Isaiah 21:1-12 ▼

1 This is the divine revelation about the desert by the sea. Like a storm sweeping through the Negev, an invader will come from the desert, from a terrifying land.

2 I was shown a harsh vision. The traitor betrays. The destroyer destroys. Go to war, Elam! Surround them, Media! I will put an end to all the groaning.

3 That is why my body is full of trembling. Pain grips me like the pain of childbirth. I'm disturbed by what I hear. I'm terrified by what I see.

4 I'm confused. I'm shaking with terror. The twilight hours I longed for make me tremble.

5 Set the table. Spread the rugs [by the table]. Eat. Drink. Get up, you leaders! Prepare your shields for battle!

6 This is what the Lord says to me: Post a watchman. Have him report whatever he sees.

7 He will see chariots, pairs of horsemen, riders on donkeys, and riders on camels. Let him watch carefully, very carefully.

8 The watchman called, |Sir, I stand on the watchtower every day. Every night, I stand guard at my post.

9 Look! Here come chariots and horsemen in pairs.| Then he said, |Babylon has fallen! It has fallen! All the idols they worship lie shattered on the ground.|

10 You, my people, have been threshed and winnowed. I make known to you what I heard from the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel.

11 This is the divine revelation about Dumah. Someone is calling to me from Seir, |Watchman, how much of the night is left? Watchman, how much of the night is left?|

12 The watchman answers, |Morning is coming, and night will come again. If you need to ask, come back and ask.|