Toward the end of the previous chapter, Isaiah’s focus turned from Babylon to Assyria. Emphasizing the certainty of God’s plans and purposes, the prophet informs them that the ultimate power behind everything is none other than “the LORD of hosts” (or “the LORD of heaven’s armies”). Then as now, God can impose His will on international affairs, and nothing can stop His agenda from coming to pass. The LORD will allow mighty Assyria to oppress His people for a time, but then He Himself will crush them (14:24-27). From the Assyrians in the distant northeast, we come to the inhabitants of Philistia, the land directly west of Jerusalem, along the Mediterranean coast. They were happy because a powerful oppressor had died, but God lets them know that their own future is nothing to rejoice over. Things will only get worse for Philistia, while the LORD will always watch over His own people, no matter what threats are made against them (14:28-32). Now in Isaiah 15, the prophet sets his sights on Moab, a people to the southeast of Jerusalem, across the Dead Sea. Moab’s sudden ruin is fast approaching, and the scene depicted here is a wretched one: they will be “laid waste in a night” (v 1)—suffering public humiliation with weeping and wailing (v 2-4). They will know poverty and starvation (v 5-7), along with violence and bloodshed (v 8-9). But God does not gloat over them in their suffering: “My heart cries out for Moab” (v 5). These desperate people are seen scattering as fugitives into the surrounding nations (v 5-9). Their situation is dire indeed. The LORD does not delight in their devastation, nor in the death of any who are wicked. He is not malicious, vindictive, or petty. God is sensitive to the pain of His enemies and sympathetic to their plight. He longs for all to turn to Him and find salvation. This is why God continues to warn all peoples of His coming judgment. He is more than the God of Israel. The Creator of the universe holds all nations accountable for their deeds, even as they are always subject to His sovereign rule. Yes, God will judge the whole world in perfect righteousness, individuals as well as nations. Our only hope is found in the provision that God Himself has made for our deliverance. By the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, forgiveness and eternal life are secured for all who believe in Him. But those who refuse to humble themselves before the Son of God, yielding to His gracious rule, will be justly condemned. For further meditation: