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8 For the
fields [shademah] of Heshbon [Cheshbown]
languish ['amal], and the vine [gephen] of Sibmah [Sabam]: the
lords [ba`al] of the heathen [gowy] have broken down [halam]
the principal plants [saruwq] thereof, they are
come [naga`] even unto Jazer [Ya`azeyr], they wandered [ta`ah]
through the wilderness [midbar]: her branches [shilluchah] are stretched out [natash],
they are gone over [`abar] the sea [yam]. KJV-Interlinear
8 For the
fields of Heshbon have withered, the vines of Sibmah as well; The lords of the
nations have trampled down its choice clusters Which reached as far as Jazer
and wandered to the deserts; Its tendrils spread themselves out and passed over
the sea. NASB
Moab had great prosperity, but as described here, that prosperity was and will be, destroyed thoroughly and completely. Remember that Heshbon means, the pride of Moab, which we studied back in Isa. 15:4, but now the fields of Heshbon are described as lavish vines producing the best wines.
Having been planted and cultivated in and around Heshbon and Sibmah, a neighboring village, the vines had been used to plant vineyards throughout the region, even across the desert and across the ocean to foreign lands.
So, this indicates a wide spread and international commerce that was established and successful, or had been, for quite some time. This success would not have occurred during the Tribulation, but would have been in place prior to the Rapture.
And when the Tribulation began, then the economic decline would have taken its toll.
But much worse was still to occur.
We have already seen the destruction of the nation, which came with the invasion. And here, that invasion and destruction will include the destruction of the economy, by virtue of the destruction of the agriculture foundation of that economy. The vineyards not only symbolize a thriving economy, but also its decline when the vineyards are destroyed.
So, this verse describes the reach of the prosperity as it had been, and also the destruction of the economy.
Back in ancient times, when an invading army really wanted to subdue an enemy, they would destroy their fields and harvests and virtually everything. Such that, when the invaders moved on, their enemy would not be able to rise up again. Recovery is difficult if not impossible when your resources are gone.
And not only will the nation of Moab be destroyed, their resources likewise will fade into non-existence.
Gods judgment, using the hand of evil enemies, will bring a total destruction not only to Moab, but to the entire world. Nothing of mans past will enter into the Kingdom of God. No one will be able to claim credit for having anything that could be used as a re-start of the world, following the Second Advent. Jesus Christ, alone will give the world its new beginning.
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