This chapter opens with a historic reminder of the fall of Ar, the capital of Moab and their chief fortress (v. 1). For centuries, Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, had been an enemy of Israel. The Moabites were the product of Lot's incestuous union with his daughter (Gen. 19:30-38).

As this chapter unfolds, it reveals how the prophet weeps over the coming Assyrian invasion. A list of Moabites cities is given that will be over-run by the Assyrian army (vv. 2-4). The prediction states that it will fall in the night and Isaiah's heart was broken by Moab's distress. Zoar (v. 5) was the city that was often resorted to by the fleeing Moabites. This was one of the cities to which Lot attempted to flee (Gen. 19:23). The people fled to their temples and prayed to their gods, but to no avail. Even a day of national mourning did not stop Assyria from invading Moab and ravaging the land. The advancing armies stopped at the springs and waterways and left them in desolation (vv. 6-7). The wailing extended to Eglaim and Beer Elim, sites presently unknown, but perhaps near Moab’s southern border (v. 8). Where there was water in Moab, it was stained with blood (v. 9). Yet despite all of this, a remnant was still to be left in the land.