Isaiah 21 Devotional

Still Time to Ask

“The watchman replies, “Morning has come, but also the night. If you would inquire, then inquire. Come back yet again.””Isaiah 21:12 (BSB)

Isaiah sees Babylon's fall coming, and the vision does not make him triumphant. It doubles him over like labor pains and fills him with dread (21:3-4). While Babylon's princes are still eating and drinking, a lookout who has stood watch day and night finally hears the news: Babylon has fallen, and the images of its gods lie broken on the ground (21:5-9). Revelation takes up this same cry over Babylon the great (Revelation 18:2). Idols that seemed powerful cannot even protect themselves.

Then comes a short, haunting exchange. Someone calls from Seir, asking the watchman how much of the night remains. The answer is that dawn is coming, though darkness too, and the questioner is told to keep asking and to return (21:11-12). The door is left open. Even amid falling kingdoms, God keeps inviting people to inquire of him. If there is a question you have been afraid to bring to God, this chapter leaves room for you to ask it, and to come back and ask again.

To think about: What question have you been hesitant to bring to God, and what keeps you from asking it today?