Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 16:8

8 For the fields of Heshbon languish , and the vine of Sibmah, the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even unto Jazer , they wandered through the wilderness , her branches are stretched out , thy are gone over the sea .

Either for want of Rain, as ch. 15. 6. or because there are no men left to till and manure them.

The Assyrians or Chaldeans, the great Rulers of the Eastern Nations.

The choicest Vines. Under which one Particular he seems to understand not onely all their other Fruits and Goods, but even their Persons and choicest People.

Either, 1. the Lords of the Heathen are come as far as Iazer, which is the utmost Border of Moab; or, 2. the People of Moab are going into Captivity, and part of them are already gone as far as Iazer. Some understand this and the following Clauses of the Vines, which are here commended, to aggravate the Loss and Ruine of them, and render the Words, which reached even unto Iazer, which Vineyards were planted for many miles together, even as far as Iazer.

Others of the Moabites fled away for their Lives, and wandred hither and thither in the Wilderness of Moab; of which see Numb. 21. 11. Deut. 2. 8.

i. e. Her People, called plants before.

Or, are spread abroad, as this Word signifies Numb. 11. 32. Iudg. 15. 9. 1 Sam. 30. 16. are driven from their own Homes, and dispersed into several Countries.

Over the Dead Sea, which was the Border of Moab. They were forced to flee out of their own Country, to save their Lives.

Marginal references: Or, plucked up.