1THE prophecy concerning the fall of Moab. Because in the night the city of Moab is plundered and brought to silence; because in the night the defenses of Moab are despoiled and brought to silence;

2They have gone up to the house of Ribon, to the high places, to weep; Moab shall howl over Nebo and over Medeba; on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.

3In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth; on the housetops and in their streets every one shall howl, weeping vehemently.

4Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh; their voice shall be heard as far as Jazoth; therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his soul shall howl for him.

5My heart shall cry out for Moab; they shall howl as they flee to Zoar; Moab was strong like a three year old heifer; for by the ascent of Luhith they shall go up with weeping; and in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.

6For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate; for the vegetation is withered away, and the green grass is dried up, there is no green thing.

7Therefore what was left is gone, and that which they have stored shall they carry away over the brook of willows.

8For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab; the howling thereof as far as Eglaim, and the howling thereof to Beer-elim.

9For the waters of Ribon are full of blood; and I will bring more upon Ribon, and I will plot against those who escape of Moab, and against the remnant of the land.