In Isaiah, chapter sixteen, verses one through five, the prophet continues his prophecy against Moab, counseling them of what to do to prevent, if possible, or at least to mitigate, the threatened judgment. First, he advises them to be just to the house of David, and to pay the tribute they had formerly covenanted to pay to the kings of his line, resulting from Second Samuel eight, verse two, “And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David’s servants, and brought gifts.”
God tells sinners what they may do to prevent ruin; so he does to Moab. Those who will not submit to Christ shall be as a bird that wanders from her nest, which shall be snatched up by the next bird of prey. Those who will not yield to the fear of God shall be made to yield to the fear of everything else. He advises them to be kind to the seed of Israel. Those who expect to find favour when in trouble themselves must show favour to those in trouble.
The fugitives and refugees of Moab were told to seek shelter in Judah and to submit to the king of Jerusalem. In verse three, taking counsel is to consider seriously among yourselves what course to take to prevent your utter ruin. Execute judgment is doing those things which are just and right, as to all men, and conceal and protect my people in the time of their distress and danger. The outcasts are the people driven out of their land. Looking to the future, Isaiah saw the Messianic kingdom and the end of all oppression.