Isaiah 16-17

“For the extortioner has come to an end, destruction has ceased, oppressors have completely disappeared from the land” (16:4).  God never destroyed tribes or nations in the Old Testament just because they weren’t descendents of Jacob.  The people of Moab were judged, for example, because extortion and oppression were rampant in their culture.  Idolatry was common, even to the point of human sacrifice.  God pronounced judgment on these societies because He heard the cries of the innocent. 

“A throne even will be established in lovingkindness …." (16:5).  The transformed lives of the people of God point toward that wonderful future, when God’s reign will bring peace on earth.