Crying Gate Bars and Fleeing Refugees: The Polysemy of בריחה in Isaiah 15

Abstract: As recognized among the textual witnesses, the first word in Isa 15:5aβ, [inline-graphic 01i], has multiple meanings. The form can mean “her gate bars,” which coheres with the preceding verses concerning Moab’s destroyed cities (Isa 15:1–5a), or “her refugees,” which coheres with verses concerning the flight of Moab’s refugees (Isa 15:5b–9). Despite the polysemy evinced among the textual witnesses, [inline-graphic 01i] is generally translated as “her refugees” in modern scholarship. Moreover, some scholars have observed a unit division between vv. 4 and 5, further distancing the possibility of reading [inline-graphic 01i] in the context of vv. 1–4 and thus appreciating the polysemy of the word. Through the use of delimitation criticism, I argue that the ancient witnesses did not observe a unit division between vv. 4 and 5. Moreover, the double meanings of [inline-graphic 01i] hinge the chapter together, both reflecting on Moab’s destroyed cities (vv. 1–4) and anticipating the flight of her refugees (vv. 5–9).