BABYLON, EDOM, AND ARABIA
Isaiah 21: 1-17
I. Babylon (vs. 1-10)
a. The reference to the “Wilderness of the Sea” is the great plain on which Babylon was located …as vast as a sea. What is purposed against Babylon?
b. Who will besiege and plunder Babylon?
c. *5th century BC historian Herodotus recorded the fortified city of Babylon actually had channeled the Euphrates river between its walls. Cyrus the Persian was able to divert the waters into a marsh and enter the city while the people feasted and celebrated.
d. What good did the watchman do in protecting Babylon when God had purposed her destruction?
e. What lamentation was heard over Babylon? _
f. Why is this lament also spoken in Revelation 14:8 and 18:2? _
II. Edom (vs. 11-12)
a. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau the brother of Jacob and the enmity experienced between Esau and Jacob continued. What would the mention of the watchman indicate?
b. Night could figuratively be a reference to evil, death, judgment, eternal punishment, or hell. In the context of all the other “burdens” what seems likely here?
c. What would the end of verse 12 seem to indicate the purpose of this “burden” is?
III. Arabia (vs. 13-17)
a. This passage speaks of war and refugees. How were the refugees to be met?
b. How long was Arabia going to stand against Assyria?
c. What was to become of the Arabian tribes of Dedanites and Kedar?
Application: What role does the “watchman” play in our time and who serves as a “watchman?”
