Isaiah 21:6

For this is what the Lord says to me: "Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees.

Study Bible

For this is what the Lord says to me:
This phrase indicates divine revelation, emphasizing the authority and origin of the message. The prophet Isaiah often received direct communication from God, which he then conveyed to the people. This underscores the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces, a theme consistent throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Jeremiah 1:9, Ezekiel 2:7).

Go, post a lookout:
The instruction to post a lookout suggests vigilance and readiness. In ancient times, watchmen were crucial for the security of cities, often stationed on walls or towers to observe approaching threats (2 Kings 9:17). Spiritually, this can be seen as a call for believers to be watchful and discerning, as echoed in the New Testament (Matthew 24:42, 1 Peter 5:8).

and have him report what he sees:
The lookout's role is to observe and communicate findings, symbolizing the importance of awareness and communication in the community of faith. This reflects the prophetic duty to relay God's messages accurately. It also parallels the role of spiritual leaders in the church, who are tasked with guiding and warning the congregation (Ezekiel 33:7, Hebrews 13:17).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
The prophet who received the message from the Lord. He was a major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the judgment and salvation of Israel and the nations.

2. The Lord
The sovereign God who commands Isaiah to appoint a lookout. This reflects God's authority and His role as the revealer of future events.

3. Lookout
A person appointed to watch and report what he sees. This role is symbolic of vigilance and readiness to receive and communicate God's revelations.

4. Babylon
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Isaiah 21 is a prophecy concerning the fall of Babylon, a significant event in biblical history.

5. Watchtower
The place where the lookout stands, symbolizing a position of alertness and spiritual insight.

Teaching Points

Vigilance in Spiritual Life
Just as the lookout is tasked with watching and reporting, Christians are called to be vigilant in their spiritual lives, staying alert to God's guidance and the signs of the times.

Responsibility of Spiritual Leaders
Like the lookout, spiritual leaders have a responsibility to discern and communicate God's messages to their communities, guiding them in truth and righteousness.

God's Sovereignty and Revelation
This verse underscores God's sovereignty in revealing future events. Believers can trust in His ultimate control and His willingness to communicate with His people.

Preparedness for God's Work
The lookout's role is a reminder to be prepared for the tasks God assigns, whether in ministry, personal growth, or service to others.

Importance of Prayer and Scripture
To effectively "watch," believers must be grounded in prayer and Scripture, seeking God's wisdom and understanding in all circumstances.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the lookout in Isaiah 21:6 relate to our responsibility as Christians to be spiritually vigilant today?

2. In what ways can we, like Isaiah, be attentive to God's voice and ready to act on His instructions?

3. How does the concept of a watchman in Ezekiel 33:7 enhance our understanding of the lookout's role in Isaiah 21:6?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are prepared and alert for the tasks God has for us, as illustrated by the lookout's duty?

5. How can the themes of vigilance and readiness in Isaiah 21:6 be applied to our anticipation of Christ's return, as mentioned in Matthew 24:42?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Habakkuk 2:1
This verse also speaks of standing at a watchtower to see what God will say, emphasizing the theme of vigilance and expectation in receiving divine messages.

Ezekiel 33:7
God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for Israel, highlighting the responsibility of spiritual leaders to warn and guide the people based on God's revelations.

Matthew 24:42
Jesus instructs His disciples to keep watch, as they do not know the day or hour of His return, reinforcing the importance of spiritual alertness.