Isaiah 15 · Grade 4

The Burden of Moab

Name Date

Read and Think

Isaiah 15 is a message about Moab, Israel's neighbor to the east across the Dead Sea. Moab's people were descended from Lot (Genesis 19:37). Isaiah announced, "in a night, Ar of Moab is laid waste." The disaster came suddenly.

The chapter is full of grief. The people went up to the high places to weep. "In their streets, they clothe themselves in sackcloth." Cities like Heshbon and Dibon cried out.

Surprisingly, Isaiah grieved too: "My heart cries out for Moab!" The waters of Nimrim dried up; "the grass has withered away." The people carried their stored goods across the brook of the willows. Isaiah's grief shows that God's messenger did not delight in the suffering of others.

Show What You Know

Who were the Moabites descended from?
How suddenly did the disaster come?
What did people wear in the streets?
What does Isaiah's grief show?

Think About It

Isaiah cried for a nation that was not his own. How can you show compassion to people who are different from you?
Moab's people went to their high places to weep. Where do people turn when they are hurting, and how can we point them to God?

Memory Verse

“My heart cries out for Moab! Her nobles flee to Zoar, to Eglath Shelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of Luhith with weeping; for on the way to Horonaim, they raise up a cry of destruction.”

Isaiah 15:5 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for caring about all people. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

Who near you is going through a loss that you could pray for?
Why is this chapter called a lament?