Isaiah 21:8

And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:

And he cried {H7121}, A lion {H738}: My lord {H136}, I stand {H5975} continually {H8548} upon the watchtower {H4707} in the daytime {H3119}, and I am set {H5324} in my ward {H4931} whole nights {H3915}:

He calls out like a lion: "My lord, I stand on the watchtower all day long, I stay at my post all night."

Then the lookout shouted: “Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; night after night I stay at my post.

And he cried as a lion: O Lord, I stand continually upon the watch-tower in the day-time, and am set in my ward whole nights;

Commentary

Isaiah 21:8 captures the intense vigilance and the urgent report of a watchman, likely representing the prophet Isaiah himself, awaiting a crucial revelation from God concerning the fate of Babylon. This verse is part of a larger prophetic message, often called "the burden of the desert of the sea," which details the impending fall of this powerful city.

Context

This verse is situated within Isaiah 21, a chapter dedicated to prophecies against various nations, particularly Babylon. The prophet receives a vision of destruction and chaos, leading him to take on the role of a watchman. He describes his persistent watch, day and night, waiting for the divine revelation to unfold. The preceding verses (Isaiah 21:1-7) paint a picture of great distress and the preparations for a siege, setting the stage for the watchman's cry.

Key Themes

  • The Diligent Watchman: The watchman's declaration, "I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights," powerfully conveys unwavering commitment and faithfulness. It highlights the prophet's tireless dedication to his divine assignment, demonstrating how he diligently sought and waited for God's message. This theme resonates with the broader biblical concept of prophets as watchmen for the people of God.
  • Imminent Judgment and Revelation: The dramatic cry, "A lion!" signals the arrival of a powerful, destructive force. In this context, it refers to the swift and ferocious conquest of Babylon by the Medo-Persian armies, a pivotal event in ancient history. The watchman's report confirms the certainty and ferocity of God's impending judgment, which was a central theme in many of Isaiah's prophecies against nations (e.g., Isaiah 13:1).
  • Symbolism of the Lion: In scripture, the lion is often used as a symbol of immense power, strength, and sometimes destructive force. Here, it vividly portrays the overwhelming and terrifying nature of the invading army that would bring about Babylon's downfall.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "lion" ('aryeh, אריה) effectively communicates the predatory and fearsome nature of the approaching threat. The watchman's description of his vigil, using phrases like "continually" (תמיד - tamid) and "whole nights," emphasizes the unwavering and relentless nature of his duty, underscoring the gravity of the message he was waiting to receive.

Practical Application

Isaiah 21:8 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the importance of spiritual vigilance and attentiveness. Just as the watchman diligently awaited a physical revelation, Christians are called to be spiritually alert, discerning the times and being prepared for the Lord's return, as Jesus himself urged His disciples to "watch therefore." This verse encourages perseverance in prayer, faithful study of God's Word, and a readiness to respond to divine leading, understanding that God's plans, including judgment and deliverance, unfold with certainty.

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Cross-References

  • Habakkuk 2:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 127:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain.

  • Isaiah 56:10 (2 votes)

    His watchmen [are] blind: they are all ignorant, they [are] all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

  • Jeremiah 25:38 (2 votes)

    He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion: for their land is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor, and because of his fierce anger.

  • Isaiah 5:29 (2 votes)

    Their roaring [shall be] like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry [it] away safe, and none shall deliver [it].

  • Isaiah 62:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, [which] shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,