1Send them forth,* hugging the earth like reptiles,

from Sela across the desert,

to the mount of daughter Zion.

2Like flushed birds,

like scattered nestlings,

Are the daughters of Moab

at the fords of the Arnon.* a

3* Offer counsel, take their part;

at high noon make your shade like the night;

Hide the outcasts,

do not betray the fugitives.

4Let the outcasts of Moab live with you,

be their shelter from the destroyer.

When there is an end to the oppressor,

when destruction has ceased,

and the marauders have vanished from the land,

5A throne shall be set up in mercy,

and on it shall sit in fidelity,

in David’s tent,

A judge upholding right,

prompt to do justice.b

6We have heard of the pride of Moab,

how very proud he is,

Of his haughtiness, pride, and arrogance

that his empty words do not match.c

7* Therefore let Moab wail,

let everyone wail for Moab;

For the raisin cakes* of Kir-hareseth

let them sigh, stricken with grief.

8The terraced slopes of Heshbon languish,

the vines of Sibmah,

Whose clusters once overpowered

the lords of nations,

Reaching as far as Jazer

winding through the wilderness,*

Whose branches spread forth,

crossing over the sea.

9Therefore I weep with Jazer

for the vines of Sibmah;

I drench you with my tears,

Heshbon and Elealeh;

For on your summer fruits and harvests

the battle cry* has fallen.d

10From the orchards are taken away

joy and gladness,

In the vineyards there is no singing,

no shout of joy;

In the wine presses no one treads grapes,

the vintage shout is stilled.e

11Therefore for Moab

my heart moans like a lyre,

my inmost being for Kir-hareseth.f

12* When Moab wears himself out on the high places,

and enters his sanctuary to pray,

it shall avail him nothing.g