Isaiah 15:3 - Exposition

In their streets ; literally, in his streets ; i.e. the streets of Moab. They shall gird themselves with sackcloth . Another widely spread custom, known to the Assyrians ( Jonah 3:5 ), the Syrians ( 1 Kings 20:31 ), the Persians ( Esther 4:1 , Esther 4:2 ), the Israelites ( Nehemiah 9:1 ), and, as we see here, to the Moabites. The modern wearing of black garments, especially crape, is representative of the old practice. Every one shall howl . "Howling" remains one of the chief tokens of mourning in the East. It was a practice of the Egyptians (Herod; 2.79), of the Persians (ibid; 8.99; 9.24), of the Babylonians ( Jeremiah 51:8 ), and probably of the Orientals generally. Weeping abundantly ; or, running down with tears (comp. Jeremiah 9:18 ; Jeremiah 13:17 ; Herod; 8.99).