This particular verse, Isaiah 15:7, speaks to the devastating consequences of the coming judgment. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Therefore they will carry away the abundance they have gotten..." This refers to the wealth, possessions, and valuable goods that the Moabites have accumulated through their agricultural efforts, trade, and perhaps even exploitation of others. The "they" likely refers to the invading forces (often understood to be the Assyrians in the historical context). This means Moab's prosperity and material gains will be seized as spoils of war.
"...and that which they have stored up..." This emphasizes that not only the immediately available riches but also the treasures the Moabites have carefully saved and secured in storehouses will be taken away. The invaders will leave nothing behind.
"...over the brook of the willows." This is a specific geographical reference. The "brook of the willows" (Hebrew: nahal ha-'arabim) was a known waterway on the border of Moab, possibly marking the boundary of their territory or a place of refuge. The verse suggests that the Moabites, fleeing the invasion, will be forced to carry their remaining possessions across this brook as they are displaced and deported from their land. Some commentators interpret the brook of the willows as the border between Moab and Edom.
In summary, the verse paints a picture of utter devastation and loss. The Moabites will lose everything they have worked for, their stored wealth, and even be forced to flee their homes, carrying whatever they can manage, across a geographical landmark that represents the edge of their desolation. This illustrates the complete and utter defeat that is prophesied for Moab.
Symbolic Interpretation:
While the verse has a literal, historical meaning, it can also be interpreted symbolically:
"Abundance they have gotten" and "that which they have stored up" can represent anything that people put their trust in: wealth, security, status, etc.
"Brook of the willows" can represent a point of desperation or exile, a time of weeping and lament (willows are sometimes associated with mourning).
In this symbolic understanding, the verse warns against putting too much value on material possessions or worldly security, as these can be easily taken away, leading to sorrow and displacement.
Therefore, the meaning is threefold:
1. Historical fulfillment: the Moabites would be defeated and exiled.
2. Warning: putting all trust in material possessions is foolish.
3. Consequences of sin: the Moabites are suffering for their own wrongdoing and rebellion against God.
Isaiah 15:7 - Therefore they will carry away the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have stored up, over the brook of the willows.
What does "Isaiah 15:7" mean?
Isaiah 15 is a prophecy against Moab, a neighboring nation to Israel. This particular verse, Isaiah 15:7, speaks to the devastating consequences of the coming judgment. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Therefore they will carry away the abundance they have gotten..." This refers to the wealth, possessions, and valuable goods that the Moabites have accumulated through their agricultural efforts, trade, and perhaps even exploitation of others. The "they" likely refers to the invading forces (often understood to be the Assyrians in the historical context). This means Moab's prosperity and material gains will be seized as spoils of war.
"...and that which they have stored up..." This emphasizes that not only the immediately available riches but also the treasures the Moabites have carefully saved and secured in storehouses will be taken away. The invaders will leave nothing behind.
"...over the brook of the willows." This is a specific geographical reference. The "brook of the willows" (Hebrew: nahal ha-'arabim) was a known waterway on the border of Moab, possibly marking the boundary of their territory or a place of refuge. The verse suggests that the Moabites, fleeing the invasion, will be forced to carry their remaining possessions across this brook as they are displaced and deported from their land. Some commentators interpret the brook of the willows as the border between Moab and Edom.
In summary, the verse paints a picture of utter devastation and loss. The Moabites will lose everything they have worked for, their stored wealth, and even be forced to flee their homes, carrying whatever they can manage, across a geographical landmark that represents the edge of their desolation. This illustrates the complete and utter defeat that is prophesied for Moab.
Symbolic Interpretation:
While the verse has a literal, historical meaning, it can also be interpreted symbolically:
"Abundance they have gotten" and "that which they have stored up" can represent anything that people put their trust in: wealth, security, status, etc.
"Brook of the willows" can represent a point of desperation or exile, a time of weeping and lament (willows are sometimes associated with mourning).
In this symbolic understanding, the verse warns against putting too much value on material possessions or worldly security, as these can be easily taken away, leading to sorrow and displacement.
Therefore, the meaning is threefold:
1. Historical fulfillment: the Moabites would be defeated and exiled.
2. Warning: putting all trust in material possessions is foolish.
3. Consequences of sin: the Moabites are suffering for their own wrongdoing and rebellion against God.