The Prophet and His Day: Isaiah 1-39 - Free Bible Commentary

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 21:11-1211The oracle concerning Edom.One keeps calling to me from Seir,"Watchman, how far gone is the night?Watchman, how far gone is the night?"12The watchman says,"Morning comes but also night.If you would inquire, inquire;Come back again."21:11 A new message starts (i.e., use of the literary marker, “oracle”). The MT has “dumah” (BDB189). It is a play on the Hebrew term for “silence” (BDB 189). Edom will be silenced. The LXX has“Idumea.” Edom was part of the anti-Assyrian coalition, as was Philistia. All were crushed in 711 B.C.by Sargon II’s army.} “Seir” This (BDB 973) can refer to the land of Edom (cf. Gen. 32:3; 36:30; Num. 24:18; Deut. 2:4,8,12,22,29; Jdgs. 5:4).21:11c-12 This is a very cryptic strophe with several IMPERATIVES. A watchman on the wall, as in vv. 6and 8, is addressed by an unknown voice which asks about the time of the night (twice). The answer isalso strange.1. morning comes2. but also night3. ask again4. ask againIt possibly means, “when will all this take place?”NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 21:13-1513The oracle about Arabia.In the thickets of Arabia you must spend the night,O caravans of Dedanites.14Bring water for the thirsty,O inhabitants of the land of Tema,Meet the fugitive with bread.15For they have fled from the swords,From the drawn sword, and from the bent bowAnd from the press of battle.21:13 A new message (use of the literary transition marker, “oracle”) is addressed to Arabia. It isunsure who the antagonist is.1. Assyria (invasion)2. Kedar (civil war)It is interesting that “Dumah” (v. 11) and Seir (v. 11) are also place names in, or close to, Arabia.213