[1] They have sent lambs to the ruler of the land, from Sela, by way of the
desert, to the mount of the daughter of Zion. [2] Like fluttering birds,
like scattered nestlings, so are the daughters of Moab at the fords of the
Arnon. [3] "Give counsel, grant justice; make your shade like night at the
height of noon; hide the outcasts, betray not the fugitive; [4] let the
outcasts of Moab sojourn among you; be a refuge to them from the destroyer.
When the oppressor is no more, and destruction has ceased, and he who
tramples under foot has vanished from the land, [5] then a throne will be
established in steadfast love and on it will sit in faithfulness in the
tent of David one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do
righteousness." [6] We have heard of the pride of Moab, how proud he was;
of his arrogance, his pride, and his insolence-- his boasts are false. [7]
Therefore let Moab wail, let every one wail for Moab. Mourn, utterly
stricken, for the raisin-cakes of Kir-har'eseth. [8] For the fields of
Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah; the lords of the nations have
struck down its branches, which reached to Jazer and strayed to the desert;
its shoots spread abroad and passed over the sea. [9] Therefore I weep with
the weeping of Jazer for the vine of Sibmah; I drench you with my tears, O
Heshbon and Ele-a'leh; for upon your fruit and your harvest the battle
shout has fallen. [10] And joy and gladness are taken away from the
fruitful field; and in the vineyards no songs are sung, no shouts are
raised; no treader treads out wine in the presses; the vintage shout is
hushed. [11] Therefore my soul moans like a lyre for Moab, and my heart for
Kir-he'res. [12] And when Moab presents himself, when he wearies himself
upon the high place, when he comes to his sanctuary to pray, he will not
prevail. [13] This is the word which the LORD spoke concerning Moab in the
past. [14] But now the LORD says, "In three years, like the years of a
hireling, the glory of Moab will be brought into contempt, in spite of all
his great multitude, and those who survive will be very few and feeble."
