Isaiah 16:6

We have heard of Moab's pomposity, his exceeding pride and conceit, his overflowing arrogance. But his boasting is empty.

Study Bible

We have heard of Moab’s pomposity
The nation of Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was often in conflict with Israel. Moab's reputation for arrogance is well-documented in the Bible. This phrase suggests that Moab's pride was well-known among neighboring nations. Historically, Moab was a prosperous region, which may have contributed to its sense of superiority. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, which adds a familial tension to their interactions with Israel.

his exceeding pride and conceit
The repetition of terms related to pride emphasizes the depth of Moab's arrogance. In biblical terms, pride is often seen as a precursor to downfall, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction." Moab's pride is not just a personal failing but a national characteristic that sets them against God's people. This pride can be compared to the pride of other nations like Babylon, which also faced judgment due to their arrogance.

his overflowing arrogance
The imagery of "overflowing" suggests that Moab's arrogance was not contained but affected their actions and relationships with others. This can be seen in their interactions with Israel, where they often acted with hostility and disdain. The Bible frequently warns against arrogance, as it leads to a false sense of security and ultimately, judgment. This phrase highlights the extent to which Moab's pride had permeated their national identity.

But his boasting is empty
This statement serves as a prophetic declaration of Moab's impending judgment. Despite their pride and self-assuredness, their boasts are without substance. This echoes the biblical theme that human pride is ultimately futile in the face of God's sovereignty. The emptiness of Moab's boasting can be seen as a warning to all nations and individuals who rely on their own strength rather than acknowledging God's authority. This aligns with the message in Jeremiah 9:23-24, where true boasting should be in understanding and knowing the Lord.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moab
An ancient kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, often in conflict with Israel. Moab is known for its pride and arrogance, which is a central theme in this verse.

2. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book. He prophesied during a time of great political turmoil and moral decline in Israel and Judah.

3. Pride and Arrogance
The central themes of this verse, highlighting Moab's excessive self-importance and the consequences of such attitudes.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
Pride is a destructive force that can lead to downfall. As Christians, we are called to humility, recognizing our dependence on God rather than our own abilities.

Empty Boasting
Boasting without substance is futile. Our confidence should be in the Lord, not in our own achievements or status.

God's Opposition to the Proud
Scripture consistently shows that God opposes the proud. We should strive to cultivate humility in our lives, seeking God's grace and favor.

Reflecting on Our Attitudes
Regular self-examination is crucial. We should ask ourselves if pride is creeping into our lives and take steps to address it through prayer and accountability.

Learning from Moab's Example
The account of Moab serves as a warning. We should learn from their mistakes and seek to live in a way that honors God, avoiding the pitfalls of pride and arrogance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the pride of Moab in Isaiah 16:6 compare to the pride described in other parts of the Bible, such as Proverbs 16:18 and Obadiah 1:3-4?

2. In what ways can pride manifest in our own lives, and how can we guard against it?

3. How does the concept of "empty boasting" apply to modern-day situations, and what can we do to ensure our confidence is rooted in God?

4. Reflect on a time when pride led to a negative outcome in your life. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it help you grow spiritually?

5. How can we cultivate humility in our daily lives, and what role does prayer play in this process? Consider James 4:6 in your response.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks about pride leading to destruction, which parallels the warning given to Moab about the consequences of their arrogance.

James 4:6
This New Testament verse emphasizes that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, reinforcing the message in Isaiah about the dangers of pride.

Obadiah 1:3-4
The pride of Edom is addressed here, similar to Moab's pride, showing a consistent biblical theme that pride precedes downfall.