Isaiah 21:11

KJV

¶ The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?

KJV (with Strong's)

The burden {H4853} of Dumah {H1746}. He calleth {H7121} to me out of Seir {H8165}, Watchman {H8104}, what of the night {H3915}? Watchman {H8104}, what of the night {H3915}?

Complete Jewish Bible

A prophecy about Dumah: Someone is calling to me from Se'ir: "Watchman, how much longer is it night? Watchman, how much longer is it night?"

Berean Standard Bible

This is the burden against Dumah: One calls to me from Seir, “Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?”

American Standard Version

The burden of Dumah. One calleth unto me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 21:11 presents a concise yet profound prophetic oracle, "The burden of Dumah," depicting a desperate cry from the region of Seir (Edom) to a watchman, repeatedly asking, "Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?" This poignant inquiry encapsulates the deep anxiety and longing for revelation during a period of intense darkness or distress, symbolizing an era of oppression, uncertainty, and hardship for the nations caught in geopolitical turmoil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 21:11 is part of a series of "burdens" (Hebrew: *massa'*) or prophetic oracles against various nations surrounding Judah, spanning [Isaiah 13-23](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-23 - Oracles Against the Nations"). This particular oracle, "The burden of Dumah," is strategically placed between prophecies concerning Babylon ([Isaiah 21:1-10](/isaiah/21-1 "Isaiah 21:1-10 - The Burden of the Desert of the Sea")) and Arabia ([Isaiah 21:13-17](/isaiah/21-13 "Isaiah 21:13-17 - The Burden of Arabia")). This placement highlights the interconnectedness of these nations within the broader ancient Near Eastern geopolitical landscape and emphasizes the widespread nature of the impending judgment and upheaval. The brevity of the oracle concerning Dumah (only two verses, [Isaiah 21:11-12](/isaiah/21-11 "Isaiah 21:11-12 - The Burden of Dumah")) adds to its enigmatic and urgent tone, focusing sharply on the desperate inquiry and the watchman's cryptic response.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period in which Isaiah prophesied (8th century BCE) was marked by the formidable rise of the Assyrian Empire, which systematically conquered and subjugated smaller nations in the region, including Judah and its neighbors. Edom, represented here by "Dumah" and "Seir," was a mountainous kingdom to the southeast of Judah, often in conflict or alliance with Israel. The "night" in the oracle likely refers to the oppressive shadow cast by Assyrian expansion, a time of fear, uncertainty, and potential devastation for these nations. The concept of a "watchman" was well-established in ancient Near Eastern society, serving as a lookout on city walls to warn of approaching danger or to announce the dawn. This cultural role is leveraged by the prophet to symbolize divine communication and the prophet's responsibility to warn and inform the people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine judgment and sovereignty over nations**, demonstrating that God's plan extends beyond Israel to encompass all peoples, even those hostile to His chosen people. Secondly, it highlights the **human condition of desperation and longing for revelation** during times of profound darkness and uncertainty, a theme echoed in laments like [Psalm 13:1](/psalm/13-1 "Psalm 13:1 - A Cry of Lament and Longing"). Thirdly, the repeated cry to the "watchman" emphasizes the **crucial role of the prophet** as God's messenger, tasked with observing the spiritual and political landscape and delivering divine warnings and insights, a responsibility clearly articulated in passages such as [Ezekiel 33:1-9](/ezekiel/33 "Ezekiel 33 - The Watchman's Responsibility"). The "night" symbolizes not merely a temporal period but a spiritual and existential state of distress, calling for vigilance and an earnest seeking of divine guidance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burden (Hebrew, _massâʼ_'):** This term (H4853) refers to a prophetic utterance, often one that is heavy, ominous, or a pronouncement of judgment. It conveys the gravity and solemnity of the message being delivered, indicating that the oracle concerning Dumah is not a light matter but a weighty divine pronouncement.
* **Watchman (Hebrew, _shâmar_'):** The root (H8104) means "to hedge about," "guard," "protect," or "observe." In this context, "watchman" (the participle of the verb) refers to one who guards or keeps watch, reinforcing the prophet's role as a divine sentinel, tasked by God to observe the spiritual and political landscape and report what he sees.
* **Night (Hebrew, _layil_'):** This word (H3915) literally means "night," but figuratively, it represents adversity, distress, or a period of intense hardship. The repeated question about the "night" underscores the profound sense of urgency and longing for an end to a period of trouble, reflecting the deep anxiety of those experiencing oppression or uncertainty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The burden of Dumah."**: This opening phrase identifies the subject of the oracle. "Burden" (Hebrew: *massa'*) signifies a heavy prophetic utterance, often a pronouncement of judgment. "Dumah" (H1746) is a region or tribe in Arabia, possibly associated with Edom, and ironically, its name means "silence" or "stillness," setting up a powerful contrast with the desperate cry that follows.
* **"He calleth to me out of Seir,"**: "He" refers to an unnamed individual or representative from Seir, the mountainous region of Edom. This indicates that the cry originates from within the very territory of Dumah, emphasizing the immediacy and personal nature of the distress. The call is directed to the prophet, who serves as the "watchman."
* **"Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?"**: This is the central, repeated question, a poignant and urgent inquiry. The repetition underscores the speaker's desperation, anxiety, and profound longing for information regarding the duration and outcome of the "night." "Night" here symbolizes a period of darkness, oppression, judgment, or intense hardship, and the question seeks insight into when this period will end or what its nature truly is.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 21:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically of the phrase "Watchman, what of the night?" This reiteration dramatically emphasizes the urgency, desperation, and profound anxiety of the one crying out from Seir. It conveys a sense of relentless longing for clarity amidst uncertainty. **Symbolism** is also central, with "night" representing a period of adversity, distress, or divine judgment, rather than merely a temporal period. Conversely, the implied "dawn" symbolizes hope, relief, or the end of suffering. The term "burden" (**_massa'_**) itself is a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical weight of a burden stands for the heavy, ominous nature of the prophetic message. Finally, there is a powerful **Irony** in the oracle being titled "The burden of Dumah," as "Dumah" means "silence," yet the oracle is filled with a loud, anxious, repeated cry, highlighting the shattering of any peace by the prevailing distress.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 21:11 profoundly illustrates the human cry for divine revelation amidst seasons of darkness and uncertainty. It speaks to the universal experience of longing for clarity and an end to suffering, while simultaneously affirming God's sovereign control over history and His use of prophets as conduits for His truth. The desperate inquiry from Seir underscores humanity's inherent need for a "watchman" – one who stands on the walls of observation, discerning the signs of the times and communicating God's perspective. This highlights the vital role of prophetic ministry and the enduring relevance of God's Word in guiding His people through their "nights." The very act of asking, despite the darkness, implies a deep-seated hope for the dawn, pointing to a faith that seeks God's intervention and ultimate deliverance.

* [Ezekiel 33:6](/ezekiel/33-6 "Ezekiel 33:6 - The Watchman's Responsibility")
* [Psalm 13:1](/psalm/13-1 "Psalm 13:1 - A Cry of Lament and Longing")
* [Habakkuk 2:1](/habakkuk/2-1 "Habakkuk 2:1 - The Prophet on His Watch")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 21:11 resonates deeply with the human experience of navigating periods of profound uncertainty, fear, or prolonged difficulty. Like the anxious cry from Seir, we often find ourselves in "night seasons," whether personal, communal, or global, asking, "How long, O Lord?" This verse compels us to consider our posture during such times. Are we passively waiting, or are we actively seeking God's perspective and the wisdom He provides through His Word and His appointed "watchmen" (spiritual leaders, discerning voices)? It reminds us that even when the answers are not immediate or fully comforting, the act of seeking itself is an act of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty and our dependence on Him. We are called to spiritual vigilance, to remain alert and discerning, understanding that even after temporary reprieves, the "night" may return, requiring continued readiness and trust in God's ultimate plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "night seasons" are you currently experiencing or have you experienced, where you've cried out, "Watchman, what of the night?"**
* **Who are the "watchmen" in your life (e.g., spiritual mentors, the Bible, wise counselors) from whom you seek guidance during times of uncertainty?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to maintain spiritual vigilance and hope, even when the "night" seems long or the answers are not immediately clear?**

### FAQ
**Who is Dumah, and why is this oracle addressed to it?**

Answer: Dumah (H1746) is a region or tribe in northern Arabia, often associated with the Edomites (descendants of Esau), whose territory was Seir (H8165). The oracle is addressed to Dumah as part of a series of "burdens" against nations surrounding Judah, highlighting God's sovereign judgment over all peoples. The name "Dumah" itself ironically means "silence" or "stillness," which contrasts sharply with the desperate, repeated cry for information that fills the oracle. This suggests that even in a place expected to be silent or desolate, there is profound anxiety and a yearning for revelation.

**What does "the night" symbolize in this context?**

Answer: "The night" (H3915) in Isaiah 21:11 is a powerful symbol of a period of intense distress, adversity, oppression, or divine judgment. It represents a time of darkness, fear, and uncertainty for the nations caught in the geopolitical turmoil of the ancient Near East, particularly under the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire. The repeated question, "what of the night?", expresses a profound longing for the end of this difficult period, for the "dawn" of relief or clarity. This symbolic use of "night" for hardship is common in biblical literature, as seen in [Psalm 30:5](/psalm/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping and Joy").

**Who is the "watchman" being addressed?**

Answer: The "watchman" (H8104, *shâmar'*) is primarily the prophet Isaiah himself, or more broadly, any prophet of God. In ancient cities, watchmen stood on walls to observe the horizon and warn of approaching danger or announce the coming dawn. Spiritually, the watchman represents God's messenger, tasked with discerning the spiritual and political landscape, receiving divine revelation, and communicating it to the people. This role is crucial, as the people are desperate for insight into their "night" of trouble, looking to the prophet for God's perspective and guidance. The prophet's responsibility as a watchman is further elaborated in [Ezekiel 3:17](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17 - The Watchman for Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 21:11, with its desperate cry from the "night" and longing for a "watchman's" word, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity, plunged into the "night" of sin, spiritual darkness, and separation from God, echoes this ancient plea, yearning for light and deliverance. Jesus is the ultimate "Watchman" and the "Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), who not only discerns the depths of our spiritual night but actively enters it. He is the divine answer to the question, "What of the night?" For those in Christ, the night of sin and death has given way to the dawn of salvation and eternal life ([John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - Light Shines in the Darkness")). His first coming inaugurated the breaking of eternal day, and His return will bring the full and final "morning," when all darkness is banished forever. He is the "bright and morning star" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Bright Morning Star")), promising that for those who trust in Him, the "night" of this present age will give way to the unending day of His glorious kingdom, a hope that shines ever brighter until the perfect day ([2 Peter 1:19](/2_peter/1-19 "2 Peter 1:19 - The Dawning Day and Morning Star")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 25:14

And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,

Obadiah 1:1

¶ The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle.

Obadiah 1:16

For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, [so] shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.

Joel 3:19

Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence [against] the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.

Amos 1:6

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver [them] up to Edom:

Deuteronomy 2:5

Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau [for] a possession.

Isaiah 63:1

¶ Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.