John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 15:1

"The burden of Moab. For in a night Ar of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to nought; for in a night Kir of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to nought." — Isaiah 15:1 (ASV)

The burden of Moab. Here the Prophet prophesies against the Moabites, who were neighbors to the Jews and related to them by blood. We know that the Moabites were descended from Lot, who was Abraham’s nephew (Genesis 11:31, 19:37).

Since these nations were so closely related, humanity at least demanded that they should maintain some friendly relations with each other. But no relationship prevented the Moabites from cherishing hostility towards the Jews, or even from harassing them whenever they had the power; this is evidence of a savage and barbarous disposition.

Therefore, on account of their cruelty towards the people of God, towards whom they should have conducted themselves with brotherly love, the Prophet threatens them with destruction.

We should remember the purpose of these predictions. It is not to be believed that they were of any benefit to the Moabites, even if they had heard the words we read from the Prophet's own mouth; for he neither addressed them directly nor sent them a written message.

Therefore, it was to believers, rather than to the Moabites, that the Prophet addressed his prophecies, and for two reasons.

The first reason was so that when believers saw so many changes occurring—cities overturned, kingdoms destroyed and replacing one another—they might not think that this world is governed by the blind violence of chance, but might instead acknowledge the providence of God.

If nothing had been foretold, human minds, having a strong tendency towards foolishness and being strangely blind to God’s works, might have been inclined to attribute all this to chance. But when they had been forewarned by the Prophets, they perceived God's judgments as if from a high watchtower.

To us also in the present day, Isaiah has, as it were, pointed out with his finger what was then hidden. In his predictions, we see God sitting on His judgment seat and regulating everything according to His pleasure. And although the wicked vented their mad rage in various ways, the Lord still used their actions to carry out His judgments.

The second purpose the prophets had in view was that, while the whole world was shaken, the Jews might know that God was watching over their safety. He also testified to the depth of His affection for the Church by taking vengeance on her enemies, who had treated her barbarously.

Ar-Moab. The Hebrew word ער (Ar) means a city, and קיר (kir) means a wall. However, since ער מואב (Ar-Moab) was one of the chief cities of the Moabites, it is understood here as a proper name.

We could indeed explain both words as common nouns, conveying a threat of the overthrow of the fortified towns of which the Moabites were proud, but I prefer the usual interpretation.

Therefore, Isaiah has given a description here so that we may see in it the overthrow of the Moabites when their chief cities are destroyed.

In the night. By the night, he means a sudden and unexpected event that the Moabites did not anticipate.

Since night is usually for rest, if anything happens at that time, it is seen as sudden and unexpected, and therefore causes great alarm.

Furthermore, he intended to rebuke the Moabites for their freedom from anxiety, as they considered themselves fortified by defenses on all sides and placed beyond the reach of all danger.

Is brought to silence. This means is destroyed, and therefore Silence can also mean Death.

Others disregard the metaphor and choose to translate it as, She is cut off; but I will leave that point undecided.

What Isaiah declares concerning the Moabites, Scripture also proclaims about the reprobate: that destruction is near and, when they are expecting nothing of the sort, it will fearfully overwhelm them (Jeremiah 23:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:2–3).