John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 16:2

"For it shall be that, as wandering birds, as a scattered nest, so shall the daughters of Moab be at the fords of the Arnon." — Isaiah 16:2 (ASV)

It shall be as a bird let loose. The Prophet now shows what he meant by the former mockery: that the Moabites should not at that time think of sending sacrifices, because they will not be able to provide for their safety in any other way than by leaving their native country. By the metaphor of birds, he describes the terror with which they will be struck, so that they will flee even at the rustling of a leaf. He threatens that the Moabites, who had abused their tranquillity, will have a trembling and wearisome flight.