15
God’s Message to Moab
1 This is a message about Moab:
One night armies took the wealth from Ar in Moab,
and the city was destroyed.
One night armies took the wealth from Kir in Moab,
and the city was destroyed.
2 The king’s family and the people of Dibon* Dibon A city in the country of Moab. This name is like a Hebrew word meaning “to be very sad.” go to the places of worship† places of worship Or “high places.” See “high places” in the Word List. to cry.
The people of Moab are crying for Nebo‡ Nebo A city in the country of Moab and the name of a false god. and Medeba.§ Medeba A city in the country of Moab. This name is like a Hebrew word meaning “to be very sad.”
They have shaved their heads and beards to show their sadness.
3 Everywhere in Moab, on the housetops and in the streets,
people are wearing sackcloth.
Everyone is crying.
4 In Heshbon and Elealeh they are crying loudly.
You can hear their voices as far away as Jahaz.
Even the soldiers are frightened.
They are shaking with fear.
5 My heart cries, full of sorrow for Moab.
Its people run away to Zoar for safety.
They run to Eglath Shelishiyah.
The people are crying
as they go up the road to Luhith.
They are crying loudly
as they walk on the road to Horonaim.
6 But Nimrim Brook is as dry as a desert.
The grass has dried up,
and the plants are all dead.
Nothing is green.
7 So the people gather up everything they own
and cross the border at Arabah stream.
8 You can hear crying everywhere in Moab—
as far away as Eglaim and Beer Elim.
9 The water of Dimon* Dimon This is probably the city of Dibon. Dimon is like the Hebrew word meaning “blood.” is full of blood,
and I will bring even more troubles to Dimon.
A few people living in Moab have escaped the enemy,
but I will send lions to eat them.
*15:2 Dibon A city in the country of Moab. This name is like a Hebrew word meaning “to be very sad.”
†15:2 places of worship Or “high places.” See “high places” in the Word List.
‡15:2 Nebo A city in the country of Moab and the name of a false god.
§15:2 Medeba A city in the country of Moab. This name is like a Hebrew word meaning “to be very sad.”
*15:9 Dimon This is probably the city of Dibon. Dimon is like the Hebrew word meaning “blood.”