Old Testament

Isaiah 15:2

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah describes the mourning of the people of Moab as they face destruction.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

He has gone up to Bajith and to Dibon, the high places, to weep. Moab will wail over Nebo and Medeba. On all their heads will be baldness, and every beard will be cut off.

KJVKing James Version

He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah describes the mourning of the people of Moab as they face destruction. The mention of Bajith and Dibon, which are high places, indicates that these locations were significant for worship or mourning. The people are depicted as weeping and howling over the loss of their cities, Nebo and Medeba. The imagery of baldness and beards being cut off symbolizes deep grief and humiliation, as these were signs of mourning in ancient cultures. The verse captures the emotional and physical toll of impending disaster on the Moabites, highlighting their despair and the seriousness of their situation. This passage serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the sorrow that follows when a nation faces judgment.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Isaiah 15:2 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the importance of staying aligned with our values. It reminds us that turning away from what is right can lead to sorrow and loss. We should seek to support those in mourning and recognize the weight of grief in our communities.

Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Isaiah 15:2 mean?

Isaiah 15:2 describes the mourning of the Moabites as they face destruction. The verse highlights their grief over the loss of their cities, Nebo and Medeba, and uses imagery of baldness and cut beards to symbolize deep sorrow and humiliation.

What is the significance of Bajith and Dibon in Isaiah 15:2?

Bajith and Dibon are mentioned as high places, indicating their importance for worship or mourning in Moab. Their mention underscores the cultural practices of the Moabites as they grieve the impending destruction of their cities.

What does the imagery of baldness and cut beards represent in Isaiah 15:2?

The imagery of baldness and cut beards in Isaiah 15:2 symbolizes deep grief and humiliation. In ancient cultures, these were common signs of mourning, reflecting the emotional toll of the disaster facing the Moabites.

How does Isaiah 15:2 relate to themes of judgment and grief?

Isaiah 15:2 relates to themes of judgment and grief by illustrating the sorrow of the Moabites in the face of impending disaster. It serves as a reminder of the emotional and physical consequences that can arise from a nation's actions.

Book Summary

The Book of Isaiah

Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You

The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.

The isles see and fear, and the ends of the earth draw near. Craftsmen encourage one another and strengthen idols with nails so they do not move. The LORD then speaks directly to Israel, calling him his servant, the seed of Abraham his friend. He tells Israel not to fear, for he is with him, and says he strengthens, helps, and upholds him with the right hand of his righteousness. He promises those who contend with Israel are as nothing, makes Israel a new sharp threshing instrument that threshes mountains, and answers the poor and needy by making rivers in high places and fountains in valleys. Isaiah 42: Behold My Servant The LORD presents his servant, whom he upholds and in whom his soul delights. He says he puts his spirit upon him and that he brings forth judgment to the Gentiles, not crying or lifting up his voice in the streets, and not breaking a bruised reed. The LORD says he calls him in righteousness, holds his hand, keeps him, and gives him for a covenant of the people and a light of the Gentiles. The LORD declares his glory he does not give to another nor his praise to graven images. He speaks of new things before they spring forth and calls for a new song from the ends of the earth. The chapter describes the LORD going forth as a mighty man and crying out against his enemies. It describes a people robbed and spoiled, snared in holes, yet not saying, “Restore,” and it says they do not lay it to heart. The LORD pours upon them fury of his anger and the strength of battle, yet they do not know or consider.

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