Old Testament

Isaiah 15:1

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

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.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

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;

What Isaiah 15:1 means

Plain-English insight for readers

Isaiah 15:1 introduces a prophecy concerning Moab, a neighboring nation of Israel. The term 'burden' indicates a heavy message of judgment. The verse specifically mentions the cities of Ar and Kir, which are significant locations in Moab. The phrase 'laid waste and brought to silence' suggests complete destruction and desolation, indicating that these cities will face severe consequences, likely due to military invasion or divine judgment. The mention of 'night' emphasizes the suddenness and unexpected nature of this calamity. This prophecy serves as a warning to Moab about the impending doom they will face, highlighting the seriousness of their situation and the consequences of their actions. It reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring judgment upon those who oppose Him or engage in wrongdoing. Overall, this verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which continues to elaborate on the fate of Moab and the reasons behind it.

How to apply Isaiah 15:1 to your life

This verse reminds us of the seriousness of our actions and the potential consequences of turning away from God. It encourages us to reflect on our lives and seek alignment with God's will, ensuring we are not caught unprepared when challenges arise.

Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Naomi weeping between her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah outside a house in Moab

Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Ruth

Panoramic view across Tel Beer Sheva archaeological site and surrounding landscape.

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Beersheba

Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Isaiah 15:1

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Isaiah 15:1

At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah

Author
Isaiah the prophet
Written
Around 700 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah and the surrounding nations

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Isaiah 15:1 mean?

Isaiah 15:1 conveys a prophecy about Moab, indicating that its cities, Ar and Kir, will face destruction and silence due to judgment. The term 'burden' suggests a heavy message of impending doom, emphasizing the seriousness of Moab's situation.

What is the significance of the cities mentioned in Isaiah 15:1?

The cities Ar and Kir are significant locations in Moab, representing the heart of the nation. Their mention highlights the extent of the destruction that will come upon Moab as a result of divine judgment.

Why does Isaiah 15:1 mention 'night'?

The mention of 'night' in Isaiah 15:1 emphasizes the suddenness and unexpected nature of the calamity that will befall Moab. It suggests that the destruction will come swiftly, catching the people off guard.

What themes are present in Isaiah 15:1?

Isaiah 15:1 presents themes of judgment, destruction, and divine sovereignty. It reflects on the consequences of sin and serves as a warning about the fate of nations that oppose God.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.