A - An Ancient Prophecy
Most of Chapter 16 resembles the burden of Moav we encountered in the previous chapter — descriptions of calamities that will befall the cities of Moav, accompanied by mourning and lamentation for them. However, at the beginning and end of the chapter, surprising verses appear. The chapter concludes with a unique statement: “This is what the Lord spoke of Moav long ago, and now the Lord speaks – He says: Three more years…” (16:13–14). Here we find an intriguing model of an “ancient prophecy” that was apparently delivered in an earlier generation as a prophetic warning to Moav. Yeshayahu, in his time, quotes it and then sets a timeline for its fulfillment — in three years. For further insight, see the article by Professor Elitzur, shared yesterday, where he discusses the idea that the burden of Moav corresponds with the Mesha Stele and forms the basis of both Yeshayahu’s and Yirmeyahu’s prophecies concerning Moav.

B - Jerusalem
Amid the burden of Moav (and at the beginning of our chapter) appears a classic redemption verse about Jerusalem and the throne of David: “There is a throne founded on kindness, presided from in truth in David's tent, by a judge, a seeker of justice, one who hastens righteousness” (16:5). It is unclear what this verse is doing in the midst of this prophecy concerning Moav. It seems that Yehuda is mentioned in this chapter due to Moav’s initiative, as Moav seeks aid from Jerusalem: “Send a sheep, ruler of the land, from Sela into the desert, to the mount of daughter Zion” (16:1). In their distress, Moav requests that Jerusalem shelter its outcasts. On one level, this highlights that prophecies of calamity for the nations are tied to prophecies of redemption for Jerusalem and Yehuda, which will emerge as a strong state during the crises faced by neighboring nations. On another level, this appears to reflect a deeper point: the burden of Moav begins and ends with Moav’s failed attempts to seek salvation through its high shrines and temples (15:2; 16:12). At the center of the prophecy, we see a significant, comprehensive process — Moav is meant to despair of its temples and realize that its salvation lies in seeking Jerusalem. This aligns with Yeshayahu’s visions of all nations gathering to Jerusalem — even Moav.

For further study, see Rav Medan's shiur on the burden of Moav.