Isaiah 21: Group Study Handout

Overview

The burden of the wilderness of the sea introduces a vision of calamity, with treachery and destruction approaching (vv. 1-2). The prophet expresses distress, experiencing anguish and horror (vv. 3-4). A call to vigilance arises; a watchman is set to observe and report (vv. 5-8). The announcement declares that ‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon,’ and the idols of her gods are destroyed (vv. 9-10). An oracle against Dumah follows, with a call from Seir asking, ‘Watchman, what of the night?’ (vv. 11-12). Next, the burden on Arabia details the caravans of Dedanites bringing aid to fugitives (vv. 13-15). Finally, judgment on Kedar is pronounced, stating that within a year, the glory of Kedar will fail and the mighty men will be few (vv. 16-17).

Key verse

“For the Lord said to me, “Go, set a watchman. Let him declare what he sees.”

Isaiah 21:6 (WEB)

Outline

1. Isaiah 21:1–2 Introduction of the Burden
2. Isaiah 21:3–4 Prophet's Distress
3. Isaiah 21:5–8 Call to Vigilance
4. Isaiah 21:9–10 Announcement of Babylon's Fall
5. Isaiah 21:11–12 Oracle Against Dumah
6. Isaiah 21:13–15 Burden on Arabia
7. Isaiah 21:16–17 Judgment on Kedar

Discussion questions

1. In v6, who is instructed to declare what he sees?
2. What does the watchman report in vv. 9-10 about Babylon?
3. In vv. 11-12, why does the watchman answer, 'The morning comes, and also the night'?
4. In v16, what timeframe does the Lord give for the glory of Kedar to fail?
5. When have you felt a sense of urgency in a situation like the watchman's call in v6?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 21: Jeremiah 51, Habakkuk 2, Isaiah 13.

Before next time: read Isaiah 22.