Isaiah 21:6

For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.

For thus hath the Lord {H136} said {H559} unto me, Go {H3212}, set {H5975} a watchman {H6822}, let him declare {H5046} what he seeth {H7200}.

For this is what Adonai said to me: "Go, post a watchman to report what he sees!

For this is what the Lord says to me: “Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees.

For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman; let him declare what he seeth:

Isaiah 21:6 KJV is a powerful command from the Lord to the prophet Isaiah, instructing him to appoint a vigilant observer. This verse is part of a larger prophecy concerning the fall of Babylon, often referred to as the "burden of the desert of the sea" in the preceding verses.

Context of Isaiah 21:6

Chapter 21 of Isaiah delivers a series of prophecies, or "burdens," against various nations, specifically focusing on the impending doom of Babylon. The imagery throughout the chapter is one of intense anticipation and impending judgment. Isaiah 21:6 serves as a pivotal instruction within this prophetic vision, detailing the Lord's directive to set up a watchman (Hebrew: ṣōpheh), whose primary duty is to observe and report what he sees regarding the approaching destruction. This divine command underscores the certainty and imminence of the events God is about to bring forth, particularly the fall of the powerful Babylonian empire to the Medes and Persians.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Revelation and Command: The phrase "For thus hath the Lord said unto me" emphasizes that the instruction to set a watchman is not human initiative but a direct, authoritative word from God to His prophet. This highlights God's active involvement in human history and His communication of future events.
  • The Role of the Watchman: The watchman symbolizes vigilance, foresight, and the responsibility to discern and declare truth. In this context, the watchman is appointed to observe the unfolding of God's judgment and the subsequent fall of Babylon. This role is crucial for understanding God's plan and delivering His warnings.
  • Vigilance and Reporting: The instruction "let him declare what he seeth" stresses the importance of not only observing but also communicating what is witnessed. This immediate and accurate reporting is vital for those who need to be warned or informed, reflecting the prophetic duty to speak God's truth without delay or compromise.
  • God's Sovereignty in Judgment: The chapter, and this verse within it, ultimately points to God's ultimate control over nations and their destinies. Even mighty Babylon would fall according to His decree, fulfilling His prophetic word.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "watchman" is ṣōpheh (צֹפֶה), which conveys the idea of looking out, spying, or observing from a height. This implies a strategic vantage point and a keen sense of discernment. The word "declare" is from the Hebrew nāgad (נָגַד), meaning to tell, report, or make known. This highlights the active and vocal nature of the watchman's responsibility – not just to see, but to communicate the warning or message clearly and publicly.

Practical Application and Reflection

While historically rooted in the prophecy concerning Babylon, Isaiah 21:6 carries timeless spiritual significance. It reminds believers of the ongoing need for spiritual vigilance in their own lives and within the community of faith. Just as a physical watchman was to warn of impending danger, those who understand God's word and discern spiritual truths have a responsibility to share them with others. This concept is powerfully echoed in Ezekiel 33:6, where the watchman is held accountable for not warning the people. For individuals, it encourages a posture of alertness, recognizing the signs of the times and the importance of prayerful discernment. For the church, it underscores the mission to proclaim God's truth, warning against sin, and declaring the good news of salvation, much like the prophets of old who were called to be God's watchmen to their generation.

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.

  • Ezekiel 33:2

    Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:

  • Ezekiel 33:7

    So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

  • Habakkuk 2:1

    ¶ I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

  • Habakkuk 2:2

    And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

  • 2 Kings 9:17

    And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, [Is it] peace?

  • 2 Kings 9:20

    And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving [is] like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously.

  • Ezekiel 3:17

    Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
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