Isaiah 16:4 - Exposition

Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab . The change of one accent will allow of this passage being translated, Let the outcasts of Moab dwell with thee ; and so it is rendered by the LXX ; the Syriac, by Lowth, Gesenius, Hitzig, Ewald, and Mr. Cheyne. Delitzsch and Dr. Kay agree with the Authorized Version. For the extortioner is at an end . This seems to be urged as a reason why the protection asked should be given: it will not be for long—the oppressor is about to receive chastisement. He is called "the extortioner," as exacting the utmost possible tribute from conquered lands. Such exaction was characteristic of Assyria ( 2 Kings 15:19 ; 2 Kings 18:14 ; 'Assyrian Inscriptions,' passim ). The spoiler ceaseth ; literally, devastation ceaseth .