Isaiah 21:11-16

 

 11 A prophecy against Dumah:

Someone calls to me from Seir,
    “Watchman, what is left of the night?
    Watchman, what is left of the night?”
12 The watchman replies,
    “Morning is coming, but also the night.
If you would ask, then ask;
    and come back yet again.”

A Prophecy Against Arabia

13 A prophecy against Arabia:

You caravans of Dedanites,
    who camp in the thickets of Arabia,
14     bring water for the thirsty;
you who live in Tema,
    bring food for the fugitives.
15 They flee from the sword,
    from the drawn sword,
from the bent bow
    and from the heat of battle.

16 This is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a servant bound by contract would count it, all the splendor of Kedar will come to an end.

 

New International Version (NIV)

When is the war to end all wars? War is in the news these days. When I heard about the deployment of marines, I thought about the children. I well remember the time my dad deployed to Southeast Asia. I was five years old. For one whole year he was gone. It was one of the worst years of our lives. I am grateful he came home. The question repeats on the news and in the minds of many. When will it end? How will it end? These questions are not new. 

              

Isaiah and other prophets saw themselves as watchmen appointed by God with the ability to see what was coming. They spoke a word from God to others. In his messages to the nations, Isaiah comes now to Edom and to Arabia. First, he hears the question from Esau’s descendants: “Watchman what is left of the night?” His answer anticipates both hope and further future pain. Morning is coming, but night will return. Jesus said there would be wars and rumors of wars. His prediction continues to come true. 

              

Wars produce refugees. In the ancient world, the Arabians fled, looking for shelter and sustenance. In our day, millions of Ukrainians have spread across Europe. Now refugees from Iran and Lebanon are on the move. Often these are experiencing the consequences of war against their governments.  Christians in the Middle East suffer every time there is a war. As they flee they need food and water.  Isaiah saw this. 

              

Once a war begins, we cannot be sure of when it ends.  An unintended consequence of conflict is like our inability to stop a boulder rolling downhill, once we push it. But God promises an end to wars, eventually. We make choices and God holds us responsible. But one day, when God says so, all wars will end. Jesus will come not to take sides but to take over. What a day that will be! Come quickly, Lord Jesus. 

 

Pray with me: 

Father, we long for peace, but our world rushes headlong into conflict. We confess we do not know all of the answers, but we are sure that great suffering is taking place. Father, we pray that you will protect the children. Bring conflict to an end. We dare to plead for just and good rulers in all the countries. Mostly, we pray that the good news of the gospel will transform our hearts and the hearts of others. Come, Prince of Peace, Lord Jesus, and rule without rival in our world. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Our Monday through Friday devotionals are in the book of Isaiah. Join us for these devotionals as we learn together about our God and his Kingdom in the world.  

We also invite you to join us as we read through the Bible. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy here:

 

2026 Bible Reading Plan

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