Isaiah 15 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

The burden — A prophecy of the destruction of the Moabites, the inveterate enemies of the Jews, begun by the Assyrian, and finished by the Babylonian emperors. In a night — Suddenly and unexpectedly. Ar — The chief city of Moab. Kir — Another eminent city of Moab.

Bajith — Which signifies an house. It is supposed to be some eminent house or temple of their idols. Dibon — Another city of Moab. To weep — To offer their supplications with tears to their idols for help. Medeba — Two considerable cities, anciently belonging to the Moabites. Beard — The hair of their heads and beards was shaved, as was usual in great mournings.

On the tops — Which were made flat, to which men used to go up, to cry to God in heaven, or to men for help.

Heshbon — Two other Moabitish cities. Jahaz — Another city in the utmost borders of Moab. Soldiers — Who use to be the most courageous.

Moab — Tho' they are a most vile nation. Zoar — Zoar was a town bordering upon Moab. Of destruction — Such a cry as men send forth when they are just falling into the pit of destruction.

Waters — Watery grounds being very fruitful, are commonly most inhabited; but now they also, much more the dry and barren grounds, shall be desolate and without inhabitant.

They — Their enemies. Brook — Possibly he means some such river which ran into Euphrates, and so gave them opportunity of carrying their spoils by water unto Babylon.

The cry — Their cry fills all the parts of the country.

More — More than hath been already mentioned. Lions — God shall send lions to find out those that escape the fury of men.