Isaiah 15:5

My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.

Isaiah 15:5 (KJV)

Context

Isaiah 15 is an oracle of judgment against Moab, a nation east of the Dead Sea descended from Lot. The chapter announces coming destruction, and verse 5 captures the prophet’s deep emotional response to that calamity.

Meaning

Isaiah declares, “My heart shall cry out for Moab,” revealing genuine compassion even for a people under divine judgment. His lament shows that God’s judgment is not gleeful; even in pronouncing doom, there is sorrow. This reflects God’s heart, who takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11).

The verse describes Moab’s fugitives fleeing to Zoar, a city that had been spared in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:20-23). The phrase “an heifer of three years old” has been understood in several ways. Some view it as a literal three-year-old heifer, a mature animal suitable for sacrifice, symbolizing the loss Moab will suffer. Other scholarship identifies it as a mistranslation of the proper name Eglath-shelishiyah, a Moabite town. Both explanations convey the gravity of the situation.

The “mounting up of Luhith with weeping” portrays an arduous ascent of the mountain Luhith, accompanied by sorrowful cries. The image of climbing a height while weeping emphasizes the painful journey refugees endure as they leave their homes. The verse also mentions “in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction,” signaling devastation along that route. These place names are real locations in Moab, indicating the widespread and specific nature of the calamity.

Biblical connections

The mention of Zoar, a place of previous refuge, underscores that human refuges are ultimately inadequate. No place of safety is secure apart from God. The verse is a call to weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15) and to recognize the seriousness of sin and judgment.

Application

Isaiah 15:5 portrays the looming calamity that will befall Moab and the prophet’s heartfelt lament. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and points the reader toward the need for repentance and reliance on God’s refuge. For the believer, this passage teaches that we should have a compassionate heart toward those who suffer, even if they are enemies or have brought judgment upon themselves.