God Weeps When Bringing Judgment

It is a good thing to read the Prophets who foretold God's judgment. From them, we learn God's heart as He executes His righteous rule over the nations. The reason we need to learn His heart is that His judgment can confuse so many. For His judgment is fierce and ultimately final. 

One such place that reveals His heartbreaking to bring judgment is found in Isaiah 15. It's a short chapter about a small nation that was cousin to Israel, the descendants of Lot's incest with his daughter - Moab. 

We do well to remember that Moab had a special place in God's plan for redemption. Ruth was the Moabitess who loyally loved her mother-in-law, married Boaz and gave birth to David's grandfather. Yet like Israel, Moab is laid waste by the Assyrians at the hand of God's judgment for many of the same sins of Israel, and Isaiah details the troubles they endure. 

Isaiah 15:1–3 (ESV) An oracle concerning Moab. Because Ar of Moab is laid waste in a night, Moab is undone; because Kir of Moab is laid waste in a night, Moab is undone. 2 He has gone up to the temple, and to Dibon, to the high places to weep; over Nebo and over Medeba Moab wails. On every head is baldness; every beard is shorn; 3 in the streets they wear sackcloth; on the housetops and in the squares everyone wails and melts in tears.

A picture of sadness and bleak reality if ever there one. The word, "undone" is repeated to emphasize her devastation. Moab never rises again. She is done. 

The trouble causes great weeping in the cities of Moab. 

Isaiah 15:4 (ESV) Heshbon and Elealeh cry out; their voice is heard as far as Jahaz; therefore the armed men of Moab cry aloud; his soul trembles.

Now the skeptic loves to point to God's angry judgment as if He enjoys it. "What kind of God!", they cry out in defiance. They think God is up in heaven happily sending nations into turmoil not realizing that the nations brought these times on themselves. But Isaiah reveals God's reaction and Moab weeps. 

He weeps too. 

Isaiah 15:5 (ESV) My heart cries out for Moab...

And for the rest of the chapter and into the next God bemoans her reality.

Ezekiel will confirm this aspect of God's character. He does not take pleasure in His judgment on the wicked. 

Ezekiel 18:23 (ESV) Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?

Here is the heart of God toward you. No matter where you are in life and how far you may have fallen. God would much rather delight in your repentance than weep over your disgrace. If you can hear His voice, listen and repent for the party awaits you like it was thrown for the prodigal son. 

Our sins deserve justice, but God delights in grace. 

We'd be fools not to take His offer.