Isaiah 21:12

The watchman replies, "Morning has come, but also the night. If you would inquire, then inquire. Come back yet again."

Study Bible

The watchman replies
In ancient times, watchmen were stationed on city walls to observe and report any approaching danger. Spiritually, watchmen symbolize prophets or spiritual leaders who are vigilant and provide guidance. Isaiah, acting as a watchman, delivers God's message to the people, emphasizing the importance of being alert to spiritual truths and warnings.

“Morning has come, but also the night.”
This phrase suggests a duality of hope and impending judgment. Morning symbolizes hope, renewal, and the coming of God's light, while night represents darkness, uncertainty, and potential judgment. This duality reflects the tension between God's promises of salvation and the reality of impending judgment for those who do not heed His warnings. It echoes the theme of light and darkness found throughout Scripture, such as in John 1:5, where light shines in the darkness.

If you would inquire, then inquire.
This invitation to inquire suggests openness to seeking understanding and truth. It encourages the listener to actively seek God's wisdom and guidance. The repetition emphasizes the importance of persistence in seeking divine insight, akin to the call in James 1:5 to ask God for wisdom.

Come back yet again.
This phrase implies the necessity of continual seeking and returning to God for guidance. It suggests that understanding and spiritual insight are not one-time events but require ongoing pursuit. This aligns with the biblical theme of perseverance in faith, as seen in Hebrews 10:36, where believers are encouraged to endure and remain steadfast in their pursuit of God's promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Watchman
A symbolic figure representing a prophet or someone who is vigilant and alert to the spiritual and moral state of the people. In this context, the watchman delivers a message of both hope and warning.

2. Morning
Symbolically represents hope, renewal, and the coming of God's light and truth. It signifies a new beginning or a time of deliverance.

3. Night
Represents darkness, uncertainty, or judgment. It can symbolize a period of trial or difficulty that is either present or impending.

4. Inquiry
The act of seeking understanding or guidance. It implies a desire for knowledge or insight into God's will or the future.

5. Return
A call to repentance or to seek God repeatedly. It suggests persistence in seeking divine guidance and understanding.

Teaching Points

Vigilance and Readiness
Just as the watchman is alert, Christians are called to be spiritually vigilant, discerning the times, and ready for Christ's return.

Hope Amidst Darkness
Even when facing trials or judgment (night), believers can hold onto the hope of God's deliverance and renewal (morning).

Persistent Seeking
The call to "inquire" and "come back yet again" encourages believers to continually seek God's guidance and wisdom, especially in uncertain times.

Repentance and Return
The invitation to return suggests the importance of repentance and turning back to God, emphasizing His readiness to receive those who seek Him.

Balance of Judgment and Mercy
The dual message of morning and night reflects the balance of God's judgment and mercy, reminding believers of the need to live righteously while trusting in His grace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the watchman in Isaiah 21:12 inspire you to be vigilant in your spiritual life?

2. In what ways can you find hope in the "morning" during times of personal "night" or difficulty?

3. How does the concept of persistent inquiry and returning to God challenge your current approach to seeking His guidance?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced both God's judgment and mercy. How did this shape your understanding of His character?

5. How can you apply the balance of vigilance and hope in your daily walk with Christ, especially in light of other scriptures like 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 30:5
This verse speaks of joy coming in the morning, connecting to the hope and renewal symbolized by "morning" in Isaiah 21:12.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-6
These verses discuss the coming of the Lord as a thief in the night, emphasizing the need for vigilance and readiness, akin to the watchman's role.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Highlights God's mercies being new every morning, reinforcing the theme of hope and renewal.