1 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.
2 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.
3 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].
4 My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me.
5 Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, [and] anoint the shield.
6 For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.
7 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:
8 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:
9 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.
10 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.
11 The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?
12 The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come.
13 The burden upon Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall ye lodge, O ye travelling companies of Dedanim.
14 The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.
15 For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.
16 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:
17 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].
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 21
Isaiah Chapter 21 is a prophetic text that addresses the impending judgment and destruction of several nations, particularly focusing on Babylon, Edom, and Arabia. The chapter employs vivid imagery and poetic language to convey the urgency of the messages delivered by the prophet Isaiah. The chapter is notable for its apocalyptic tone, reflecting the themes of divine judgment and the fate of nations.
Structure of the Chapter
- Oracle Against Babylon (Verses 1-10)
- Oracle Against Edom (Verses 11-12)
- Oracle Against Arabia (Verses 13-17)
Key Themes
- Divine Judgment: The chapter emphasizes God’s sovereignty in executing judgment against nations that oppose Him.
- Destruction of Babylon: Babylon is depicted as a fallen city, symbolizing the ultimate downfall of pride and idolatry.
- Urgency and Watchfulness: The imagery of watchmen highlights the need for vigilance in the face of impending doom.
- Fate of Nations: The oracles against Edom and Arabia illustrate the broader theme of God’s control over all nations.
Detailed Analysis
Oracle Against Babylon (Verses 1-10)
The chapter opens with a prophetic announcement concerning Babylon, described as “the desert by the sea.” This imagery suggests desolation and chaos, indicating that Babylon’s glory will be turned to ruin. The watchman’s role is crucial; he is tasked with observing and reporting the signs of impending destruction.
- Verses 1-2: The prophecy begins with a vision of a “whirlwind” and “terrifying vision,” symbolizing the swift and overwhelming nature of God’s judgment.
- Verses 3-4: Isaiah expresses deep anguish and distress, highlighting the emotional weight of the prophecy as he witnesses the downfall of a once-great city.
- Verses 5-10: The imagery of feasting and revelry contrasts sharply with the impending doom, underscoring the folly of complacency in the face of divine judgment. The watchman’s report of Babylon’s fall serves as a warning to those who remain oblivious to the reality of God’s plans.
Oracle Against Edom (Verses 11-12)
The oracle against Edom, referred to as “Dumah,” is a brief but poignant message. It reflects a dialogue between the watchman and a seeker of truth, emphasizing the uncertainty and despair faced by those awaiting news of judgment.
- Verse 11: The question posed, “What of the night?” indicates a longing for clarity and hope amid darkness.
- Verse 12: The watchman’s response, “The morning comes, and also the night,” suggests a cyclical nature of judgment and the inevitability of consequences for sin.
Oracle Against Arabia (Verses 13-17)
The final oracle addresses Arabia, portraying it as a land of nomads who will face devastation. This section emphasizes the swift nature of judgment and the futility of human efforts against divine will.
- Verses 13-14: The imagery of caravans and travelers highlights the transient nature of life and the vulnerability of those who rely on human strength.
- Verses 15-17: The prophecy concludes with a stark warning about the fate of the warriors of Kedar, emphasizing that even the mightiest will fall to God’s judgment. The specific mention of the number of archers and mighty men signifies the thoroughness of the impending destruction.
Conclusion
Isaiah Chapter 21 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty over nations and the certainty of divine judgment. Through vivid imagery and prophetic declarations, the chapter calls for vigilance and repentance, urging readers to recognize the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of God. The oracles against Babylon, Edom, and Arabia collectively illustrate the themes of destruction, urgency, and the fate of those who oppose divine will.
