Isaiah 21:1

¶ The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; [so] it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land.

The burden {H4853} of the desert {H4057} of the sea {H3220}. As whirlwinds {H5492} in the south {H5045} pass {H2498} through; so it cometh {H935} from the desert {H4057}, from a terrible {H3372} land {H776}.

A prophecy about the coastal desert: Like whirlwinds sweeping over the Negev, it comes from the desert, from a fearsome land.

This is the burden against the Desert by the Sea: Like whirlwinds sweeping through the Negev, an invader comes from the desert, from a land of terror.

The burden of the wilderness of the sea. As whirlwinds in the South sweep through, it cometh from the wilderness, from a terrible land.

Isaiah 21:1 opens a new prophetic oracle, often referred to as a "burden" or a solemn pronouncement of judgment. This particular "burden" is directed towards a powerful entity described mysteriously as the "desert of the sea," which most biblical scholars identify as ancient Babylon.

Context

This verse is the beginning of a vivid and dramatic prophecy detailing the swift and terrible downfall of Babylon. It is part of a larger section in Isaiah (chapters 13-23) where the prophet pronounces judgment against various nations that oppressed God's people or stood in defiance of Him. The phrase "burden of the desert of the sea" immediately signals a weighty and ominous message. While Babylon was known for its fertile lands watered by the Euphrates, it also had vast surrounding desert regions and a network of canals and marshes, giving rise to this paradoxical description. The imagery of "whirlwinds in the south" powerfully conveys the sudden, overwhelming, and destructive nature of the coming invasion, akin to a devastating desert storm. This force, described as coming "from the desert, from a terrible land," points to the Medes and Persians who would eventually conquer Babylon, arriving from the east.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The passage underscores God's absolute control over history and nations, demonstrating that even mighty empires like Babylon are subject to His will and judgment. This echoes themes found in other prophetic books concerning God's rule over earthly kingdoms, such as Daniel 2:21.
  • Imminent and Violent Destruction: The imagery of whirlwinds emphasizes the suddenness, intensity, and unstoppable force of the coming destruction upon Babylon.
  • Babylon's Prophesied Fall: This oracle sets the stage for one of the most significant prophetic events in the Old Testament – the eventual fall of Babylon, a recurring theme in prophetic literature.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "burden" is massa (מַשָּׂא), which can mean a literal load or burden, but in prophetic contexts, it frequently denotes a heavy, authoritative pronouncement, often a solemn oracle of doom. The phrase "desert of the sea" (מִדְבַּר יָם - midbar yam) is a striking paradox. It likely refers to Babylon's unique geography, being situated near the marshy lower Euphrates (like a "sea") but surrounded by vast desert expanses. It could also symbolically represent the chaotic and desolate nature of the empire and its impending doom.

Practical Application

Isaiah 21:1 serves as a powerful reminder that no human empire or power, no matter how formidable or seemingly secure, is beyond the reach of divine accountability. It encourages believers to place their ultimate trust not in earthly kingdoms, but in the sovereign God who orchestrates history. For those facing oppression or injustice, this prophecy offers comfort, assuring them that God sees and will ultimately bring justice. It also serves as a warning against pride and self-sufficiency, urging humility before the Almighty.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 14:23

    I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Jeremiah 51:42

    The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof.

  • Isaiah 13:1

    ¶ The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.

  • Zechariah 9:14

    And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.

  • Isaiah 17:1

    ¶ The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from [being] a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

  • Isaiah 13:20

    It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.

  • Isaiah 13:22

    And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in [their] pleasant palaces: and her time [is] near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

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