Isaiah 16:14
But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.
Isaiah 16:14 · King James Version
Meaning
Within this verse, the Lord is speaking through a prophet to warn the people of Moab about their impending downfall. The metaphor of "within three years, as the years of an hireling" signifies a short period of time in which Moab will face consequences for their actions. The mention of Moab's glory being contemned indicates that their pride and arrogance will be brought low. The prophecy also foretells that a great multitude of Moab will be decimated, leaving only a small and feeble remnant behind. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and a call for repentance. The Lord's words in this verse are both a warning and an opportunity for redemption, urging the people of Moab to turn back to Him before it is too late.
Theological Overview
This verse from the book of Isaiah contains a profound message through its theological interpretation. It speaks about the impending judgment on the nation of Moab for their pride and rebellion against God. The phrase "Within three years, as the years of an hireling" signifies a short period of time in which Moab will face the consequences of their actions. The term "hireling" refers to a hired worker who only stays for a limited time, emphasizing the swift nature of Moab's downfall. The verse also mentions that the glory of Moab will be despised, indicating that their once proud and powerful nation will be brought low by God's judgment. The reference to a "small and feeble" remnant suggests that only a few will survive the destruction, serving as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Overall, this verse serves as a warning about the consequences of pride and disobedience, highlighting the importance of humility and obedience to God's will.
Isaiah 16:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
But now Jehovah hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of a hireling, the glory of Moab shall be brought into contempt, with all his great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and of no account.
World English Bible
But now Yahweh has spoken, saying, “Within three years, as a worker bound by contract would count them, the glory of Moab shall be brought into contempt, with all his great multitude; and the remnant will be very small and feeble.”
Douay-Rheims
And now the Lord hath spoken, saying: In three years, as the years of a hireling, the glory of Moab shall be taken away for all the multitude of the people, and it shall be left small and feeble, not many.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And nowe the Lord hath spoken, saying, In three yeres, as the yeeres of a hireling, and the glorie of Moab shall be contemned in all the great multitude, and the remnant shalbe very small and feeble.