Chapters 13-17

Chapter 13

The LORD musters his army for battle, but the warriors come from a distant land (13:4-5). We are again given insight into the cosmic dimensions of the LORD’s sovereignty (cf. the Letter to the Colossians). In this chapter the “day of the LORD” (yom Adonai) is described as a day to be feared (13:6ff; cf. Joel 2:31). It is a day of judgment, but also of the vindication of the LORD.

Chapter 14

The vindication of the LORD is not separate from the vindication of his people, however. Israel/Jacob will be restored, joined by “aliens” (Gentiles?) and will rule over those who oppressed them (14:1-2), so much so that they will taunt the Great Babylon (14:4). God’s business, as it were, is bringing down those who wrongly assert their place in the heavens, that is, in God’s place (14:12-15; cf. the tower of Babel in Genesis 11). If Israel and Judah’s punishment seemed severe, it will be eclipsed by Babylon’s, who will be “swept with the broom of destruction” (14:23). Assyria (14:25-27) and the Philistines (14:29-31) will face similar fates. Zion is again established as a place of refuge for the needy (ani) (14:32).

Chapters 15 and 16

Moab’s fate is described next. What is striking is that provision is made for the outcasts of Moab (16:4). Once the oppressor has been defeated, then a throne in the tent of David will be established (16:5). Even with this “promise in the middle,” Moab’s fate looks bleak (16:13). Is it possible the “Moabite remnant” and the “throne in the tent of David” might be allusions to Ruth the Moabitess who was joined to Boaz and Bethlehem and became King David’s great-grandmother? (Ruth 4:21-22)

Chapter 17

God’s judgment is thorough, extending northward to Damascus (cf. present-day Syria). Chapter 17 contains both words of judgment and hope. On the one hand, there is judgment upon false gods and idols (17:8), but in leaving behind these graven images and idolatrous places of worship they will again regard (look to, sha-a) their Maker (literally: the one who fashioned them from the ground), the Holy One of Israel (17:7).