Moabites will mourn for Kir-hareseth’s raisin cakes, perhaps a principal product of the city. (Isaiah 16:6, 7) Sibmah and Jazer, famous for vine cultivation, will be smitten. (Isaiah 16:8-10)

Isaiah himself, certain of the fulfillment of these judgments, feels deep emotions. Like the vibrating strings of a harp, his inward parts are moved with pity because of the message of woe against Moab.​—Isaiah 16:11, 12.

12. How were Isaiah’s words against Moab fulfilled?

¹² When will this prophecy be fulfilled? Soon. “This is the word that Jehovah spoke concerning Moab formerly. And now Jehovah has spoken, saying: ‘Within three years, according to the years of a hired laborer, the glory of Moab must also be disgraced with much commotion of every sort, and those who remain over will be a trifling few, not mighty.’” (Isaiah 16:13, 14) In harmony with this, there is archaeological evidence that during the eighth century B.C.E., Moab suffered grievously and many of its sites were depopulated. Tiglath-pileser III mentioned Salamanu of Moab among the rulers who paid tribute to him. Sennacherib received tribute from Kammusunadbi, king of Moab. Assyrian monarchs Esar-haddon and Ashurbanipal referred to Moabite Kings Musuri and Kamashaltu as being their subjects. Centuries ago, the Moabites ceased to exist as a people. Ruins of cities thought to be Moabite have been found, but little physical evidence of this once-powerful enemy of Israel has thus far been unearthed.

However, there is hope for people in this modern-day “Moab.” In the midst of prophesying against Moab, Isaiah says: “In loving-kindness a throne will certainly be firmly established; and one must sit down upon it in trueness in the tent of David, judging and seeking justice and being prompt in righteousness.” (Isaiah 16:5) In 1914, Jehovah firmly established the throne of Jesus, a Ruler in the line of King David. Jesus’ kingship is an expression of Jehovah’s loving-kindness and, in fulfillment of God’s covenant with King David, will last forever. (Psalm 72:2; 85:10, 11; 89:3, 4; Luke 1:32) Many meek ones have left modern-day “Moab” and have submitted themselves to Jesus in order to gain life. (Revelation 18:4) How comforting for these to know that Jesus will ‘make clear to the nations what justice is’!​—Matthew 12:18; Jeremiah 33:15.