1Send lambs to the ruler of the land, from Selah through the desert to the mountain of Zion.
2For the daughters of Moab at the ford of the Arnon will be like wandering birds, like a scattered nest.
3Give advice! Act with justice! Protect them like darkness at noon! Hide those who have been driven out! Don’t betray the refugee!
4Let my banished people live with you! Moab, be a hiding place for them from the one who destroys. For the oppressor is gone. The destruction stops. Those who crush others are removed from the land.
5A king will rule with unfailing love. One will sit on the throne of David in truth, judging, seeking justice, and quick to do what is right.
6We have heard about Moab’s pride, that he is very proud; his arrogance, his pride, and his anger. His boasts mean nothing.
7Therefore, Moab will mourn for Moab. Everyone will mourn. You will grieve for the raisin cakes of Kir Hareseth, completely devastated.
8The fields of Heshbon are withering, along with the vines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations have destroyed its choicest branches, which once reached as far as Jazer and spread into the wilderness, even crossing the sea.
9So I will cry with Jazer over the vines of Sibmah. I will soak you with my tears, Heshbon and Elealeh, because the battle cry has fallen on your summer fruits and your harvest.
10Happiness and joy have been removed from the fertile fields. There will be no singing or joyful sounds in the vineyards. No one will press wine in the presses. I have put an end to the shouts of joy.
11Therefore, my heart aches like a harp for Moab, and my soul mourns for Kir Heres.
12When Moab goes to his pagan shrine to pray and exhausts himself on the high place, he will not succeed.
13This is the message Yahweh spoke about Moab long ago.
14But now Yahweh says: “Within three years, precisely counted like a hired worker’s contract, Moab’s glory will be disgraced, despite his large population; only a small and weak remnant will be left.”