Isaiah 21:7

And he saw a chariot [with] a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, [and] a chariot of camels; and he hearkened diligently with much heed:

And he saw {H7200} a chariot {H7393} with a couple {H6776} of horsemen {H6571}, a chariot {H7393} of asses {H2543}, and a chariot {H7393} of camels {H1581}; and he hearkened {H7181} diligently {H7182} with much {H7227} heed {H7182}:

If he sees the cavalry, horsemen in pairs, riders on donkeys, riders on camels, he must be on alert, on full alert!"

When he sees chariots with teams of horsemen, riders on donkeys, riders on camels, he must be alert, fully alert.”

and when he seeth a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of asses, a troop of camels, he shall hearken diligently with much heed.

Isaiah 21:7 is a vivid snapshot within a prophetic vision given to the prophet Isaiah, detailing the impending fall of Babylon. This verse describes precisely what the watchman, appointed in the preceding verse (Isaiah 21:6), sees approaching.

Context

This verse is part of the "Burden of the Desert of the Sea" (Isaiah 21:1-10), a prophetic oracle primarily directed against Babylon. The imagery throughout this chapter is dramatic, depicting a city in turmoil and a watchman stationed to report on events. The vision is one of swift, decisive judgment. Isaiah 21:7 immediately follows the command to "set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth," setting the stage for the specific sights witnessed by this prophetic observer before the climactic announcement of Babylon's fall in Isaiah 21:9.

Key Themes

  • Prophetic Vision and Divine Foresight: The verse highlights God's ability to reveal future events to His chosen servants, underscoring His sovereignty over history and nations.
  • Vigilance and Observation: The watchman's "diligent" and "much heed" listening emphasizes the importance of careful attention to divine revelation and the signs of the times. This watchfulness is crucial for understanding God's unfolding plan.
  • Symbols of Invading Forces: The chariots represent the powerful military forces destined to conquer Babylon. The specific mention of "chariot of asses" and "chariot of camels" suggests the diverse nature of the invading armies, likely referring to the Medes and Persians, who were known for their cavalry and use of such animals in their campaigns across vast desert territories.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew text literally describes "a chariot of a pair of horsemen, a chariot of asses, a chariot of camels." The KJV's addition of "with a couple of" clarifies the image. The distinction between "chariot of horsemen" and "chariot of asses" and "chariot of camels" is significant. While horsemen were common in ancient warfare, the inclusion of asses and camels points to the unique characteristics of the Medo-Persian armies that would eventually conquer Babylon. These animals were well-suited for long desert marches and carrying supplies, making them essential for such a vast invasion.

The phrase "he hearkened diligently with much heed" (Hebrew: qeshev rav qeshev) conveys an intense, focused attention. It emphasizes the profound concentration of the watchman (and by extension, Isaiah himself) as he receives and processes this critical divine message. This isn't a casual glance but a deep, careful observation of the unfolding vision.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers of God's absolute control over earthly kingdoms and historical events. Just as God revealed Babylon's future to Isaiah, so too does He reveal His purposes through His Word. It encourages spiritual vigilance, much like the watchman, to discern God's movements in the world and in our lives. We are called to "hearken diligently with much heed" to God's voice and His Word, recognizing that the Lord reveals His secret unto His servants the prophets, and through them, to us.

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.

  • Isaiah 21:9

    And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, [with] a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.

  • Isaiah 37:24

    By thy servants hast thou reproached the Lord, and hast said, By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, [and] the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the height of his border, [and] the forest of his Carmel.

  • Hebrews 2:1

    ¶ Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip.
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