Isaiah 15:9

For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood: for I will bring more upon Dimon, lions upon him that escapeth of Moab, and upon the remnant of the land.

Isaiah 15:9 (KJV)

Context

Isaiah 15:9 concludes the prophet Isaiah’s oracle of judgment against Moab, a neighboring nation and historical enemy of Israel. The preceding verses describe the devastation and sorrow that will befall Moab. Here, the prophet declares that the waters of Dimon will be full of blood, and that God will bring even more upon Dimon—lions upon those who escape from Moab and upon the remnant of the land.

Meaning

The imagery of waters filled with blood signifies the severity of God’s judgment: widespread death and devastation. Dimon is likely the same as Dibon, a city in Moab, and the name may be a wordplay on the Hebrew word for blood (dam), emphasizing the bloodshed. The mention of lions indicates that even those who flee the initial destruction will not be safe; God’s judgment will pursue them. This underscores the certainty and totality of divine judgment against Moab, showing that no refuge remains for those under divine sentence.

Biblical connections

This verse is part of Isaiah’s broader message that God is sovereign over all nations and will judge sin. For the Christian reader, this passage serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of God’s judgment, while also pointing to the need for repentance and the hope of salvation found in Christ, who bore God’s judgment for sinners.

Application

This passage highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God, as those who stray from His ways may face severe consequences. It reminds us that God’s judgment is certain, but also that He provides a way of escape through faith in Jesus Christ.