Isaiah 16:11
ESV
Therefore my inner parts moan like a lyre for Moab, and my inmost self for Kir-hareseth.
NIV
My heart laments for Moab like a harp, my inmost being for Kir Hareseth.
NASB
Therefore my inner being sounds like a harp for Moab. And my heart for Kir-hareseth.
CSB
Therefore I moan like the sound of a lyre for Moab, as does my innermost being for Kir-heres.
NLT
My heart’s cry for Moab is like a lament on a harp. I am filled with anguish for Kir-hareseth.
KJV
Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab, and mine inward parts for Kirharesh.
NKJV
Therefore my heart shall resound like a harp for Moab, And my inner being for Kir Heres.
What does Isaiah 16:11 mean?
Isaiah concludes his oracles against Moab in true sorrow. Many commentators believe this is representative of the sorrow the Lord also felt at bringing judgment on Moab (Ezekiel 33:11). God carried it through because that's what justice and righteousness demanded. But unlike in other oracles, the Lord is not said to be burning with anger or pouring out judgment from His fierce wrath.This judgement will come in three years' time from Isaiah writing his prophecy and the prophet is already mourning (Isaiah 16:14). Poetically, he says that his inner parts, literally meaning his "bowels," moan like a lyre. This would have been a harp-like instrument that can be made to give a moaning sound. He adds that his inner self also moans for Kir-hareseth, identifying Moab once more as the nation's capital.
Isaiah 16:1–14 begins with an official request to settle in Judah, spoken by Moabite refugees. This request is followed by a declaration that a descendant of David will establish the throne of Israel with love and righteousness when the oppressor is no more. Isaiah points to the arrogance of Moab regarding their abundance. This pride will be shown to be empty talk since it can be taken away in a night. Isaiah calls everyone to wail for Moab's losses and weep for the end of the grape harvest and its products. He reveals the judgment will fall in three years.
The refugees of Moab send a tribute to Jerusalem and make an official request to shelter in Judah due to the oppression of the enemy in their own land. After the oppressor is no more, the throne of the Messiah will be established in Israel. Moab's pride and arrogance about their abundance are revealed to be empty talk since it can all be taken away in a night. Isaiah calls everyone to wail and mourn for the suffering of Moab. He weeps for the loss of the grape harvest. The prophet announces this judgement will happen in three years.
