As we study through entire books of the Bible, there are sometimes passages that may seem obscure or irrelevant to our modern life. However, these two chapters related to the nation of Moab are more relevant than they may appear at first sight. They will help us to know God better, love Him more, and point us to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

God’s discipline of the nation of Judah had ripple effects into the surrounding nations. Moab was one of the nations near Judah. The people of Moab were descendants of Lot as we learned in our study of Genesis 19:37. Although we’ll zero in on one verse from Isaiah 16, you can read the full passage here.

Judgment on Moab

Destruction was coming to Moab (15:1). Their gods would fail them (v. 2). There would be panic in the streets (v. 3). Their armies would fail (v. 4). There would be mourning (v. 5). The land would be desolate (v. 6). All their abundance would be lost (v. 7). Death would come throughout the land (vv. 8-9).

Isaiah 16 then turns to a word of hope. Moab would send tribute to Judah (vv. 1-2), and fugitives would seek shelter in Judah (vv. 3-4). Verse 5 is where we want to dwell:

“Then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness in the tent of David one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness” (ESV).

Isaiah looks ahead to the King of kings—Jesus Christ. Four facets of His kingship are mentioned.

Love

This steadfast love is God’s covenant love for His people. Other kings lay waste, but Jesus lays down His life. Others shed the blood of their enemies, but Jesus shed His own blood to make His enemies into children of God. His is a self-sacrificial love. We desire unconditional love—that’s part of God’s good design. Jesus said “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). We all have family members and friends who would likely do this for us, but we don’t usually see much self-sacrifice in our national leaders. That love is perfectly fulfilled in King Jesus.

Faithfulness

True faithfulness is to speak and act truthfully, to be fully trustworthy. Those involved in politics are often not considered faithful and trustworthy. Many leaders manipulate people to achieve what they want and to maintain their own power. Jesus was the only human being who could say, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). He is not just fully truthful, He actually is truth. Nothing He said was ever wrong. None of His claims ever had to be revised with the passage of time. Jesus was described as “The true light, which gives light to everyone… the Word [who] became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:9, 14). He is perfectly faithful.

Justice

Justice is the ability to make things right. Jesus accomplishes this in two phases.

1) Phase 1 was through His death on the cross, by which He paid the penalty for our sins in order to reconcile us to the Father.

2) Phase 2 will be the Second Coming when Jesus returns to gather those who have placed their faith in Him for eternal life, and to bring judgment against those who have rejected Him. There is coming an expiration date for all chances to be pardoned. That day is closer with each passing day. In the end, all things will be made right in God’s perfect order. All that is broken by sin will be restored and all injustice will be undone.

Righteousness

Doing the right thing every time is true righteousness. Only Jesus lived a sinless life and never made a bad or questionable choice. Other leaders, including some famous Christians, have failed spectacularly and scandalously. Every other leader is fallible and susceptible to sin and unwise actions. King Jesus not only maintains righteousness, but He is swift to do so.

Moab was facing destruction for pride and arrogance (vv. 6-11). They would falter and fail and their glory would end in fulfillment of prophecy (vv. 12-14), but Jesus’ kingdom will reign forever.

Our Response

If we wish to see perfect love, faithfulness, justice, and righteousness, we must turn to Jesus Christ as our King and Lord. Only through faith in Him can we obtain salvation, righteousness, and eternal life. Let us not wait until it’s too late.

“From His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘King of kings and Lord of lords’” (Rev. 19:15-16).

Discussion Questions

1) What can you learn about King Jesus from the following passages—Hebrews 1:1-4; 1 John 2:1-2; Isaiah 61:10?

2) What did Jesus claim about His identity? Consider His words in the Gospel of John 6:35-51; 7:33-34; 8:12-18; 9:5; 10:1-14, 36-38; 11:25-26; 14:1-14; and 15:1-11.

3) Is the return of Jesus something you long for or think about very often? Why is that?