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Isaiah 21

World English Bible

WEB

1The burden of the wilderness of the sea. As whirlwinds in the South sweep through, it comes from the wilderness, from an awesome land. 2A grievous vision is declared to me. The treacherous man deals treacherously, and the destroyer destroys. Go up, Elam; attack! I have stopped all of Media’s sighing. 3Therefore my thighs are filled with anguish. Pains have seized me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am in so much pain that I can’t hear. I am so dismayed that I can’t see. 4My heart flutters. Horror has frightened me. The twilight that I desired has been turned into trembling for me. 5They prepare the table. They set the watch. They eat. They drink. Rise up, you princes, oil the shield! 6For the Lord said to me, “Go, set a watchman. Let him declare what he sees. 7When he sees a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of donkeys, a troop of camels, he shall listen diligently with great attentiveness.” 8He cried like a lion: “Lord, I stand continually on the watchtower in the daytime, and every night I stay at my post. 9Behold, here comes a troop of men, horsemen in pairs.” He answered, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon; and all the engraved images of her gods are broken to the ground. 10You are my threshing, and the grain of my floor!” That which I have heard from Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, I have declared to you. 11The burden of Dumah. One calls to me out of Seir, “Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?” 12The watchman said, “The morning comes, and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire. Come back again.” 13The burden on Arabia. You will lodge in the thickets in Arabia, you caravans of Dedanites. 14They brought water to him who was thirsty. The inhabitants of the land of Tema met the fugitives with their bread. 15For they fled away from the swords, from the drawn sword, from the bent bow, and from the heat of battle. 16For the Lord said to me, “Within a year, as a worker bound by contract would count it, all the glory of Kedar will fail, 17and the residue of the number of the archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, will be few; for Yahweh, the God of Israel, has spoken it.”

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Isaiah Chapter 21 presents a series of prophetic oracles concerning the nations surrounding Israel, particularly focusing on the fall of Babylon and the burden of the desert tribes. The chapter begins with a vivid vision of the destruction of #Babylon, described as a “burden” that weighs heavily on the prophet. The imagery of a watchman on a tower signifies the urgency and importance of the message being delivered. The watchman sees approaching chariots and horsemen, symbolizing the impending judgment and the swift downfall of Babylon, which is a significant theme throughout the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 13:19-22). This prophecy emphasizes God's sovereignty over the nations and His ability to bring about judgment against those who oppose Him.

The chapter continues with a lament for #Edom and #Arabia, highlighting the desolation that will come upon these nations as well. The prophet describes the fate of the #Arabians, who will face devastation and fear as they are warned of the impending doom. The imagery of a thirsty traveler and the mention of the “night of terror” reflect the dire circumstances that will befall these regions. This chapter serves as a reminder of God’s control over history and His plans for both judgment and restoration, reinforcing the call for His people to remain faithful amidst the turmoil of the world.

Overall, Isaiah 21 illustrates the themes of divine judgment, the transience of human power, and the ultimate hope found in God's redemptive plan, encouraging believers to trust in His promises even in times of uncertainty.

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Referenced by

  1. Isaiah 13:1v9Isaiah 13:1 introduces the oracle against Babylon, which is further elaborated in Isaiah 21:9, where the fall of Babylon is proclaimed.
  2. Revelation 18:2v9Revelation 18:2 announces the fall of Babylon, echoing Isaiah 21:9 where the fall of Babylon is proclaimed, symbolizing the judgment of God against idolatry and wickedness.

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