Old Testament
Isaiah 16:9
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Therefore, I will weep with Jazer for the vine of Sibmah. I will water you with my tears, Heshbon and Elealeh, because the shouting for your summer fruits and harvest has fallen.
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Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.
What Isaiah 16:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah expresses deep sorrow for the cities of Heshbon and Elealeh, as well as for the vine of Sibmah. The imagery of weeping and watering with tears signifies profound grief over the loss of agricultural prosperity. The mention of summer fruits and harvest indicates that the expected joy and abundance have been replaced by despair. This reflects a broader theme of mourning for the devastation that has come upon the land due to conflict and judgment. Isaiah's lament highlights the emotional connection between the land and its people, emphasizing how their fate is intertwined with the agricultural yield. The weeping for Jazer, a nearby region, further illustrates the communal nature of this sorrow, as the loss of one area affects the whole community. Overall, this verse captures the pain of loss and the impact of external circumstances on the lives of individuals and their environment.
How to apply Isaiah 16:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to empathize with those who are suffering and to recognize the interconnectedness of our communities. It reminds us to be sensitive to the struggles of others and to offer support in times of loss, fostering a spirit of compassion and solidarity.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Keep studying Isaiah 16:9
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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 16:9 mean?
Isaiah 16:9 expresses the prophet's deep sorrow for the cities of Heshbon and Elealeh and the vine of Sibmah, highlighting the grief over the loss of agricultural prosperity due to conflict and judgment.
What is the significance of weeping in Isaiah 16:9?
The weeping in Isaiah 16:9 symbolizes profound grief and empathy for the suffering of the land and its people, illustrating the emotional connection between the community and its agricultural yield.
What does the vine of Sibmah represent in Isaiah 16:9?
The vine of Sibmah represents the agricultural wealth and prosperity of the region, and its lamentation signifies the loss and despair faced by the community due to external circumstances.
What themes are present in Isaiah 16:9?
Isaiah 16:9 encompasses themes of grief, loss, community, agriculture, judgment, and lamentation, reflecting the interconnectedness of the land and its people.
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