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.
Ver. 14. Within three years.] In which time the sins of the Moabites shall be full, and themselves ripe and ready for vengeance. Three years hence, therefore, sc., in the fourth year of King Hezekiah; for then came up Shalmaneser against Samaria, and it is probable that in his march thither he invaded and subdued these Moabites, that he might leave all safe behind him. A hundred years after which, or more, Nebuchadnezzar utterly ruined them, according to Jeremiah 48:1,47
As the years of an hireling,] i.e., Praecise, nec citius nec tardius, Three years precisely. This time Moab had to make his peace in; but he minded nothing less, and therefore deservedly perished. So, alas! shall all such infallibly as repent not within their three years' space! which perhaps may not be three months, or three days, saith Oecolampadius; I may add, three minutes; and yet, Ex hoc momento pendet ceternitas, Upon this short inch of time dependeth eternity. Up, therefore, and be doing. Stat sua cuique dies, &c.