Isaiah 16:14 (Moab)
Prophecy
Isaiah gave a very specific, time-bound prophecy regarding the nation of Moab, stating its glory would fade within a precise timeframe.
"But now the LORD has spoken, saying, 'In three years, like the years of a hired worker, the glory of Moab will be brought into contempt...'" — Isaiah 16:14 (ESV)
Fulfillment
Historic View
Historical records from the Assyrian empire, specifically during the reigns of Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II, confirm military campaigns into the Transjordan region that subjugated Moab. Moab was reduced from an independent kingdom to a vassal state, stripping away its former glory and independence. The specificity of "three years" (like a contract worker's fixed term) indicates a precise near-term fulfillment.
Supporting Sources:
- Moab (Ancient Kingdom) - Archaeological Evidence
- Assyrian Expansion in the Levant - Ancient History
- The Annals of Tiglath-Pileser III document campaigns in the Transjordan region and tribute from surrounding nations
Conclusion
The subjugation of Moab by Assyrian forces in the late 8th century BCE fulfills the prophetic warning.