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Commentary on Isaiah 21 verses 11–12
This prophecy concerning Dumah is very short, and withal dark and hard to be understood. Some think that Dumah is a part of Arabia, and that the inhabitants descended from Dumah the sixth son of Ishmael, as those of Kedar (Isa 21:16, Isa 21:17) from Ishmael's second son, Gen 25:13, Gen 25:14. Others, because Mount Seir is here mentioned, by Dumah understand Idumea, the country of the Edomites. Some of Israel's neighbours are certainly meant, and their distress is foretold, not only for warning to them to prepare them for it, but for warning to Israel not to depend upon them, or any of the nations about them, for relief in a time of danger, but upon God only. We must see all creature confidences failing us, and feel them breaking under us, that we may not lay more weight upon them than they will bear. But though the explication of this prophecy be difficult, because we have no history in which we find the accomplishment of it, yet the application will be easy. We have here,
1.A question put by an Edomite to the watchman. Some one or other called out of Seir, somebody that was more concerned for the public safety and welfare than the rest, who were generally careless and secure. As the man of Macedonia, in a vision, desired Paul to come over and help them (Act 16:9), so this man of Mount Seir, in a vision, desired the prophet to inform and instruct them. He calls not many; it is well there are any, that all are not alike unconcerned about the things that belong to the public peace. Some out of Seir ask advice of God's prophets, and are willing to be taught, when many of God's Israel heed nothing. The question is serious: What of the night? It is put to a proper person, the watchman, whose office it is to answer such enquiries. He repeats the question, as one in care, as one in earnest, and desirous to have an answer. Note, (1.) God's prophets and ministers are appointed to be watchmen, and we are to look upon them as such. They are as watchmen in the city in a time of peace, to see that all be safe, to knock at every door by personal enquiries ("Is it locked? Is the fire safe?"), to direct those that are at a loss, and check those that are disorderly, Sol 3:3; Sol 5:7. They are as watchmen in the camp in time of war, Eze 33:7. They are to take notice of the motions of the enemy and to give notice of them, to make discoveries and then give warning; and in this they must deny themselves. (2.) It is our duty to enquire of the watchmen, especially to ask again and again, What of the night? for watchmen wake when other sleep. [1.] What time of the night? After a long sleep in sin and security, is it not time to rise, high time to awake out of sleep? Rom 13:11. We have a great deal of work to do, a long journey to go; is it not time to be stirring? "Watchman, what o'clock is it? After a long dark night is there any hope of the day dawning?" [2.] What tidings of the night? What from the night? (so some); "what vision has the prophet had tonight? We are ready to receive it." Or, rather, "What occurs to night? What weather is it? What news?" We must expect an alarm, and never be secure. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; we must prepare to receive the alarm, and resolve to keep our ground, and then take the first hint of danger, and to our arms presently, to our spiritual weapons.
2.The watchman's answer to this question. The watchman was neither asleep nor dumb; though it was a man of Mount Seir that called to him, he was ready to give him an answer: The morning comes. He answers, (1.) By way of prediction: "There comes first a morning of light, and peace, and opportunity; you will enjoy one day of comfort more; but afterwards comes a night of trouble and calamity." Note, In the course of God's providence it is usual that morning and night are counterchanged and succeed each other. Is it night? Yet the morning comes, and the day-spring knows his place, Psa 30:5. Is it day? Yet the night comes also. If there be a morning of youth and health, there will come a night of sickness and old age; if a morning of prosperity in the family, in the public, yet we must look for changes. But God usually gives a morning of opportunity before he sends a night of calamity, that his own people may be prepared for the storm and others left inexcusable. (2.) By way of excitement: If you will enquire, enquire. Note, It is our wisdom to improve the present morning in preparation for the night that is coming after it. "Enquire, return, come. Be inquisitive, be penitent, be willing and obedient." The manner of expression is very observable, for we are put to our choice what we will do: "If you will enquire, enquire; if not, it is at your peril; you cannot say but you have a fair offer made you." We are also urged to be at a point: "If you will, say so, and do not stand pausing; what you will do do quickly, for it is no time to trifle." Those that return and come to God will find they have a great deal of work to do and but a little time to do it in, and therefore they have need to be busy.
(Verse 11, 12.) The burden of Dumah: he calls to me out of Seir: Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning comes, and also the night: if you will inquire, inquire: turn back, and come. Vision of Edom, he calls to me out of Seir: Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning comes, and also the night: if you will inquire, inquire: and dwell with me. The Hebrew word for Elai (), which all have interpreted for me, if you wish to read Eli, it means my God, or my strong one. And what we have said, he cries out, or calls, that is, καλεῖ, according to the ambiguity of the Hebrew and Greek language, can be called either 'cry out' or 'call'; and the meaning is: God, who is my guardian, calls me day and night to repentance, so that, leaving Seir, which means 'rough and hairy', I may return and dwell with Him. It sounds like thunder or a likeness, or silence. But Edom turns into earth. Therefore, the Lord speaks to the choir of the Apostles and commands him: Call to me those who are from Seir, so that the multitude of the Gentiles may serve me, which, in the likeness of Esau, has nothing soft, light, and shining in itself, but is rough, wild, and untamed. And you, Apostles, after you have called the nations from Seir to me, guard the fortifications of the Church, so that the enemy may not easily break in: let not the roaring and prowling lion, who seeks an entrance by which he may enter, tear apart and scatter the flock enclosed in the Church. And the multitude of the Church responded: not only in prosperity, but also in adversity, that is, both in day and in night, I will keep your commandments, O God. To whom God speaks: If you truly seek me, show by your actions how you seek me; and let it not suffice that you have sought me once; but whoever you find, always search; and in order to hold more perfectly, forget your people and the house of your father, and leaving behind the error of the Gentiles, dwell with me in the Church. According to the Septuagint, we have said that those who represent the vision of Edom, that is, earthly things, are placed in the title to show that they are called those who previously served earthly works. Moreover, according to Aquila, who put 'Duma,' that is, silence, or likeness, we can understand it in this way: that the multitude of the Gentiles is provoked to the likeness of the people of Israel, and where there was previously silence of the law of God, there let there be the cry of confession; and let the wild olive tree be grafted onto the good olive. We also read in the parable of the Gospel about the servants who were sent to call the good and the bad and to fill the banquet of the master of the house, because the first ones did not want to come (Matthew 22). The Church can also narrate that the Lord from Seir, that is, from earthly places, calls out to himself and challenges him to salvation, and says to him: O guardian, why do you wander in darkness when you rise at night? Why are you a sinner without sin in the flesh? For what reason did you want to assume a human body? The guardian, that is, the Samaritan, who carried the wounded on his shoulders to the inn in the Gospel (Luke 9) replied: 'Day and night come. And the meaning is this: the sun of righteousness rose for the multitude of the Gentiles, and darkness came to the Jews. As it is said by the Lord: 'I have come into this world for judgment, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind' (John 9:39). And the guardian himself who had said, 'He comes morning and night,' speaks to the multitude of nations: If you seek me, seek more diligently. Turn to me, O converted children, and I will heal your brokenness, and come to me. The places are difficult, and since they are not widely known according to history, we are forced to follow various opinions according to interpretation.
(Verse 11, 12.) Oracle concerning Dumah. One calls to me from Seir: 'Watchman, what time of the night? Watchman, what time of the night?' The watchman says: 'Morning comes, and also the night. Seek if you will, inquire if you will, come.' For Dumah they set seventy idols, not over the entire Idumean province, but in a certain region that extends towards the south and is twenty miles distant from the city of Palestine, which is now called Eleutheropolis. Near it are the mountains of Seir, taking their name from Seir, the hairy and shaggy one, that is, Esau. In Abdia the prophet, it was disputed more fully about this people by us: in which it was necessary to go over the old history and to bring forth the same Visions of Ezekiel and Jeremiah as a testimony, and especially the prophecy against Mount Seir (Ezek. 25 and 35, Jer. 49). And that from the Psalms: I will stretch out my shoe upon Edom. And elsewhere: The tabernacles of the Edomites and Ishmaelites, Moab, and the Agarenians, Gebal and Ammon, and Amalek (Ps. 59, 10; Ps. 82, 7, 8). Amos also said: On account of three crimes of Edom, and on account of four I will not turn away from him, because he pursued his brother with the sword and violated his compassion (Amos 1:11), or, as Symmachus translated, his bowels, because he dared to fight against his kindred peoples and to dissent with hostile hate. The region ((Al. regia)) of Esau was in the region of Edom, that is, in the mountains of Seir. We believe that this city, as the capital according to the order of the previous Visions, was captured by the Assyrians, or by Nebuchadnezzar, and, remembering their ancient lineage, which was descended from Abraham and Isaac, they implored the help of God and, by necessity compelling them, begged for his mercy. Therefore, the Lord now narrates: he who is besieged in Seir and surrounded by enemies, calls upon my help and says: O guardian of Israel, who protect your people with eternal vigilance, and like a watchman in the night, you keep watch so that the enemy does not break in; why do you not protect us who are of his lineage with a similar mercy? To whom, as a guardian and watchman, I respond, as it is written: He who keeps Israel does not slumber or sleep (Ps. 121:4). He came in the morning to my people, and at night to the people of Edom; I will give them light, and leave you in darkness. Or rather this is the case: light comes after the night has passed; if you invoke my help and you are from the line of my servant Abraham, do not seek only me in times of need, but turn your whole heart to me. Come, and I will receive those who repent. This is said according to history: moreover, because the letters Res and Daleth are similar and differ only slightly, some Hebrews read 'Rome' instead of 'Duma,' wanting to direct the prophecy against the Roman kingdom, with a frivolous persuasion by which they always think that the Romans are indicated by the name 'Idumea': but 'Duma' means 'silence.'
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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.
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.
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). 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). 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). 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). 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).