Isaiah 21:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 21:6 presents a direct divine command from the Lord to the prophet, instructing him to establish a watchman whose singular and crucial duty is to observe intently and then faithfully declare everything he perceives. This imperative is situated within a series of urgent prophecies concerning the impending fall of powerful nations, particularly Babylon, underscoring God's sovereign control over historical events and His communication of future judgments through His chosen messengers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 21 is a chapter brimming with prophetic "burdens" or oracles, each announcing judgment upon various nations. Preceding this verse, the "burden of the desert of the sea" (Babylon) is introduced in [Isaiah 21:1](/isaiah/21-1 "Isaiah 21:1 - The Burden of the Desert of the Sea"), painting a vivid picture of a terrifying, whirlwind-like invasion. The surrounding verses describe the anguish of the prophet witnessing this vision, the treachery of Elam and Media, and the eventual collapse of Babylon's idols. Verse 6 serves as a pivotal divine instruction within this unfolding drama, shifting from the description of the event to the prophetic mandate for its observation and declaration, thus highlighting the certainty of the judgment and the necessity of its proclamation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 21 likely pertain to the late 8th or early 7th century BCE, a period marked by the rise and fall of dominant empires, particularly Assyria and later Babylon. While the immediate threat for Judah was often Assyria, Isaiah's prophetic vision extends to the eventual fall of Babylon, a future superpower that would conquer Judah. The concept of a "watchman" was deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern urban and military culture. Cities were often built with high walls and watchtowers, from which watchmen would scan the horizon for approaching armies, caravans, or messengers. Their role was vital for the city's security, requiring vigilance, keen sight, and prompt, accurate reporting to the authorities or populace. This cultural reality provides a tangible backdrop for understanding the spiritual and prophetic role assigned to the watchman in this verse.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Revelation and Authority**, as the command originates directly from "the Lord," underscoring that prophetic insight is not human conjecture but God's authoritative word, as seen throughout [Isaiah's prophecies](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah"). Secondly, it highlights the **Role and Responsibility of the Prophet as a Watchman**, a recurring motif in prophetic literature, particularly in [Ezekiel 33](/ezekiel/33 "Ezekiel 33 - The Watchman's Responsibility"), where the watchman is accountable for warning the people. This theme speaks to the necessity of discerning God's movements in history and faithfully communicating His truth. Lastly, the verse implicitly points to **God's Sovereignty in Judgment**, demonstrating His ultimate control over the destinies of nations and His ability to orchestrate events, even the downfall of mighty empires like Babylon, as part of His larger redemptive plan for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_):** This term (H136) is an emphatic form of the Hebrew word for "master" or "lord," used here as a proper name for God, emphasizing His supreme authority and ownership. Its usage here underscores that the command is not from a human but from the sovereign, divine ruler.
* **watchman (Hebrew, _tsâphâh'_):** The Hebrew word (H6822) literally means "to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance," and by implication, "to observe, await." It conveys the idea of an intense, focused gaze from a vantage point, implying vigilance, keen discernment, and an active posture of looking out for impending events or dangers.
* **declare (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** This primitive root (H5046) means "to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication, to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present)." It signifies a clear, public, and forthright proclamation, not merely a private observation. The watchman's seeing must lead to a bold, verbal declaration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus hath the Lord said unto me,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the message. The prophet Isaiah is not speaking on his own initiative but relaying a direct, explicit, and authoritative command from God. This phrase serves to validate the prophecy and emphasize its certainty.
* **"Go, set a watchman,"**: This is a direct imperative from the Lord, instructing the prophet to appoint or establish a watchman. The command "Go" implies immediate action and a specific divine assignment. The "watchman" (Hebrew: _tsâphâh_) is not merely a passive observer but an active agent specifically tasked with vigilance, indicating that a critical event is on the horizon that requires careful monitoring.
* **"let him declare what he seeth."**: This final clause specifies the watchman's primary duty: to not only observe (what he "seeth") but also to proclaim or report ("declare") his observations. The declaration is crucial, as it implies a warning, a message, or an announcement intended for others, highlighting the communicative and public nature of the watchman's role.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 21:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Metaphor**, where the "watchman" serves as a metaphor for the prophet himself, or for any individual or group called to discern and declare God's truth. Just as a physical watchman guards a city, the prophet guards God's people by warning them of impending judgment or revealing divine plans. The use of **Imperative Mood** ("Go, set," "let him declare") underscores the urgency and absolute authority of the divine command, leaving no room for negotiation or delay. Furthermore, there is an element of **Anticipation** and **Foreshadowing**, as the command to set a watchman builds suspense and points to future events that are certain to unfold, emphasizing God's foreknowledge and control over history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to "set a watchman" in Isaiah 21:6 transcends its immediate historical context, establishing a profound theological principle about God's method of communicating His will and warnings to humanity. It underscores the divine initiative in revelation and the indispensable role of those called to be His messengers. This concept of a watchman, vigilant and vocal, is a foundational aspect of prophetic ministry throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing that God does not act without first revealing His plans to His servants. It highlights the serious responsibility of those entrusted with divine truth to not only perceive it but to courageously and clearly proclaim it, for the benefit and warning of others.

* [Ezekiel 3:17](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17 - The Watchman for the House of Israel") - "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."
* [Habakkuk 2:1](/habakkuk/2-1 "Habakkuk 2:1 - Waiting on the Watchtower") - "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."
* [Jeremiah 6:17](/jeremiah/6-17 "Jeremiah 6:17 - Prophets as Watchmen") - "Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 21:6 serves as a timeless reminder of the call to spiritual vigilance and the responsibility to declare truth. In an age filled with distractions and competing narratives, believers are called to be spiritual watchmen, discerning the signs of the times and understanding God's unfolding purposes in the world. This requires a posture of attentiveness to God's Word, a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to stand apart from the crowd to gain a clearer perspective. Just as the ancient watchman's duty was to warn of physical danger, so too are believers called to warn of spiritual dangers—the deceptive allure of sin, the subtle erosion of truth, and the impending reality of God's judgment. Furthermore, it compels us to declare the good news of salvation and the hope found in Christ, which is the ultimate message seen and proclaimed by God's messengers throughout history. Our declaration must be clear, timely, and courageous, reflecting the urgency of God's heart for humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate a greater sense of spiritual vigilance, "watching" for God's leading or potential dangers?**
* **What "truths" or "warnings" has God shown me through His Word or Spirit that I have a responsibility to "declare" to others?**
* **How can the church collectively embody the role of a watchman in our contemporary society, both in warning against sin and proclaiming hope?**
* **What obstacles prevent me from clearly seeing or boldly declaring what God reveals?**

### FAQ
**Who is the watchman in Isaiah 21:6, and what is the significance of this role?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Isaiah 21:6, the watchman is a figure appointed by the prophet Isaiah, under divine command, to observe the unfolding of God's judgment against Babylon. The significance of this role is multifaceted: it emphasizes the certainty of God's prophetic word, the necessity of vigilance in discerning divine activity, and the crucial responsibility of God's messengers to clearly and publicly declare what they "see" or perceive from God. This watchman serves as a metaphor for the prophet himself, and by extension, for anyone called to speak God's truth to a generation, as seen in the broader biblical concept of the prophetic office (e.g., [Ezekiel 3:17](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17 - The Watchman for the House of Israel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 21:6, with its emphasis on a divinely appointed watchman who sees and declares, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Old Testament watchmen were fallible and limited in their sight and declaration, Jesus is the perfect "watchman" and the ultimate revealer of God's truth. He is the one who perfectly "sees" the Father, having come from His very presence, as [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God") declares, "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." Jesus not only saw but fully embodied and declared the truth of God, revealing the Father's character, plan, and will. His entire earthly ministry was a declaration of what He saw and heard from the Father, culminating in the good news of the Kingdom of God and the way of salvation. Furthermore, Christ's prophetic declaration extends to His second coming, when He will return to establish His eternal kingdom, a truth that His followers are now called to watch for and proclaim, echoing the vigilance of the ancient watchman. Thus, Christ is both the supreme Watchman who has perfectly revealed God and the subject of the ultimate declaration that His church is called to make.

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

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.