Isaiah 21:12

KJV

The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.

KJV (with Strong's)

The watchman {H8104} said {H559}, The morning {H1242} cometh {H857}, and also the night {H3915}: if ye will enquire {H1158}, enquire {H1158} ye: return {H7725}, come {H857}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The watchman answers: "Morning is coming, but also the night. If you want to ask, ask! Come back again!"

Berean Standard Bible

The watchman replies, “Morning has come, but also the night. If you would inquire, then inquire. Come back yet again.”

American Standard Version

The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: turn ye, come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 21:12 presents an enigmatic prophetic dialogue within the "Burden of Dumah," likely concerning Edom. The verse features a watchman's response to an anxious inquiry, stating that "The morning cometh, and also the night." This declaration signifies a cyclical pattern of hope and adversity, not a definitive end to tribulation. Following this, an urgent divine invitation is extended: "if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come," urging those seeking answers to earnestly turn to God for guidance, discernment, and spiritual restoration amidst uncertain times.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 21:12 is part of a series of "burdens" or oracles against foreign nations (Isaiah 13-23). Specifically, it falls within the "Burden of Dumah" (Isaiah 21:11-12), which is directed towards Edom (Seir). The preceding verse, Isaiah 21:11, establishes the scene with a cry from Seir to a watchman, asking, "Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?" This anxious double question underscores the deep uncertainty and distress of the people, eagerly awaiting news of their fate. The watchman's reply in verse 12 is the direct answer to this plea, yet it is not a simple pronouncement of deliverance but a complex message about the nature of their future and a call to action. This brief oracle stands out for its cryptic nature, reflecting the complex and often ambiguous geopolitical realities of the ancient Near East.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Isaiah's prophecy (8th century BCE) was marked by significant geopolitical upheaval. The Assyrian Empire was a dominant and aggressive force, threatening and conquering nations across the Near East, including Judah and its neighbors like Edom. Edom, situated southeast of Judah in a mountainous region, often found itself caught between larger powers. The "night" in the oracle likely symbolizes the oppressive rule or impending threat from such empires, while "morning" might represent temporary relief or a fleeting period of peace. Watchmen were crucial figures in ancient cities, positioned on walls or towers to observe approaching dangers and report on the changing of the guard or the arrival of dawn. Their role was to provide security and information, making the watchman's ambiguous reply particularly striking and perhaps unsettling to those seeking clear answers.
* **Key Themes:** The oracle in Isaiah 21:12 contributes to several key themes prevalent in Isaiah and the prophetic literature. One prominent theme is **Divine Sovereignty amidst Human Uncertainty**. Despite the turmoil and the watchman's ambiguous report, the underlying message is that God remains in control, even when the future seems unclear. The cyclical nature of "morning" and "night" also highlights the **Endurance of Adversity and the Need for Perseverance**, reminding the audience that trials are often followed by periods of relief, and vice versa, rather than a single, definitive resolution. Most importantly, the verse emphasizes **God's Persistent Call to Repentance and Seeking Him**. The imperative "if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come" is a powerful invitation for the people to turn from their current path and earnestly seek the Lord, echoing similar calls throughout Isaiah, such as the invitation to reason with God in [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - Come, Let Us Reason Together") or the promise of finding God when sought with the whole heart in [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart"). This underscores the prophetic emphasis on spiritual transformation as the ultimate response to national or personal distress.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Morning (Hebrew, _bôqer'_):** From H1242, properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning. This word signifies the breaking of light, a new day, often associated with hope, relief, or a new beginning after darkness. In the context of the watchman's reply, it represents a period of respite or a favorable turn of events.
* **Night (Hebrew, _layil'_):** From H3915, properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity. This term denotes the period of darkness, often symbolizing distress, oppression, uncertainty, or judgment. Its figurative meaning of "adversity" is particularly relevant here, indicating that periods of hardship will continue to be a part of their experience.
* **Enquire (Hebrew, _bâʻâh'_):** From H1158, a primitive root; to gush over, i.e. to swell; (figuratively) to desire earnestly; by implication to ask. The repetition of this imperative ("enquire, enquire ye") emphasizes the urgency and sincerity required for the inquiry. It's not a casual question but a deep, earnest seeking, implying a desire for truth, understanding, or divine intervention.
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again. This word is foundational in prophetic calls to repentance, signifying a turning away from sin or a wrong path and a turning back towards God. It implies a change of direction, a spiritual reorientation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night":** The watchman, a figure of vigilance and prophetic insight, delivers a stark and perhaps unsettling message. Instead of a clear promise of uninterrupted peace or an end to their troubles, he declares a cyclical reality: periods of light and hope ("morning") will inevitably be followed by periods of darkness and adversity ("night"). This suggests that the immediate future holds a mix of fortunes, and that ultimate, lasting peace is not yet at hand. It serves as a realistic assessment of their ongoing geopolitical and spiritual struggle.
* **"if ye will enquire, enquire ye":** This is a direct and emphatic invitation. The repetition of "enquire" highlights the earnestness and persistence required. It implies that while the future may be ambiguous, the opportunity to seek understanding, guidance, and truth remains open. This seeking is not passive but an active, intentional pursuit, suggesting that answers are available to those who genuinely seek them.
* **"return, come":** This final imperative is a powerful call to action, carrying profound spiritual implications. "Return" (Hebrew: _shûwb_) is a common prophetic term for repentance—a turning away from sin or a wrong path and a turning back towards God. "Come" (Hebrew: _ʼâthâh_) is an invitation to draw near, to engage in a relationship with the divine. Together, these words urge the people not just to seek information about their future, but to spiritually reorient themselves towards the Lord, recognizing that true answers and peace are found in Him.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 21:12 employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with "morning" and "night" serving as powerful symbols. "Morning" represents hope, deliverance, or a period of relief, while "night" symbolizes adversity, oppression, or judgment. The watchman's declaration that both will come highlights the cyclical nature of human experience and the ongoing struggle between light and darkness. **Repetition** is used effectively in "enquire ye, enquire ye," intensifying the urgency and sincerity of the call to seek God. This anaphora underscores the profound importance of earnest inquiry. Furthermore, the passage functions as a **Dialogue**, albeit a truncated one, between the anxious inquirers from Seir and the watchman. This dramatic form lends immediacy and personal relevance to the prophetic message, making the divine invitation feel direct and pressing to the audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 21:12, though brief, is rich with theological implications, particularly concerning God's call to humanity amidst uncertainty. It underscores the reality that life, both individually and corporately, often consists of alternating seasons of light and darkness, prosperity and adversity. Yet, within this cyclical pattern, God extends an unwavering invitation for His people to earnestly seek Him. This seeking is not merely for information about the future, but for a deeper relationship and a reorientation of life. The call to "return, come" is a fundamental theological principle, emphasizing repentance (turning back to God) as the pathway to truth and restoration, regardless of external circumstances. It reminds us that even when divine revelation is not a simple yes or no, the path to God remains open and urgent.

* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")
* [Hosea 6:1](/hosea/6-1 "Hosea 6:1 - Come, Let Us Return to the Lord")
* [Matthew 7:7-8](/matthew/7-7-8 "Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask, Seek, Knock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 21:12 offers profound wisdom for navigating the complexities of life, particularly in seasons of ambiguity and distress. The watchman's message, "The morning cometh, and also the night," reminds us that periods of joy, peace, and relief are often interspersed with times of challenge, sorrow, and uncertainty. This reality check prevents us from expecting an uninterrupted utopia on earth and encourages resilience. Rather than succumbing to despair or fatalism in the face of an unclear future, we are called to active engagement with God. The urgent command to "enquire, enquire ye" is a timeless invitation to seek God's wisdom, guidance, and presence through prayer, meditation on His Word, and faithful obedience. Furthermore, "return, come" serves as a perpetual call to repentance and a deeper, more committed relationship with the Lord. In every season, especially when the path ahead seems shrouded in "night," our most vital response is to turn towards God, allowing Him to illuminate our steps and renew our hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when faced with uncertainty or ambiguity in your life?**
* **In what "night" seasons have you experienced God's presence or guidance, and how did He bring "morning"?**
* **What does it mean for you to "enquire" of the Lord earnestly in your current circumstances?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "return" or "come" closer to Him?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the watchman's reply, "The morning cometh, and also the night"?**

Answer: The watchman's reply signifies a cyclical pattern of events, indicating that periods of relief or hope ("morning") will be followed by renewed challenges or adversity ("night"). It suggests that the future is not one of uninterrupted peace or a definitive end to troubles, but rather a mix of fortunes. This message cautions against naive optimism while also offering the hope that "night" seasons are not permanent, and "morning" will always follow. It reflects the volatile nature of the ancient Near East and the ongoing spiritual and physical struggles faced by nations like Edom.

**Why is there a repeated call to "enquire, enquire ye"?**

Answer: The repetition of "enquire" (Hebrew: _bâʻâh_) emphasizes the urgency, sincerity, and earnestness required for the inquiry. It's not a casual question but a deep, persistent seeking. This divine invitation suggests that while the watchman cannot provide a simple, definitive answer about the future, the opportunity to seek God for wisdom, discernment, and guidance remains open and is indeed crucial. It implies that true understanding and a way forward are found through diligently seeking the Lord. This resonates with the broader biblical theme of seeking God with all one's heart, as seen in [Deuteronomy 4:29](/deuteronomy/4-29 "Deuteronomy 4:29 - Seeking God with All Your Heart").

**What does "return, come" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "return, come" carries a strong connotation of repentance and spiritual reorientation. "Return" (Hebrew: _shûwb_) is a foundational term in prophetic literature, meaning to turn back from a wrong path or sin and to turn towards God. "Come" (Hebrew: _ʼâthâh_) is an invitation to draw near, to approach God. Together, they form an urgent call for the people to change their spiritual direction, to repent of their ways, and to draw into a closer relationship with the Lord. It suggests that the ultimate answer to their distress and uncertainty lies not merely in knowing the future, but in a renewed commitment and turning to God. This theme is central to the prophetic message, urging a return to covenant faithfulness, as exemplified in [Joel 2:12-13](/joel/2-12-13 "Joel 2:12-13 - Return to the Lord Your God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 21:12, with its themes of a watchman, the alternating cycles of morning and night, and the urgent call to enquire and return, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus is the ultimate "Watchman" over His people, not merely observing but actively guarding and guiding them through all seasons of life. He is the one who declares the coming of both "morning" and "night" in the eschatological sense, speaking of His glorious return as the dawn of a new age, yet also warning of the tribulation that precedes it (e.g., [Matthew 24:36-44](/matthew/24-36-44 "Matthew 24:36-44 - The Day and Hour Unknown")). The "morning" ultimately points to Christ's resurrection, which inaugurated the new creation and the promise of eternal light, triumphing over the "night" of sin and death ([John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - The Light Shines in the Darkness")). The urgent call to "enquire" is fulfilled in Christ, who is the very embodiment of truth and wisdom. He invites all who are weary and burdened to "come" to Him for rest and answers ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The command to "return" is the essence of the Gospel call to repentance, urging humanity to turn from their sin and self-reliance to embrace faith in Him, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, in Christ, the ambiguity of the watchman's message is resolved; He is the definitive answer, the light that overcomes all darkness, and the one to whom we must earnestly turn and come for salvation and eternal life ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - I Am the Light of the World")).

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

Acts 17:30

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Acts 17:32

¶ And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this [matter].

Acts 2:37

¶ Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Ezekiel 7:10

Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.

Acts 17:19

And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, [is]?

Acts 17:20

For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.