Isaiah 21:11-17 – The Judgements of Nations
We look at two peoples today, two nations. The first is called Dumah. But from these other names here, particularly Seir, we see that this is the land of Edom. The people of Edom came from Jacob’s older brother, Esau.
The watchman, at least in other places in Scripture, is a minister or elder in the church of Jesus Christ. The Lord has made elders to be watchmen, to mark what’s going on, to give alarm when there is trouble, and to defend the people of God. We should ask of God’s watchmen what’s going on, just like these people did, to know how best to work for the kingdom. The people here, though, are only asking, how long will we have trouble? How long will this night continue? Their present distress, affliction, and trouble will end. It did happen that way. Trouble went away from the Edomites for a time, but they did not turn as a country, as a nation, as a people, to Jehovah. And so not only was the morning coming, but also the night. But not only is there a prediction here, there is also an exhortation (v.12): Inquire about your sin. Inquire how you might be rescued from it and its consequences. Inquire if there might be a deliverer, a rescuer, a saviour. Return from your evil ways. Come back to the God of your forefather.
In these last verses we have a prophecy on Arabia. The people come under God’s judgment, and they must flee. Others must care for them (v. 14). In verses 16 and 17, all their glory and all the splendour of their land is ended. Their bowmen are nearly wiped out, and all of this happens quickly (v.16). It’s not by luck, it’s not by fate, it’s not by accident. It’s not by the hand of man. It is all done, once again, by King Jesus. God, even now, through His Mediatorial King, is working in and on the nations. The Arabians here flee to the forest, but they did not flee to their deliverer. Let’s not repeat as individuals, as a society, the same foolishness. Let us flee to God in Jesus Christ. And may God in Jesus Christ use us as agents of change so that our own land and the lands of the world will not be under judgment, but will be under King Jesus and under His blessing.
Questions
- Who does a watchman symbolise?
- Where do people in our world tend to flee for help?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for your ministers and elders.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.