Isaiah 21:11-12 The burden of Dumah. He calls to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?… I. THE WATCHMAN'S REPORT. 1. As it may be supposed to respect the public affairs of our country. 2. The state of virtue and piety among us. II. THE WATCHMAN'S ADVICE. The doom of Dumah was not inevitably fixed; she would yet be indulged with a morning of opportunities; and the only sure ground of hope was in a returning to God. We have as a nation something of Dumah's morning — some farther space for reflection and repentance. It must be of the greatest moment to know what an offended God expects. "Inquire; return; come." The inquiring, returning, coming, so kindly and seasonably urged on Dumah, in her night, are recommended to us on every ground, whether human or Divine. 1. Nothing can be more fit and proper in itself. 2. It is the subject of a Divine command. 3. In the patience and forbearance of God, and in the wonderful method He has devised for the pardon and salvation of a guilty people, we have a loud call and a most powerful motive to "inquire, return, and come." 4. And there are important and happy consequences resulting from a sinful people's inquiring, returning', and coming to God. (N. Hill.) Parallel Verses KJV: The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? |
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