Isaiah 21:5

KJV

Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, [and] anoint the shield.

KJV (with Strong's)

Prepare {H6186} the table {H7979}, watch {H6822} in the watchtower {H6844}, eat {H398}, drink {H8354}: arise {H6965}, ye princes {H8269}, and anoint {H4886} the shield {H4043}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They set the table, light the lamps, eat and drink - "Get going, princes! Oil the shields!"

Berean Standard Bible

They prepare a table, they lay out a carpet, they eat, they drink! Rise up, O princes, oil the shields!

American Standard Version

They prepare the table, they set the watch, they eat, they drink: rise up, ye princes, anoint the shield.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 21:5 delivers a powerful prophetic snapshot of divine judgment, depicting a sudden and cataclysmic shift from complacent revelry to desperate military preparation. It vividly portrays a nation, specifically Babylon, caught in a state of luxurious indulgence and false security, abruptly commanded by God to abandon its feasting and urgently prepare for an overwhelming assault. This dramatic scene underscores the unexpected and undeniable nature of God's sovereign intervention in human history, serving as a stark warning against spiritual unpreparedness and the perils of worldly preoccupation in the face of impending divine reckoning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 21:5 is embedded within the "Burden of the Desert of the Sea" (found in [Isaiah 21:1-10](/isaiah/21-1-10 "Isaiah 21:1-10 - The Burden of the Desert of the Sea")), one of a series of prophetic oracles (or "burdens") against foreign nations that span [Isaiah 13-23](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecies Against Babylon and Other Nations"). This specific oracle is primarily directed at Babylon, foretelling its dramatic and unexpected fall to the Medes and Persians. The verses immediately preceding verse 5 (e.g., [Isaiah 21:3-4](/isaiah/21-3-4 "Isaiah 21:3-4 - The Prophet's Anguish")) describe the prophet's profound anguish, distress, and physical trembling upon receiving this "grievous vision" of destruction, emphasizing the terror and sorrow associated with Babylon's impending doom. Verse 5 serves as the pivotal moment illustrating the immediate circumstances leading up to the city's overthrow, contrasting its prior state of luxury and perceived invincibility with the sudden, jarring call to arms. The oracle culminates with the triumphant announcement of Babylon's fall in [Isaiah 21:9](/isaiah/21-9 "Isaiah 21:9 - The Fall of Babylon"), confirming the prophet's vision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Babylon, particularly during the Neo-Babylonian Empire, was synonymous with immense wealth, military might, and a notoriously lavish lifestyle. The city itself was considered virtually impregnable, protected by massive double walls and the Euphrates River, which flowed through its heart. Historical accounts, most notably the biblical narrative in [Daniel 5](/daniel/5 "Daniel 5 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Fall of Babylon"), describe King Belshazzar's infamous feast on the very night Babylon fell to Cyrus the Great of Persia (with his Median allies) in 539 BC. This historical event perfectly aligns with the prophetic imagery of Isaiah 21:5, where a nation engrossed in revelry is suddenly confronted with an overwhelming military threat. The cultural practice of "anointing the shield" refers to the literal preparation of leather or metal shields with oil (often olive oil) to preserve them, make them gleam, and potentially make arrows or spears glance off more easily. This act signifies an immediate and desperate call to battle readiness, highlighting the abrupt transition from peace to war.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. It vividly illustrates the **suddenness of divine judgment**, demonstrating how God can bring down even the mightiest and most complacent empires without warning, as seen in the broader narrative of [Babylon's ultimate destruction](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50 - Prophecy Against Babylon"). The theme of **divine sovereignty** is also profoundly evident, as God orchestrates the rise and fall of nations according to His ultimate, unchallengeable plan, using even pagan empires as instruments of His will. Furthermore, the scene serves as a stark **warning against complacency and spiritual unpreparedness**, urging both nations and individuals to remain vigilant and not be lulled into a false sense of security by worldly pleasures, material abundance, or perceived strength. This urgent call for watchfulness resonates deeply with later biblical warnings about the unexpected arrival of the [Day of the Lord](/1_thessalonians/5-3 "1 Thessalonians 5:3 - Sudden Destruction") and the need for constant spiritual readiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prepare (Hebrew, _ʻârak'_):** (H6186) A primitive root meaning "to set in a row, i.e. arrange, put in order." While initially referring to the meticulous arrangement of a table for a feast, the dramatic shift in the verse implies a sudden and urgent re-ordering or re-arrangement, transforming from a setting of leisure to one of desperate military readiness. This same root is used elsewhere for "putting in array" for war, emphasizing the profound and immediate reversal of purpose.
* **watch (Hebrew, _tsâphâh'_):** (H6822) A primitive root meaning "properly, to lean forward, i.e. to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await." This word conveys a posture of vigilance, typically associated with a lookout or watchman. The command to "watch in the watchtower" implies a duty that was either neglected or suddenly became critically urgent, underscoring the previously relaxed or complacent state that is now violently shattered by the imminence of danger.
* **anoint (Hebrew, _mâshach'_):** (H4886) A primitive root meaning "to rub with oil, i.e. to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint." When applied to a shield, this refers to the practical and ritualistic act of preparing it for battle. Oiling a shield preserved the leather or wood, made it gleam, and potentially helped deflect blows, while also serving as a symbolic act of consecration for warfare. The command to "anoint the shield" is a vivid, immediate, and desperate call to arms, symbolizing the abrupt and unavoidable transition from peace to war.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink:"** This opening clause meticulously sets a scene of ease, luxury, and potentially a dangerous level of negligence. "Prepare the table" immediately conjures images of a lavish, unhurried feast, indicating a preoccupation with indulgence. The command to "watch in the watchtower" is ironic, suggesting either a routine duty performed without true vigilance, or a sudden, desperate realization that the watchmen have failed. The subsequent "eat, drink" reinforces the atmosphere of revelry, self-indulgence, and a profound, false sense of security, implying a people completely engrossed in worldly pleasures and oblivious to impending doom.
* **"arise, ye princes,"** This phrase marks an abrupt, jarring, and dramatic shift in both tone and command. The imperative "arise" (H6965, _qûwm'_) signifies a sudden, urgent call to action, a violent breaking from repose, leisure, or even sleep. It is specifically directed at "princes" (H8269, _sar'_), the leaders, rulers, and military commanders, indicating that the responsibility for defense and decisive action falls squarely upon those in authority. This command shatters the previous atmosphere of luxury and demands immediate, urgent attention to a critical threat.
* **"[and] anoint the shield."** This final, terse command completes the jarring transition from feast to desperate fight. "Anoint the shield" (H4886, _mâshach'_ and H4043, _mâgên'_) is a specific, practical, and immediate military preparation, signifying the urgent need for combat readiness. It encapsulates the sudden, desperate, and unavoidable confrontation with war. The powerful juxtaposition with the preceding "eat, drink" creates an indelible image of a nation caught entirely off guard, forced to abandon its indulgence for a desperate, perhaps futile, defense.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 21:5 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful and urgent message. **Juxtaposition** is the most prominent, creating a stark and unsettling contrast between the initial scene of lavish feasting and complacent revelry ("Prepare the table, eat, drink") and the sudden, urgent, and desperate call to military action ("arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield"). This dramatic shift emphasizes the unexpected and overwhelming nature of the impending judgment. **Irony** is also deeply embedded within the verse; the very preparations for a feast become, in a sense, the catalyst for the preparations for war, as the revelers are forced to abandon their celebration for a desperate defense. The rapid succession of commands ("Prepare," "watch," "eat," "drink," "arise," "anoint") powerfully utilizes the **Imperative Mood**, conveying an undeniable sense of immediacy, urgency, and divine decree, as if the command is being shouted in the moment of crisis. Finally, "anoint the shield" functions as a striking **Metonymy**, where the specific action of preparing a shield stands for the entire, comprehensive process of readying for battle, encapsulating the sudden and complete shift from a state of peace and indulgence to one of immediate conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 21:5 serves as a profound theological statement on God's sovereign control over the nations and His righteous judgment against human pride, complacency, and self-indulgence. It illustrates with terrifying clarity that no empire, regardless of its perceived strength, wealth, or security, is beyond the reach of divine reckoning. The suddenness of the shift from revelry to military alarm underscores the timeless biblical principle that judgment often comes unexpectedly to those who are spiritually unprepared or consumed by worldly pursuits. This passage is a timeless warning against a false sense of security rooted in temporal pleasures or human might, reminding humanity that true safety, peace, and lasting security are found not in material abundance or military prowess, but in humble submission to God's will and a posture of spiritual vigilance and obedience.

* [Jeremiah 50:29](/jeremiah/50-29 "Jeremiah 50:29 - God's Judgment on Babylon")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:3](/1_thessalonians/5-3 "1 Thessalonians 5:3 - Sudden Destruction")
* [Matthew 24:42](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42 - Be Watchful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 21:5 stands as a powerful mirror reflecting the persistent human tendency towards complacency and the divine imperative for unwavering vigilance. For believers today, this verse serves as a potent and sobering reminder that spiritual preparedness is not an optional extra but an absolute, vital necessity for navigating the complexities of life and anticipating the Lord's return. Just as the princes of Babylon were abruptly jolted from their feast to "anoint the shield," we are called to be spiritually alert, recognizing that the spiritual battle is ever-present and the return of Christ is a certain reality, though its precise timing remains unknown. This means actively engaging in spiritual disciplines, cultivating a clear conscience before God, and being ready to stand firm against the schemes and temptations of the enemy. We must honestly ask ourselves: Are we living in a state of spiritual readiness, or are we distracted and lulled into a false sense of security by the "feasting" of worldly pleasures, material pursuits, or transient comforts? The urgent call to "arise" is a direct summons to abandon spiritual lethargy and embrace a life of active, engaged faith, consistently putting on the full armor of God and living with an eternal perspective that shapes our daily choices and priorities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be experiencing spiritual complacency, and what concrete steps can I take to "arise" and become more vigilant in my faith?**
* **How does the suddenness of judgment depicted in this verse influence my understanding of God's absolute sovereignty and my personal responsibility to live a life of constant spiritual preparation?**
* **What does "anointing the shield" look like in my daily spiritual walk, and how can I more consistently and intentionally engage in spiritual warfare through prayer, Scripture, and obedience?**

### FAQ
**What does "anoint the shield" specifically mean in ancient warfare?**

Answer: "Anointing the shield" refers to the ancient practice of rubbing oil, typically olive oil, onto the surface of a shield. This served several crucial practical purposes: it helped to preserve the leather or wooden components of the shield, preventing them from drying out, cracking, or becoming brittle; it could make the shield's surface gleam, which might have been a psychological tactic to intimidate an enemy; and some scholars suggest it could make arrows or spears glance off more easily, reducing their impact. Beyond the practical, it was also a significant ritualistic act of preparing for battle, symbolizing a commitment to combat and a readiness for the impending conflict. It is a vivid and immediate image of urgent military preparation, standing in stark contrast to the preceding scene of feasting and revelry.

**Why is Babylon referred to as "the desert of the sea" in Isaiah 21:1?**

Answer: The phrase "the desert of the sea" (Hebrew: _midbar yam_) is a profound prophetic and symbolic designation for Babylon. While Babylon was indeed located in a highly fertile region irrigated by the mighty Euphrates River and its extensive canal system, it is called a "desert" to signify its future desolation, barrenness, and utter ruin as a direct consequence of divine judgment. The "sea" likely refers to the vastness of the Euphrates River and the numerous canals that crisscrossed the Mesopotamian plain, which could flood and create a "sea-like" expanse. Alternatively, "sea" could metaphorically refer to the chaotic, overwhelming, and destructive forces that would sweep over Babylon, much like a raging sea or a devastating desert storm. Therefore, the title encapsulates both the city's geographical features (surrounded by water, yet destined for desolation) and its prophesied destiny of ruin, highlighting the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the judgment that would sweep over it, as described in [Isaiah 21:1](/isaiah/21-1 "Isaiah 21:1 - The Burden of the Desert of the Sea").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 21:5 directly prophesies the dramatic and sudden fall of ancient Babylon, its underlying theological principles find profound and expansive Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The startling suddenness of judgment upon those consumed by worldly pleasures and false security points forward unequivocally to the unexpected return of Christ and the ultimate "Day of the Lord." Just as Babylon's revelry was abruptly interrupted by a desperate call to arms, so too will the world's complacency and preoccupation with temporal pleasures be shattered by the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ. The urgent command to "arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield" for physical battle foreshadows the spiritual warfare that believers are called to engage in, not with carnal weapons, but with the spiritual armor provided by Christ Himself. We are commanded to [put on the full armor of God](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Full Armor of God") to stand firm against the schemes of the devil, with Christ as our ultimate shield, protector, and champion. He is the one who has already triumphed decisively over sin, death, and all the powers and authorities of darkness through His sacrificial work on the cross, making us more than conquerors through Him who loved us ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")). The judgment prophesied in Isaiah ultimately points to the final, universal judgment where Christ, the [righteous Judge](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World"), will separate humanity, ushering in His eternal kingdom. Therefore, the call to vigilance and readiness in Isaiah 21:5 becomes a profound call for believers to live in constant readiness for Christ's return, trusting implicitly in His finished work, and living as faithful citizens of His eternal kingdom, rather than being engrossed in the fleeting pleasures and deceptive securities of this passing 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

Jeremiah 51:57

And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise [men], her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name [is] the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 51:39

In their heat I will make their feasts, and I will make them drunken, that they may rejoice, and sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 51:11

Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device [is] against Babylon, to destroy it; because it [is] the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.

1 Corinthians 15:32

If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

Daniel 5:1

¶ Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

Daniel 5:5

In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.

Isaiah 13:2

Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.