Isaiah 16:8
8 For the fields [shademah] of Heshbon [Cheshbown]
languish ['amal], and the vine [gephen] of Sibmah [Sabam]: the
lords [ba`al] of the heathen [gowy] have broken down [halam]
the principal plants [saruwq] thereof, they are
come [naga`] even unto Jazer [Ya`azeyr], they wandered [ta`ah]
through the wilderness [midbar]: her branches [shilluchah] are stretched out [natash],
they are gone over [`abar] the sea [yam]. KJV-Interlinear
8 For the fields of Heshbon have
withered, the vines of Sibmah as well; The lords of the nations have trampled
down its choice clusters Which reached as far as Jazer and wandered to the
deserts; Its tendrils spread themselves out and passed over the sea. NASB
Moab had great
prosperity, but as described here, that prosperity was and will be, destroyed
thoroughly and completely. Remember that
Heshbon means, the pride of Moab, which we studied back in Isa. 15:4, but now
the fields of Heshbon are described as lavish vines producing the best wines.
Having been planted and
cultivated in and around Heshbon and Sibmah, a neighboring village, the vines
had been used to plant vineyards throughout the region, even across the desert
and across the ocean to foreign lands.
So, this indicates a
wide spread and international commerce that was established and successful, or
had been, for quite some time. This
success would not have occurred during the Tribulation, but would have been in
place prior to the Rapture.
And when the
Tribulation began, then the economic decline would have taken its toll.
But much worse was still
to occur.
We have already seen
the destruction of the nation, which came with the invasion. And here, that invasion and destruction will include
the destruction of the economy, by virtue of the destruction of the agriculture
foundation of that economy. The vineyards
not only symbolize a thriving economy, but also its decline when the vineyards
are destroyed.
So, this verse
describes the reach of the prosperity as it had been, and also the destruction
of the economy.
Back in ancient times,
when an invading army really wanted to subdue an enemy, they would destroy
their fields and harvests and virtually everything. Such that, when the invaders moved on, their
enemy would not be able to rise up again.
Recovery is difficult if not impossible when your resources are gone.
And not only will the
nation of Moab be destroyed, their resources likewise will fade into
non-existence.
Gods judgment, using
the hand of evil enemies, will bring a total destruction not only to Moab, but to
the entire world. Nothing of mans past
will enter into the Kingdom of God. No
one will be able to claim credit for having anything that could be used as a
re-start of the world, following the Second Advent. Jesus Christ, alone will give the world its
new beginning.
