The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; so it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land.
A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.
Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it.
My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me.
Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield.
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.
And he saw a chariot with a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, and a chariot of camels; and he hearkened diligently with much heed:
And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:
And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.
O my threshing, and the corn of my floor: that which I have heard of the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you.
The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?
The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.
The burden upon Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall ye lodge, O ye travelling companies of Dedanim.
The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.
For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:
And the residue of the number of archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be diminished: for the Lord God of Israel hath spoken it.
Isaiah 21 contains a series of oracles, divine pronouncements, against various nations. These prophecies reveal God's sovereignty over the nations and His purposes unfolding in history. While judgment is a prominent theme, glimpses of hope also emerge, reminding us of God's enduring mercy. The chapter opens with a vision of Babylon's impending doom, followed by shorter oracles concerning Dumah (Edom) and Arabia. These prophecies highlight the instability of earthly power and the ultimate triumph of God's will.
Oracle Against Babylon (Isaiah 21:1-10)
The first oracle is directed against the "wilderness of the sea" (Isaiah 21:1), a designation understood to refer to Babylon, located in the marshy regions of southern Mesopotamia. Some scholars believe this prophecy refers to Babylon’s defeat by the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, in 689 BC, while others believe it refers to the Persian Empire’s conquest of Babylon in 539 BC. Regardless of the specific historical event, the vision Isaiah receives is one of intense suffering and destruction.
The prophet witnesses a "fierce vision" (Isaiah 21:2) that causes him profound physical and emotional distress. He experiences anguish akin to a woman in labor, his heart falters, and he trembles with fear (Isaiah 21:3-4). This vivid depiction underscores the gravity of the coming judgment and the prophet's deep empathy for those who will suffer. Isaiah calls out to Elam and Media, perhaps as allies or participants in the impending attack against Babylon (Isaiah 21:2).
God commands Isaiah to set a watchman, a sentinel on the tower, to observe and report what he sees (Isaiah 21:6). The watchman's role is crucial, signifying the need for vigilance and awareness of God's unfolding plan. Isaiah himself assumes this role, diligently watching until he sees riders approaching (Isaiah 21:8). The watchman announces, "Babylon has fallen, has fallen! And all the idols of her gods he has broken to the ground" (Isaiah 21:9). This pronouncement signifies not only the military defeat of Babylon but also the utter humiliation of its false gods, proving their inability to protect the city. This judgment upon the nation would be a judgment upon her false gods—a pathetic defense against the LORD of Armies (Isaiah 21:9-10). The destruction of the idols symbolizes the futility of trusting in anything other than the one true God.
Oracle Against Dumah (Isaiah 21:11-12)
The second oracle focuses on Dumah, a place whose exact location is debated. Some identify it as an oasis town in Arabia, while others connect it with Edom, also known as Seir, due to the similarity between "Dumah" and the Hebrew word for "Edom."
Regardless of the specific location, the oracle speaks to a time of distress and uncertainty. Someone from Seir asks the watchman, "Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?" (Isaiah 21:11). This question reflects a longing for relief from suffering and a desire to know when the darkness will end.
The watchman's response is enigmatic: "Morning is coming, but also the night. If you would ask, then ask; come back again" (Isaiah 21:12). This answer offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that morning (relief) will eventually come. However, it also acknowledges the cyclical nature of suffering, indicating that night (difficulty) will return. The invitation to "come back again" implies that perseverance in seeking God is necessary, even amidst uncertainty. The Lord’s judgment upon them would come like nightfall.
Oracle Against Arabia (Isaiah 21:13-17)
The final oracle addresses the Arabian region, specifically focusing on the tribes of Dedan and Kedar. These desert tribes would also suffer at the hands of the Assyrians. The prophecy describes the displacement of the Dedanite caravans, forced to seek refuge in the thickets (Isaiah 21:13). Isaiah calls on the people of Tema, an oasis town, to provide water and sustenance to the refugees (Isaiah 21:14). Tema was an oasis whose water would be needed for the thirsty refugees from the battle when Assyria attacked.
The prophecy concludes with a warning that "within one year, as a servant bound by contract would determine it, all the pomp of Kedar will come to an end" (Isaiah 21:16). The warriors of Kedar, known for their strength and archery skills, will be diminished in number (Isaiah 21:17). This prediction underscores the swiftness and certainty of God's judgment. This would happen within one year because the Lord had spoken, and nothing could change his decree (Isaiah 21:16-17).
Implications for Today
Isaiah 21 offers several important lessons for contemporary readers:
- God's Sovereignty: The chapter demonstrates God's ultimate control over nations and events. He raises up and brings down empires according to His purposes.
- The Reality of Suffering: The prophecies acknowledge the existence of suffering and hardship in the world. While God may not always prevent suffering, He is present with us in the midst of it.
- The Importance of Vigilance: The image of the watchman reminds us to be alert to God's activity in the world and to discern the signs of the times.
- The Promise of Hope: Even amidst pronouncements of judgment, glimpses of hope emerge. God's mercy endures, and He offers a path to restoration and renewal.
- Trusting God in Uncertainty: The oracle against Dumah encourages us to persevere in seeking God, even when the future is unclear. He may not always provide immediate answers, but He promises to be with us through the darkness.
By understanding the historical context and theological themes of Isaiah 21, we can gain a deeper appreciation for God's character and His enduring faithfulness to His people. This chapter calls us to trust in God's sovereignty, to remain vigilant in our faith, and to hold fast to the hope that He offers, even in the face of adversity.
The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; so it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land.
A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.
Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it.
My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me.
Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield.
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.
And he saw a chariot with a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, and a chariot of camels; and he hearkened diligently with much heed:
And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:
And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.
O my threshing, and the corn of my floor: that which I have heard of the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you.
The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?
The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.
The burden upon Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall ye lodge, O ye travelling companies of Dedanim.
The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.
For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:
And the residue of the number of archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be diminished: for the Lord God of Israel hath spoken it.
Isaiah 21 contains a series of oracles, divine pronouncements, against various nations. These prophecies reveal God's sovereignty over the nations and His purposes unfolding in history. While judgment is a prominent theme, glimpses of hope also emerge, reminding us of God's enduring mercy. The chapter opens with a vision of Babylon's impending doom, followed by shorter oracles concerning Dumah (Edom) and Arabia. These prophecies highlight the instability of earthly power and the ultimate triumph of God's will.
Oracle Against Babylon (Isaiah 21:1-10)
The first oracle is directed against the "wilderness of the sea" (Isaiah 21:1), a designation understood to refer to Babylon, located in the marshy regions of southern Mesopotamia. Some scholars believe this prophecy refers to Babylon’s defeat by the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, in 689 BC, while others believe it refers to the Persian Empire’s conquest of Babylon in 539 BC. Regardless of the specific historical event, the vision Isaiah receives is one of intense suffering and destruction.
The prophet witnesses a "fierce vision" (Isaiah 21:2) that causes him profound physical and emotional distress. He experiences anguish akin to a woman in labor, his heart falters, and he trembles with fear (Isaiah 21:3-4). This vivid depiction underscores the gravity of the coming judgment and the prophet's deep empathy for those who will suffer. Isaiah calls out to Elam and Media, perhaps as allies or participants in the impending attack against Babylon (Isaiah 21:2).
God commands Isaiah to set a watchman, a sentinel on the tower, to observe and report what he sees (Isaiah 21:6). The watchman's role is crucial, signifying the need for vigilance and awareness of God's unfolding plan. Isaiah himself assumes this role, diligently watching until he sees riders approaching (Isaiah 21:8). The watchman announces, "Babylon has fallen, has fallen! And all the idols of her gods he has broken to the ground" (Isaiah 21:9). This pronouncement signifies not only the military defeat of Babylon but also the utter humiliation of its false gods, proving their inability to protect the city. This judgment upon the nation would be a judgment upon her false gods—a pathetic defense against the LORD of Armies (Isaiah 21:9-10). The destruction of the idols symbolizes the futility of trusting in anything other than the one true God.
Oracle Against Dumah (Isaiah 21:11-12)
The second oracle focuses on Dumah, a place whose exact location is debated. Some identify it as an oasis town in Arabia, while others connect it with Edom, also known as Seir, due to the similarity between "Dumah" and the Hebrew word for "Edom."
Regardless of the specific location, the oracle speaks to a time of distress and uncertainty. Someone from Seir asks the watchman, "Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?" (Isaiah 21:11). This question reflects a longing for relief from suffering and a desire to know when the darkness will end.
The watchman's response is enigmatic: "Morning is coming, but also the night. If you would ask, then ask; come back again" (Isaiah 21:12). This answer offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that morning (relief) will eventually come. However, it also acknowledges the cyclical nature of suffering, indicating that night (difficulty) will return. The invitation to "come back again" implies that perseverance in seeking God is necessary, even amidst uncertainty. The Lord’s judgment upon them would come like nightfall.
Oracle Against Arabia (Isaiah 21:13-17)
The final oracle addresses the Arabian region, specifically focusing on the tribes of Dedan and Kedar. These desert tribes would also suffer at the hands of the Assyrians. The prophecy describes the displacement of the Dedanite caravans, forced to seek refuge in the thickets (Isaiah 21:13). Isaiah calls on the people of Tema, an oasis town, to provide water and sustenance to the refugees (Isaiah 21:14). Tema was an oasis whose water would be needed for the thirsty refugees from the battle when Assyria attacked.
The prophecy concludes with a warning that "within one year, as a servant bound by contract would determine it, all the pomp of Kedar will come to an end" (Isaiah 21:16). The warriors of Kedar, known for their strength and archery skills, will be diminished in number (Isaiah 21:17). This prediction underscores the swiftness and certainty of God's judgment. This would happen within one year because the Lord had spoken, and nothing could change his decree (Isaiah 21:16-17).
Implications for Today
Isaiah 21 offers several important lessons for contemporary readers:
- God's Sovereignty: The chapter demonstrates God's ultimate control over nations and events. He raises up and brings down empires according to His purposes.
- The Reality of Suffering: The prophecies acknowledge the existence of suffering and hardship in the world. While God may not always prevent suffering, He is present with us in the midst of it.
- The Importance of Vigilance: The image of the watchman reminds us to be alert to God's activity in the world and to discern the signs of the times.
- The Promise of Hope: Even amidst pronouncements of judgment, glimpses of hope emerge. God's mercy endures, and He offers a path to restoration and renewal.
- Trusting God in Uncertainty: The oracle against Dumah encourages us to persevere in seeking God, even when the future is unclear. He may not always provide immediate answers, but He promises to be with us through the darkness.
By understanding the historical context and theological themes of Isaiah 21, we can gain a deeper appreciation for God's character and His enduring faithfulness to His people. This chapter calls us to trust in God's sovereignty, to remain vigilant in our faith, and to hold fast to the hope that He offers, even in the face of adversity.