Isaiah 21:3

Therefore my body is filled with anguish. Pain grips me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am bewildered to hear, I am dismayed to see.

Study Bible

Therefore my body is filled with anguish
The word "therefore" connects this verse to the preceding context, indicating a consequence or result of the prophetic vision Isaiah has received. The phrase "my body is filled with anguish" uses the Hebrew word "מָעַיִם" (me'ayim), often translated as "loins" or "inward parts," signifying deep, visceral distress. This imagery conveys the profound emotional and physical turmoil experienced by the prophet, reflecting the intensity of the divine message concerning judgment. In a conservative Christian perspective, this anguish can be seen as a response to the holiness and justice of God, which brings about a righteous fear and reverence.

pain grips me, like the pains of a woman in labor
The comparison to "the pains of a woman in labor" is a powerful metaphor used throughout Scripture to describe intense suffering and inevitable deliverance. The Hebrew word "צִירִים" (tsirim) refers to sharp, writhing pains, emphasizing the severity of the prophet's experience. This imagery not only highlights the intensity of the prophetic burden but also suggests a process leading to a new birth or revelation. From a conservative viewpoint, this can be seen as a reminder of the transformative power of God's word, which, though painful, ultimately brings forth His purposes.

I am bewildered by what I hear
The term "bewildered" captures the prophet's state of confusion and astonishment. The Hebrew root "תָּעָה" (ta'ah) implies wandering or being led astray, indicating a sense of being overwhelmed by the divine revelation. This bewilderment reflects the human limitation in comprehending the full scope of God's plans. In a conservative Christian context, it underscores the mystery of God's ways, which are higher than human understanding, and calls believers to trust in His sovereign wisdom.

I am dismayed by what I see
"Dismayed" conveys a sense of being shattered or broken, derived from the Hebrew "בָּהַל" (bahal), meaning to be terrified or alarmed. The prophet's reaction to the vision is one of fear and awe, recognizing the gravity of the impending judgment. This response is consistent with the biblical theme of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. For conservative Christians, it serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine justice, urging a response of repentance and faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
The prophet who received and conveyed the vision. He is known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and redemption of Israel and the nations.

2. Babylon
The subject of the prophecy in Isaiah 21. Babylon was a powerful empire known for its wealth and idolatry, often seen as a symbol of human pride and opposition to God.

3. The Vision
Isaiah receives a vision concerning the fall of Babylon, which causes him great distress and physical anguish.

Teaching Points

The Reality of God's Judgment
Isaiah's anguish reflects the seriousness of God's judgment. Believers should be aware of the reality of divine justice and live in a way that honors God.

The Weight of Prophetic Revelation
Receiving and understanding God's messages can be overwhelming. Christians are called to seek wisdom and strength from the Holy Spirit to comprehend and respond to God's Word.

The Urgency of Repentance
The imagery of labor pains suggests an impending event. This serves as a reminder of the urgency to repent and turn to God before His judgment comes.

Empathy for the Lost
Isaiah's distress over the vision of Babylon's fall can inspire believers to have compassion for those who are lost and to pray for their salvation.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the chaos and distress depicted, believers can trust in God's ultimate control and His plan for redemption and justice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Isaiah's reaction to the vision of Babylon's fall challenge us to respond to the reality of God's judgment in our own lives?

2. In what ways can the imagery of labor pains in Isaiah 21:3 help us understand the urgency of spiritual readiness and repentance?

3. How can we, like Isaiah, develop a heart of compassion and empathy for those who are facing God's judgment?

4. What parallels can we draw between the fall of Babylon in Isaiah 21 and the description of Babylon in Revelation 18, and how do these passages inform our understanding of God's ultimate plan?

5. How can we find comfort and assurance in God's sovereignty when faced with distressing or overwhelming situations, as Isaiah was in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 50-51
These chapters also prophesy the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God's judgment against the city for its idolatry and oppression.

Revelation 18
This chapter describes the fall of "Babylon the Great," symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly systems opposed to God, echoing the themes found in Isaiah 21.

Matthew 24:8
Jesus speaks of the "beginning of birth pains" in the context of end-time events, which parallels the imagery of labor pains used in Isaiah 21:3.