(8) The cry is gone round about . . .--The extent of the lamentation is emphasised by naming its farthest points. It reaches (1) Eglaim ("two pools"), probably the same as the En-Eglaim of Ezekiel 47:10, as near the Dead Sea. Eusebius (Onomast.) names it as eight miles south of Areopolis or Rabbath Moab. Josephus mentions a town Agalla as near Zoar (Ant. xii. 1, 4); (2) Beer-Elim ("the well of the terebinths"), perhaps the same as the "well" on the borders of Moab of Numbers 21:16.
(8) The waters of Dimon.--Probably the same as Dibon, the name being slightly altered (m and b, as labial letters, are closely connected in all languages) so as to resemble the Hebrew word for "blood" (dam), or dum ("silent"). Men should call the stream no more by the name of Dimon, but by that of the blood, or the silent river. (See Note on Isaiah 21:11.)
I will bring more . . .--i.e., sorrow upon sorrow. The "lions" are either literally such, as in 2 Kings 17:25, prowling through the streets of the deserted city (see Notes on Isaiah 13:21), or symbols of Assyrian or other invaders (Jeremiah 4:7; Jeremiah 5:6).
Verse 8. - Eglaim... Beer-Elim. Unknown sites on the borders of Moab, both probably towards the south. The enemy has come in from the north, and has driven the population southwards. A hope has been entertained of the pursuit slackening; but it is disappointed. The enemy causes grief and "howling" in every part of the territory.
15:1-9 The Divine judgments about to come upon the Moabites. - This prophecy coming to pass within three years, would confirm the prophet's mission, and the belief in all his other prophecies. Concerning Moab it is foretold, 1. That their chief cities should be surprised by the enemy. Great changes, and very dismal ones, may be made in a very little time. 2. The Moabites would have recourse to their idols for relief. Ungodly men, when in trouble, have no comforter. But they are seldom brought by their terrors to approach our forgiving God with true sorrow and believing prayer. 3. There should be the cries of grief through the land. It is poor relief to have many fellow-sufferers, fellow-mourners. 4. The courage of their soldiers should fail. God can easily deprive a nation of that on which it most depended for strength and defence. 5. These calamities should cause grief in the neighbouring parts. Though enemies to Israel, yet as our fellow-creatures, it should be grievous to see them in such distress. In ver. 6-9, the prophet describes the woful lamentations heard through the country of Moab, when it became a prey to the Assyrian army. The country should be plundered. And famine is usually the sad effect of war. Those who are eager to get abundance of this world, and to lay up what they have gotten, little consider how soon it may be all taken from them. While we warn our enemies to escape from ruin, let us pray for them, that they may seek and find forgiveness of their sins.
For the cry is gone found about the borders of Moab,.... The cry of destruction and howling because of it; the places mentioned, as is observed by some, being upon the borders of the land. Heshbon was on the north east, Elealeh on the north west, Jahaz on the south west, Horonaim further west, Zoar the utmost west, and the places following seem to be upon the borders likewise:
the howling thereof unto Eglaim; which word signifies a border, and so the Arabic word Agalon; some take it to be the same with the brooks of Arnon, Numbers 21:13 said so be the border of Moab:
and the howling thereof unto Beerelim; the same with Beer, Numbers 21:16 called Beerelim, or "the well of the mighty ones", being dug by the princes of Israel, Numbers 21:18.
(8) The waters of Dimon.--Probably the same as Dibon, the name being slightly altered (m and b, as labial letters, are closely connected in all languages) so as to resemble the Hebrew word for "blood" (dam), or dum ("silent"). Men should call the stream no more by the name of Dimon, but by that of the blood, or the silent river. (See Note on Isaiah 21:11.)
I will bring more . . .--i.e., sorrow upon sorrow. The "lions" are either literally such, as in 2 Kings 17:25, prowling through the streets of the deserted city (see Notes on Isaiah 13:21), or symbols of Assyrian or other invaders (Jeremiah 4:7; Jeremiah 5:6).
the howling thereof unto Eglaim; which word signifies a border, and so the Arabic word Agalon; some take it to be the same with the brooks of Arnon, Numbers 21:13 said so be the border of Moab:
and the howling thereof unto Beerelim; the same with Beer, Numbers 21:16 called Beerelim, or "the well of the mighty ones", being dug by the princes of Israel, Numbers 21:18.