What does Isaiah 15:6 mean?
"For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing." - Isaiah 15:6

Isaiah 15:6 (KJV) - "For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing."
The book of Isaiah is one of the major prophetic books in the Old Testament, and it contains numerous prophecies about the coming judgment and restoration of Israel. Isaiah 15:6 is part of a larger judgment oracle against the nations of Moab and their subjugation to the Assyrian empire. In this verse, the prophet Isaiah describes a desolate and barren landscape, using the imagery of dried-up waters, withered hay, and failing grass to convey the severity of God's judgment upon Moab.
The context of Isaiah 15:6 is the impending destruction and devastation that Moab will experience as a result of their disobedience and idolatry. The imagery of the desolation of the waters of Nimrim, the withered hay, and the failing grass serves as a powerful visual depiction of the land's barrenness and lack of sustenance. This serves as a warning to the people of Moab, highlighting the severity of God's judgment and the consequences of their sinful ways.
The verse also carries a thematic message of the consequences of disobedience and the righteousness of God's judgment. Throughout the book of Isaiah, the prophet emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's law and the consequences of turning away from Him. Isaiah 15:6 serves as a reminder of the inevitable judgment that awaits those who reject God's commands and pursue their own desires. It also highlights the overarching theme of God's sovereignty and justice, as He holds the authority to bring judgment upon the nations according to His will.
The symbolism in Isaiah 15:6 is rich and multi-layered, adding depth and meaning to the prophecy. The desolation of the waters of Nimrim represents the devastation and ruin that will befall Moab. Water is often used in the Bible as a symbol of sustenance and life, and its desolation signifies the withdrawal of God's blessing and provision from the land. This serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the spiritual and physical desolation that will come upon the people of Moab.
The withered hay and failing grass further emphasize the barrenness and lack of sustenance that Moab will experience. The imagery of withered hay and failing grass also carries a sense of finality and irreversibility, as if the land has been permanently cursed and stripped of all vitality. This symbolizes the irrevocable nature of God's judgment and the permanence of its consequences.
In addition, the absence of any green thing signifies the complete and utter destruction that will befall Moab. Green is often associated with life, vitality, and growth, and its absence conveys the total devastation and desolation of the land. This serves as a stark warning to the people of Moab, highlighting the severity of God's judgment and the complete loss of hope and prosperity.
In conclusion, Isaiah 15:6 is a powerful and evocative verse that conveys the severity of God's judgment upon Moab. Through rich imagery and symbolism, the verse emphasizes the consequences of disobedience, the righteousness of God's judgment, and the irrevocable nature of its consequences. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the inevitable consequences of turning away from His will.
Have questions about Isaiah 15:6?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Isaiah 15:6 Artwork
Isaiah 15:6 - "For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing."
"For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing." - Isaiah 15:6
isaiah 6:6
Isaiah 6
Isaiah 6
Isaiah 6:1-5
Isaiah 6:1-5
isaiah 6:7
Isaiah 6:1-5
Isaiah 6:1-5
Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah 9:6
isaiah 6:7
Isaiah 29:6
Isaiah 33:6
Isaiah 6:8
Isaiah 12:6
Isaiah 12:6
isaiah 60:6
Isaiah 6:1
Isaiah 33:6
Isaiah 33:6
Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah 6:5
Isaiah 6:5
Isaiah 12:6
isaiah 6:13
Isaiah 37:15 - "And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying,"
Isaiah 6:1-3