1Send ye the lambs for the ruler of the land from Selah to the wilderness , unto the mount of the daughter of Zion . 2For it shall be that , as wandering birds , as a scattered nest , so shall the daughters of Moab be at the fords of the Arnon. 3Give counsel , execute justice; make thy shade as the night in the midst of the noonday ; hide the outcasts ; betray not the fugitive . 4Let mine outcasts dwell with thee ; as for Moab , be thou a covert to him from the face of the destroyer . For the extortioner is brought to nought, destruction ceaseth , the oppressors are consumed out of the land . 5And a throne shall be established in lovingkindness ; and one shall sit thereon in truth, in the tent of David , judging , and seeking justice , and swift to do righteousness .
The Judgment Against Moab
6We have heard of the pride of Moab , that he is very proud ; even of his arrogancy , and his pride , and his wrath ; his boastings are nought . 7Therefore shall Moab wail for Moab , every one shall wail : for the raisin-cakes of Kir-hareseth shall ye mourn , utterly stricken . 8For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah ; the lords of the nations have broken down the choice branches thereof , which reached even unto Jazer , which wandered into the wilderness ; its shoots were spread abroad , they passed over the sea . 9Therefore I will weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vine of Sibmah ; I will water thee with my tears , O Heshbon , and Elealeh: for upon thy summer fruits and upon thy harvest the battle shout is fallen . 10And gladness is taken away , and joy out of the fruitful field ; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing , neither joyful noise : no treader shall tread out wine in the presses ; I have made the vintage shout to cease .
The Hope for Restoration
11Wherefore my heart soundeth like a harp for Moab , and mine inward parts for Kir-heres . 12And it shall come to pass , when Moab presenteth himself , when he wearieth himself upon the high place , and shall come to his sanctuary to pray , that he shall not prevail . 13This is the word that Jehovah spake concerning Moab in time past. 14But now Jehovah hath spoken , saying , Within three years , as the years of a hireling , the glory of Moab shall be brought into contempt, with all his great multitude ; and the remnant shall be very small and of no account.