Isaiah 21 6

Isaiah 21:6 kjv

For thus hath the LORD said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.

Isaiah 21:6 nkjv

For thus has the Lord said to me: "Go, set a watchman, Let him declare what he sees."

Isaiah 21:6 niv

This is what the Lord says to me: "Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees.

Isaiah 21:6 esv

For thus the Lord said to me: "Go, set a watchman; let him announce what he sees.

Isaiah 21:6 nlt

Meanwhile, the Lord said to me,
"Put a watchman on the city wall.
Let him shout out what he sees.

Isaiah 21 verses

Isaiah 21 6 Meaning

The verse describes the prophetic vision of the destruction of Babylon. It signifies a call to vigilance for watchmen and the announcement of the impending judgment. The word "destroyed" indicates a complete devastation, and "consumed" emphasizes the totality of the ruin brought about by the attackers, portrayed as an army from Elam and Media.

Isaiah 21 6 Context

Chapter 21 of Isaiah contains prophecies against various nations, specifically focusing on the fall of Babylon. This chapter follows prophecies concerning Edom and Dumah, indicating a broader judgment of God upon the nations that opposed or were disobedient to Him. The vision of the downfall of Babylon is presented as a direct divine declaration, signaling the end of its power and influence. This was particularly relevant to the Jewish people who experienced Babylonian captivity, offering a message of hope and vindication. The mention of Elam and Media points to the historical conquerors of Babylon.

Isaiah 21 6 Word Analysis

• Her: Refers to Babylon.
• Lo, I bring: An emphatic introduction of a divine pronouncement.
• Lo, I bring: Denotes immediacy and certainty of the impending action.
• an overthrow: Signifies a reversal, a sudden and complete defeat.
• an overthrow: From the Hebrew shal-lom, often translated as "peace" or "completeness," here implies total ruin and cessation.
• against the destroyer: Personifies the attacking force, highlighting their destructive capability.
• of my own appointed number: Suggests God's sovereign control over the timing and the agents of judgment, as if ordained.
• against Elam: Identifies one of the primary invading forces, historically known for its military prowess and proximity to Babylon.
• and against those who draw the bow: Refers to the archers of the invading armies, specifically those from Elam and Media, who were skilled in archery.
• all the quivers: Encompasses the entirety of their military readiness and capability in ranged warfare.
• Shall come against thee: A direct declaration of invasion and siege.
• Lo, I bring: Reiterates the certainty and imminence of the judgment.
• an overthrow: The complete destruction and downfall of Babylon.
• an overthrow: Underscores the finality of the defeat.
• against the destroyer: Points to the nation or coalition that will bring about Babylon's ruin.
• of my own appointed number: God's sovereignty in selecting and using specific instruments for judgment, even pagan nations.
• against Elam: Specifically names a prominent attacker, indicating the execution of divine will through earthly means.
• and against those who draw the bow: Describes the mode of attack of these forces.
• all the quivers: Represents the comprehensive nature of their military might brought against Babylon.

Word Groups

• "Lo, I bring an overthrow, an overthrow": This repetition emphasizes the certainty, completeness, and immediacy of Babylon's destruction, signifying a final and irreversible downfall orchestrated by God.
• "against the destroyer": This phrase, coupled with the specific mention of Elam and bowmen, highlights that God uses human agents, even those without knowledge of His ultimate purposes, to execute His judgment. The "destroyer" is identified as those who carry out the act of destruction.
• "my own appointed number": This conveys divine sovereignty and foreordination. God has decreed the downfall of Babylon and has selected the specific nations and individuals who will carry out His plan, assigning them a specific role in His redemptive history.

Isaiah 21 6 Bonus Section

The military effectiveness of archers and the role of nations like Elam (ancient Persia's neighbor, often allied with them) and Media in the fall of Babylon is historically documented. Scholars suggest that the Persian general Cyrus the Great, who conquered Babylon in 539 BC, employed large contingents of skilled archers. The prophetic specificity in naming these groups highlights the detailed knowledge God possesses and communicates to His prophets, revealing His direct involvement in world events. The spiritual dimension of this judgment extends beyond political upheaval, serving as a warning against idolatry, pride, and oppressive power, themes echoed in later prophetic and New Testament writings concerning spiritual Babylon.

Isaiah 21 6 Commentary

The verse vividly portrays God's decisive judgment against Babylon. The repetition of "overthrow" underscores the totality and finality of this impending ruin. Elam and Media are identified as the instruments of this judgment, highlighting God's ability to use any nation or force, even those not aligned with Him, to accomplish His sovereign purposes. This divine appointment emphasizes that no earthly power can ultimately stand against God's will. The phrase "my own appointed number" speaks to the preordained nature of Babylon's fall, which would profoundly impact the history of Israel, leading to the Babylonian captivity and eventual return.