Isaiah 16:2

2 The towns and people of Moab are at a loss, New-hatched birds knocked from the nest, fluttering helplessly At the banks of the Arnon River, unable to cross:

Isaiah 16:2 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 16:2

For it shall be
Or, "otherwise it shall be" ^F26; if ye do not pay this tribute: [that] as a wandering bird cast out of the nest:
or, "as a wandering bird, the nest sent out": that is, as a bird that has forsaken its nest, and wanders about, and its young ones are turned out of the nest, scarcely fledged, and unable to shift for themselves, but flutter about here and there, trembling and frightened, see ( Proverbs 26:2 ) : [so] the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon:
turned out of their houses, wandering up and down, not knowing where to go; unable to help themselves, and in the utmost fright and consternation, fleeing to the very borders of their land, as the fords of Arnon were, see ( Numbers 21:13 Numbers 21:14 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F26 (hyhw) "alioqui", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.

Isaiah 16:2 In-Context

1 "Dispatch a gift of lambs," says Moab, "to the leaders in Jerusalem - Lambs from Sela sent across the desert to buy the goodwill of Jerusalem.

2 The towns and people of Moab are at a loss, New-hatched birds knocked from the nest, fluttering helplessly At the banks of the Arnon River, unable to cross:

3 'Tell us what to do, help us out! Protect us, hide us!

4 Give the refugees from Moab sanctuary with you. Be a safe place for those on the run from the killing fields.'" "When this is all over," Judah answers, "the tyrant toppled, The killing at an end, all signs of these cruelties long gone,

5 A new government of love will be established in the venerable David tradition. A Ruler you can depend upon will head this government, A Ruler passionate for justice, a Ruler quick to set things right."