Isaiah 21 7

Isaiah 21:7 kjv

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:

Isaiah 21:7 nkjv

And he saw a chariot with a pair of horsemen, A chariot of donkeys, and a chariot of camels, And he listened earnestly with great care.

Isaiah 21:7 niv

When he sees chariots with teams of horses, riders on donkeys or riders on camels, let him be alert, fully alert."

Isaiah 21:7 esv

When he sees riders, horsemen in pairs, riders on donkeys, riders on camels, let him listen diligently, very diligently."

Isaiah 21:7 nlt

He should look for chariots
drawn by pairs of horses,
and for riders on donkeys and camels.
Let the watchman be fully alert."

Isaiah 21 verses

Isaiah 21 7 Meaning

Isaiah 21:7 speaks of a divinely appointed observer or sentinel who witnesses the fall of Babylon. This verse highlights divine judgment and the inevitability of God’s decrees concerning nations and their rulers. It points to a specific, appointed time for such events to transpire, orchestrated by God's sovereignty.

Isaiah 21 7 Context

Isaiah 21 presents a vision of impending doom, specifically focusing on Babylon. This chapter follows prophecies against other nations, including Dumah (Edom) and the wilderness of the sea (likely Babylon). Verse 7 speaks directly from the perspective of a seer who has been given a vision of the events unfolding in the plains. The context is one of prophetic revelation concerning the fall of a powerful, oppressive empire. Historically, this would have been relevant to the Judean exiles in Babylon, offering a message of hope as it foretells the destruction of their captors. The chapter likely refers to the Medes and Persians, led by Cyrus, as instruments of God's judgment against Babylon.

Isaiah 21 7 Word Analysis

• וַיַּ֥רְא (vayyar'): "and he saw." The imperfect consecutive verb form indicates a sequential action following the previous statements. It signifies a divinely granted vision.
• מַרְאֶה (mar’eh): "vision." A Hebrew word signifying sight or appearance, often used for divine revelations.
• וְעֵ֚ינַי (və’ênay): "and mine eyes." Emphasizes the personal experience of the seer, seeing with his own eyes.
• רוֹאֶה (ro’eh): "seeing" or "a seer." A present participle, highlighting the continuous or active nature of his prophetic sight in that moment.
• בְּשׁוּד (bəšūd): "in the destruction" or "as a destroyer." Root 'shadad' (שָׁדַד), meaning to devastate, plunder, or destroy. It describes the violent nature of the events witnessed.
• וּבַשֹּׁדֵד (ūwassōḏēd): "and the destroyer." The conjunction 'u' (ו) means "and," and 'wassōḏēd' (וּשֹּׁדֵד) is the definite article plus the participle of the same root, referring to the one who destroys. This could be a person or an army.
• אֲשֶׁר־בֹּא (’ašær-bō’): "who comes" or "who is coming." Indicates movement and arrival, a pending event.
• אֲשֶׁר־שׁוּד (’ašær-šūd): "who destroys" or "which destroys." Refers back to the agent or means of destruction.
• מִפְלֶ֤גֶת (miflægæṯ): "a division" or "a scattering." From the root 'palag' (פָּלַג), meaning to divide, split, or separate. It can refer to the deployment of an army or the breakdown of an entity.
• וְהַנִּשַּׁדֵּ֔ד (wəhannissɛḏēđ): "and the devastated" or "and the plundered." The definite article plus the niphal passive participle of 'shadad' (שָׁדַד). This refers to those who are being destroyed or overthrown.
• לַשֹּׁדֵד: "to the destroyer." Repeating the idea of the destroyer, emphasizing the perpetrator of the action.
• וּשְׁדַ֖ד: "and devastation" or "and plunder." Again, from the root 'shadad', likely referring to the act or result of destruction.
• עֵ($"{")} : "and a watcher" or "and a sentinel." Root 'ʿēn' (עֵ֣ין) means "eye," and here implies someone with insight or watchfulness, likely a specific appointed person.
• יְקֹבֵ֑ב: "is watchfully observing" or "is a watchman." From the root 'qabab' (קֹבֵב), meaning to pierce, to watch, to guard. It suggests intense, focused observation.
• וַֽיַּעֲמֹ֓ד (vayya’amōđ): "and he stood" or "and he stationed himself." The consecutive imperfect verb signifies a decisive stance.
• עַל־מִצְּר֖וֹת (‘al-misseḇôṯ): "at his watchtower" or "upon the ramparts." From the root 'tsur' (צּוּר), meaning rock, a strong place, a fortress, or a watchtower. Indicates a strategic vantage point for observation.
• שֹׁמֵ֑ר (šōmēr): "a watchman." Similar to 'yəqōvēḇ', reinforcing the role of an observer.

Word Group Analysis

• "he saw a vision, and mine eyes saw": This phrase emphasizes the legitimacy and personal nature of the prophecy, distinguishing it from mere hearsay. The prophet is directly commissioned to see.
• "in the destruction and the destroyer": This signifies that the prophet witnesses both the action of destruction and the agent who performs it. It is a complete picture of God's judgment.
• "who comes, who destroys": This emphasizes the inevitability and the active, dynamic nature of the coming destruction. The agent is in motion, actively bringing ruin.
• "division and the devastated": This points to the strategic dismemberment of the enemy, the breaking apart of their forces or dominion, leading to their plundering.
• "watchman, and is watchfully observing": The repetition highlights the role of vigilance and the precise, unwavering focus of the divine appointed observer on the unfolding events.
• "and he stood at his watchtower, a watchman": This reiterates the prophet's fixed and alert position, strategically placed to convey the message of what is happening and what is coming.

Isaiah 21 7 Bonus Section

The verse’s focus on a divinely appointed "watchman" who sees accurately and reports faithfully can be seen as a prefiguration of the role of prophets and even believers today. Just as Isaiah was a witness to God's judgment and faithfulness, Christians are called to be watchmen, discerning the times and proclaiming God's truth. The vision of destruction against Babylon also carries theological weight, demonstrating that God’s justice is executed against sin and iniquity, even in the political realm. The verse reinforces the biblical concept that no human power is absolute; ultimate authority rests with God, who raises up and brings down nations.

Isaiah 21 7 Commentary

The prophet Isaiah is given a vivid, personal vision of impending doom, specifically concerning Babylon. He sees not only the destruction itself but also the destroyer, an agent God has appointed to bring about this devastation. The verse highlights God's sovereignty in using specific individuals or nations (like the Medes and Persians) to execute His judgment. The imagery of a watchman on a tower conveys the sense of an appointed messenger who is intently observing and reporting on divine action. This verse speaks to the certainty of God's judgment on oppressive powers and the meticulous way in which He orchestrates events. It is a confirmation that even the most formidable empires are subject to divine decree and will ultimately fall according to His plan and timing. The repetitive emphasis on "destruction" and "destroyer" underscores the totality and power of God’s judgment.