Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But now the LORD says: “Within three years, as a servant bound by contract would count them, Moab’s splendor and all her many people will be despised, and her survivors will be very few and feeble.” New Living Translation But now the LORD says, “Within three years, counting each day, the glory of Moab will be ended. From its great population, only a feeble few will be left alive.” English Standard Version But now the LORD has spoken, saying, “In three years, like the years of a hired worker, the glory of Moab will be brought into contempt, in spite of all his great multitude, and those who remain will be very few and feeble.” Berean Standard Bible And now the LORD says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts the years, Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, with all her many people. And those who are left will be few and feeble.” Berean Literal Bible and YHWH has spoken, saying, “In three years, according to the years of a hireling, then the glory of Moab will be turned to dishonor, with all the great multitude; and the remnant is little—small, not mighty.” King James Bible But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble. New King James Version But now the LORD has spoken, saying, “Within three years, as the years of a hired man, the glory of Moab will be despised with all that great multitude, and the remnant will be very small and feeble.” New American Standard Bible But now the LORD has spoken, saying, “Within three years, as a hired worker would count them, the glory of Moab will become contemptible along with all his great population, and his remnant will be very small and impotent.” NASB 1995 But now the LORD speaks, saying, “Within three years, as a hired man would count them, the glory of Moab will be degraded along with all his great population, and his remnant will be very small and impotent.” NASB 1977 But now the LORD speaks, saying, “Within three years, as a hired man would count them, the glory of Moab will be degraded along with all his great population, and his remnant will be very small and impotent.” Legacy Standard Bible But now Yahweh speaks, saying, “Within three years, as a hired man would count them, the glory of Moab will be dishonored along with all his great population, and his remnant will be very small and not mighty.” Amplified Bible But now the LORD speaks, saying, “Within three years, as the years of a hired man [who will not serve longer than the agreed time], the glory of Moab will be degraded along with all the great population, and the remnant [that survives] will be very small and of no account.” Berean Annotated Bible And now the LORD {YHWH} says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts the years, Moab’s (of his father) splendor will become an object of contempt, with all her many people. And those who are left will be few and feeble. Christian Standard Bible And now the LORD says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts years, Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, in spite of a very large population. And those who are left will be few and weak.” Holman Christian Standard Bible And now the LORD says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts years, Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, in spite of a very large population. And those who are left will be few and weak.” American Standard Version But now Jehovah hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of a hireling, the glory of Moab shall be brought into contempt, with all his great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and of no account. Contemporary English Version Now he says, "The contract of a hired worker is good for three years, but Moab's glory and greatness won't last any longer than that. Only a few of its people will survive, and they will be left helpless." English Revised Version But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be brought into contempt, with all his great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and of no account. GOD'S WORD® Translation But now the LORD says, "Moab's honor will be despised within three years. I will count them like workers count the years left of their contracts. In spite of their great number, the survivors will be very few and powerless." Good News Translation And now the LORD says, "In exactly three years Moab's great wealth will disappear. Of its many people, only a few will survive, and they will be weak." International Standard Version But now the LORD has spoken again: "Within three years, like the years of a contract worker, Moab's glory will be brought into contempt, in spite of all its great multitude, and its survivors will be very few and of no importance." NET Bible Now the LORD makes this announcement: "Within exactly three years Moab's splendor will disappear, along with all her many people; there will be just a few, insignificant survivors left." New Heart English Bible But now the LORD has spoken, saying, "Within three years, as a worker bound by contract would count them, the glory of Moab shall be brought into contempt, with all his great multitude; and the remnant will be very small and feeble." Webster's Bible Translation But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of a hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd now the LORD says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts the years, Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, with all her many people. And those who are left will be few and feeble.” World English Bible But now Yahweh has spoken, saying, “Within three years, as a worker bound by contract would count them, the glory of Moab shall be brought into contempt, with all his great multitude; and the remnant will be very small and feeble.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd now YHWH has spoken, saying, “In three years, as years of a hired worker, "" The glory of Moab is lightly esteemed, "" With all the great multitude, "" And the remnant [is] little, small, not mighty!” Berean Literal Bible and YHWH has spoken, saying, “In three years, according to the years of a hireling, then the glory of Moab will be turned to dishonor, with all the great multitude; and the remnant is little—small, not mighty.” Young's Literal Translation And now hath Jehovah spoken, saying, 'In three years, as years of an hireling, Lightly esteemed is the honour of Moab, With all the great multitude, And the remnant is little, small, not mighty!' Smith's Literal Translation And now Jehovah spake, saying, In three years as the years of a hireling and the honor of Moab despised with with all the great multitude; and the remnant being small, not great. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd now the Lord hath spoken, saying: In three years, as the years of a hireling, the glory of Moab shall be taken away for all the multitude of the people, and it shall be left small and feeble, not many. Catholic Public Domain Version And now the Lord has spoken, saying: In three years, like the years of a hired hand, the glory of Moab concerning the entire multitude of the people will be taken away, and what is left behind will be small and weak and not so numerous. New American Bible But now the LORD speaks: In three years, like the years of a hired laborer, the glory of Moab shall be empty despite all its great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and weak. New Revised Standard Version But now the LORD says, In three years, like the years of a hired worker, the glory of Moab will be brought into contempt, in spite of all its great multitude; and those who survive will be very few and feeble. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut now the LORD has spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of a hireling, the glory of Moab shall be despised, with all that great multitude of his people; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And now LORD JEHOVAH speaks and says: “In three years, as the years of a hired man, the honor of Moab shall be despised for the abundance of his people, and a very few shall be left and not great” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But now the LORD hath spoken, saying: 'Within three years, as the years of a hireling, and the glory of Moab shall wax contemptible for all his great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and without strength.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And now I say, in three years, of the years of an hireling, the glory of Moab shall be dishonoured with all his great wealth; and he shall be left few in number, and not honoured. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Prophecy of Moab's Devastation…13This is the message that the LORD spoke earlier concerning Moab. 14And now the LORD says, “In three years, as a hired worker counts the years, Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, with all her many people. And those who are left will be few and feeble.” Cross References And now the LORD says, Jeremiah 48:1 Concerning Moab, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Woe to Nebo, for it will be devastated. Kiriathaim will be captured and disgraced; the fortress will be shattered and dismantled. Ezekiel 25:8 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Moab and Seir said, “Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,” 2 Kings 19:20 Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I have heard your prayer concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria. “In three years, 2 Kings 17:5 Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years. 2 Kings 18:10 And at the end of three years, the Assyrians captured it. So Samaria was captured in the sixth year of Hezekiah, which was the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel. as a hired worker counts the years, Isaiah 21:16 For this is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a hired worker would count it, all the glory of Kedar will be gone. Job 7:1 “Is not man consigned to labor on earth? Are not his days like those of a hired hand? Job 14:6 look away from him and let him rest, so he can enjoy his day as a hired hand. Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt, Jeremiah 48:26 “Make him drunk, because he has magnified himself against the LORD; so Moab will wallow in his own vomit, and he will also become a laughingstock. Jeremiah 48:29 We have heard of Moab’s pomposity, his exceeding pride and conceit, his proud arrogance and haughtiness of heart. Zephaniah 2:10 This they shall have in return for their pride, for taunting and mocking the people of the LORD of Hosts. with all her many people. Numbers 22:3-4 and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites. / So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time, Jeremiah 48:42 Moab will be destroyed as a nation because he vaunted himself against the LORD. Isaiah 10:19 The remaining trees of its forests will be so few that a child could count them. And those who are left will be few and feeble.” Deuteronomy 28:62 You who were as numerous as the stars in the sky will be left few in number, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God. Amos 5:3 This is what the Lord GOD says: “The city that marches out a thousand strong will have but a hundred left, and the one that marches out a hundred strong will have but ten left in the house of Israel.” Treasury of Scripture But now the LORD has spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble. three Isaiah 7:16 For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings. 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 21:16 For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail: the glory Isaiah 17:4 And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean. Isaiah 23:9 The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth. Genesis 31:1 And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. and the remnant Jeremiah 48:46,47 Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives… feeble. Jump to Previous Bound Contemned Contempt Contemptible Contract Count Degraded Feeble Glory Great Hired Hireling Impotent Moab Moab's Multitude Population Remnant Servant Small Speaks Splendor Strength Survive Three Wax Within WorkerJump to Next Bound Contemned Contempt Contemptible Contract Count Degraded Feeble Glory Great Hired Hireling Impotent Moab Moab's Multitude Population Remnant Servant Small Speaks Splendor Strength Survive Three Wax Within WorkerIsaiah 16 1. Moab is exhorted to yield obedience to the throne of David6. Moab is threatened for her pride 9. The prophet bewails her 12. The judgment of Moab And now the LORD says This phrase introduces a direct declaration from God, emphasizing the authority and certainty of the message. In the prophetic tradition, such declarations are often used to convey divine judgment or promise. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) underscores the covenantal relationship between God and His people, highlighting His sovereignty over all nations, including Moab. In three years as a hired worker counts the years Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt with all her many people And those who are left will be few and feeble Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Isaiah, declaring His judgment and plans. 2. Isaiah The prophet through whom God delivers His message. Isaiah's role is to communicate God's will and future events to the people. 3. Moab A nation east of Israel, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is known for its pride and idolatry, and here it faces impending judgment. 4. Hired Worker A metaphor used to describe the precision and certainty of the timing of Moab's downfall, as a hired worker would meticulously count his days of labor. 5. Judgment The event of Moab's impending downfall, which is a direct result of their pride and opposition to God. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and TimingGod's declarations are precise and certain. Just as a hired worker counts his days, God's timing is perfect and assured. The Consequences of Pride Moab's downfall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. Nations and individuals alike must humble themselves before God. The Certainty of God's Word When God speaks, His words are fulfilled. Believers can trust in the reliability and truth of God's promises and warnings. The Remnant Principle Even in judgment, God often preserves a remnant. This principle encourages hope and repentance, knowing that God is merciful. Reflecting on Our Own Lives Consider areas where pride or self-reliance might be leading us away from God. Seek humility and dependence on Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 16:14?2. How does Isaiah 16:14 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations and their timelines? 3. What lessons can we learn from Moab's impending downfall in Isaiah 16:14? 4. How does Isaiah 16:14 connect with God's justice seen in other scriptures? 5. How can we apply the urgency of Isaiah 16:14 to our spiritual lives? 6. What does Isaiah 16:14 teach about the consequences of pride and disobedience? 7. What is the historical context of Isaiah 16:14 regarding Moab's downfall? 8. How does Isaiah 16:14 reflect God's judgment and mercy? 9. What archaeological evidence supports the prophecy in Isaiah 16:14? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 16? 11. Isaiah 16:14 states Moab’s glory will end in three years; is there any verifiable evidence or timeline in secular sources matching this prophecy? 12. Can prayer alter God's decisions? 13. What does the Bible say about God versus Satan? 14. Isaiah 16:1 mentions sending lambs as tribute; is there archaeological or historical evidence that Moab actually offered such payments to Judah? What Does Isaiah 16:14 Mean And now the LORD says• Isaiah moves from lament (16:1-13) to a direct divine declaration, underscoring that the words come from the covenant-keeping LORD, not merely the prophet’s opinion (cf. Isaiah 1:2; Jeremiah 1:4). • By introducing God’s voice at this point, Scripture affirms the certainty of what follows; it is as trustworthy as every other promise God has kept (Numbers 23:19; Psalm 33:4). In three years • The prophecy carries a precise, short timeframe. God is not vague about His interventions (cf. Genesis 18:14, where a fixed time marked Isaac’s birth). • Three years would let Moab’s leaders realize repentance was still possible, yet also feel the clock ticking—much like Nineveh’s forty days in Jonah 3:4. • History records that within a few years of Isaiah’s ministry, Assyria struck Moab repeatedly (2 Kings 17:24; 18:9–12), fulfilling this word. As a hired worker counts the years • A hired worker carefully tracks every day until his contract ends (Leviticus 19:13). Likewise, God is saying, “I will not delay even a single day beyond what I’ve set” (Isaiah 34:8). • This simile stresses exactitude: the judgment will neither arrive early nor late (Habakkuk 2:3). Moab’s splendor will become an object of contempt • Moab had enjoyed prosperity and military pride (Jeremiah 48:11). Yet the Lord can turn earthly glory into ridicule overnight (Proverbs 16:18; Isaiah 14:11). • The phrase echoes earlier prophecies against arrogant nations—e.g., Tyre’s “splendor” stripped in Ezekiel 27:27. With all her many people • Population size offers no refuge when God acts (Psalm 33:16-17). Even Moab’s “many people” cannot withstand His decree (Isaiah 10:22). • This detail answers any objection that only a fringe group would suffer; the judgment is national, comprehensive (Jeremiah 48:42). Those who are left will be few and feeble • The remnant theme appears often: perpetrators shrink to a powerless minority (Isaiah 1:9; Zephaniah 2:9). • “Few and feeble” exposes the folly of trusting in self-sufficiency instead of the Lord (Deuteronomy 28:62). • Yet even here, God leaves a remnant—suggesting eventual opportunity for repentance and restoration (Isaiah 11:14; Ruth 4:13-22, where Moabite Ruth becomes part of Messiah’s line). summary Isaiah 16:14 delivers a clear, time-stamped warning: within three precise years, Moab’s proud splendor will collapse, her vast population reduced to a struggling remnant. The Lord speaks, sets the countdown, and keeps His word exactly. The verse reminds every reader that divine promises—whether of judgment or salvation—are certain, timely, and unavoidable, urging humble trust in the God who controls nations and numbers our days. (14) But now the Lord hath spoken . . .--The point of contrast seems to lie in the vaguer character of what had gone before, and the specific defined prediction that follows. "Within three years," measured with the exactness of the hired labourer, who will not give more than he has contracted for, and of the employer, who will not take less. The same phrase meets us in Isaiah 21:16.The glory of Moab shall be contemned. --We may infer from the fact that the prophecy was recorded when the writings of Isaiah were collected. whether by himself or another, that men looked on it as an instance of his prevision. History is, indeed, silent as to the manner of its fulfilment. It was probable, however, that the armies of Salmaneser or Sargon swept, as those of Pul and Tiglath-pileser had done (1Chronicles 5:26), over the region east of the Jordan, and so invaded Moab. (See Note on Isaiah 17:1.) We note that here also there was to be a "remnant," but not like that of Israel, the germ of a renewed strength.Verse 14. - But now. "Now" - an addition has been made to the prophecy. Isaiah is authorized to announce that in three years' time, counted as strictly as possible, the judgment pronounced shall fall on Moab; her "glory" shall be turned into shame, her "multitude" shall be cut off, and only a "remnant" shall be left, weak, small, and powerless. As the years of an hireling. Counted with the utmost exactness. A hireling would not consent to serve a day longer than his contract bound him, nor would his master consent that he should serve a day short of it. With all that great multitude. We have no means of accurately estimating the population of Moab. The entire area of the region which the Moabites inhabited seems to have been not more than fifteen hundred square miles. The greater part of it was, however, exceedingly fertile; and we are, perhaps, justified in allowing it a population of two hundred to the square mile, which is about that of Germany. This would give three hundred thousand inhabitants, of whom the adult males would be seventy-five thousand. Feeble; literally, not powerful; i.e. very much the contrary, very weak. Moab seems to have offered a very slight resistance to Asshur-bani-pal (G. Smith, 'History of Asshur-bani-pal,' p. 259). |
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