Isaiah 21

The Fall of Babylon

1 This is the message about the desert by the sea: Like a storm sweeping through the Negev, destruction is coming fast from the desert.

2 I was shown a harsh vision, a betrayer betraying, a destroyer destroying. “Go ahead, Elam! Attack, Media! I will bring an end to all their groaning.”

3 I am twisted in pain like a woman giving birth; I am so shaken I cannot see straight or hear clearly.

4 My heart’s pounding; fear has taken me over. The night I used to look forward to now fills me with dread.

5 They are setting up the tables, spreading the rugs, eating and drinking, but look! They should be on alert! “Rise up, you princes, and oil your shields!”

6 The Lord said to me, “Go post a lookout; let him report what he sees.”

7 He will see chariots and teams of horses, riders on donkeys and camels. He must stay alert, wide awake.

8 Then the watchman cried out, “Day after day I stand on the lookout tower; every night I stay at my post.”

9 “Look! Here comes a man in a chariot with a team of horses.” And he said, “Babylon has fallen, it is fallen! Every idol of her gods lies shattered on the ground!”

10 My people, crushed like grain on a threshing floor, I have told you everything I heard from the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel.

A Message About Edom

11 This is the message about Dumah: Someone is calling to me from Seir, saying, “Watchman, how much longer till morning, When is the night is going to end?”

12 The watchman answers, “Morning is coming, but so is more night. If you want to ask again, come back later.”

A Message About Arabia

13 This is the message about Arabia: You caravans from Dedan, hide in the forests of Arabia.

14 Bring water to the thirsty, you people of Tema; offer food to the refugees.

15 They are running from swords, from drawn weapons, from the heat of battle and the weight of war.

16 The Lord said, “In exactly one year, everything Kedar has been bragging about will be gone.”

17 Only a few of their warriors will be left, the archers of Kedar, because the Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken.