Day By Day - Isaiah 21
By Tom Mitchell
Personal Thoughts:
Like many of Isaiah’s visions and prophecy’s, they contain very pointed and descriptive words detailing and describing the events to come. Chapter 21 sees Isaiah receive 3 separate prophecies or visions from God. The first was against Babylon, the second against Edom and the chapter concludes with the third prophecy which was against Arabia. These prophecies detail the events of what is to come concerning these three separate kingdoms and their inhabitants.
Point 1- The Prophecy against Babylon
Babylon, known also as the Wilderness of the sea, suffered a series of setbacks between 710 and 703 B.C. Here news arrives in Jerusalem of Babylon’s defeat by Sennacherib of Assyria. This terrorises Jerusalem who fears she is next. Verse 2 talks about Elam Media which refers to the Medes and Persians who had been in partnership with Assyria.
Verses 3-10 detail Isaiah’s emotional response; he identifies with Jerusalem at the thought of what the Babylon’s fall might mean to her and her inhabitants.
Point 2 - The Prophecy against Edom
Dumah was another ancient name for the kingdom of Edom, in the mountainous region of Seir. The Edomites descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob. Some commentaries say that this prophecy may speak to the confusion and darkness striking Edom at the time of their judgment.
Pastor and author Harry Bultema wrote of these verses,
"This brief burden has always been a great burden to expositors!"
The Chinese church leader Watchman Nee comments on the statement “what of the night”. Using a powerful dramatic scene of a cry to a watchman in the night, Isaiah paints the picture of the judgment and terror that will come upon Edom.
Point 3 - The Prophecy against Arabia
The Arabians lived in tents and were cattle people. Dedanites and Kedar were tribes of Arabia. Tema was an important oasis city in Arabia. For years various Arabians had waged war with Israel. Although the Arabians thought they were safe from the wrath of God for their aggression towards the state of Israel that would eventually prove a false sense of security. Verse 16 says:
‘For thus the Lord has said to me: that is Isaiah, “Within one year according to the year of a hired man, all the glory of Kedar will fail.”’
The year of a hired man is: "An exact year; for hirelings diligently observe and wait for the end of the year, when they are to receive their wages."
The Arabians wages would not be financial but that of punishment from God for their attacked on Israel.
Final Thoughts:
The prophecy’s that are contained within this chapter are a reminder to us all that there are dire consequences when people deal aggressively towards God’s chosen people. In this instance, Isaiah was referring to the oppression of Israel. However, in this day we are the chosen people of God. If we stand strong and stay faithful to Him, He will ensure our deliverance from our enemies. Whether our enemies are physical, spiritual or internal, God has and will continue to make a way for us. By faith, He will deliver us from our oppressors and enemies.
Personal Thoughts:
Like many of Isaiah’s visions and prophecy’s, they contain very pointed and descriptive words detailing and describing the events to come. Chapter 21 sees Isaiah receive 3 separate prophecies or visions from God. The first was against Babylon, the second against Edom and the chapter concludes with the third prophecy which was against Arabia. These prophecies detail the events of what is to come concerning these three separate kingdoms and their inhabitants.
Point 1- The Prophecy against Babylon
Babylon, known also as the Wilderness of the sea, suffered a series of setbacks between 710 and 703 B.C. Here news arrives in Jerusalem of Babylon’s defeat by Sennacherib of Assyria. This terrorises Jerusalem who fears she is next. Verse 2 talks about Elam Media which refers to the Medes and Persians who had been in partnership with Assyria.
Verses 3-10 detail Isaiah’s emotional response; he identifies with Jerusalem at the thought of what the Babylon’s fall might mean to her and her inhabitants.
Point 2 - The Prophecy against Edom
Dumah was another ancient name for the kingdom of Edom, in the mountainous region of Seir. The Edomites descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob. Some commentaries say that this prophecy may speak to the confusion and darkness striking Edom at the time of their judgment.
Pastor and author Harry Bultema wrote of these verses,
"This brief burden has always been a great burden to expositors!"
The Chinese church leader Watchman Nee comments on the statement “what of the night”. Using a powerful dramatic scene of a cry to a watchman in the night, Isaiah paints the picture of the judgment and terror that will come upon Edom.
Point 3 - The Prophecy against Arabia
The Arabians lived in tents and were cattle people. Dedanites and Kedar were tribes of Arabia. Tema was an important oasis city in Arabia. For years various Arabians had waged war with Israel. Although the Arabians thought they were safe from the wrath of God for their aggression towards the state of Israel that would eventually prove a false sense of security. Verse 16 says:
‘For thus the Lord has said to me: that is Isaiah, “Within one year according to the year of a hired man, all the glory of Kedar will fail.”’
The year of a hired man is: "An exact year; for hirelings diligently observe and wait for the end of the year, when they are to receive their wages."
The Arabians wages would not be financial but that of punishment from God for their attacked on Israel.
Final Thoughts:
The prophecy’s that are contained within this chapter are a reminder to us all that there are dire consequences when people deal aggressively towards God’s chosen people. In this instance, Isaiah was referring to the oppression of Israel. However, in this day we are the chosen people of God. If we stand strong and stay faithful to Him, He will ensure our deliverance from our enemies. Whether our enemies are physical, spiritual or internal, God has and will continue to make a way for us. By faith, He will deliver us from our oppressors and enemies.
Posted in Isaiah