in force now; and where shall we look for aid in the hour of necessity, but to the Lord our
Righteousness?
Chapter 21
The taking of Babylon. (Is. 21:1-10) Of the Edomites. (Is. 21:11,12) Of the Arabs. (Is. 21:13-17)Is. 21:1-10 Babylon was a flat country, abundantly watered. The destruction of Babylon, so
often prophesied of by Isaiah, was typical of the destruction of the great foe of the New Testament
church, foretold in the Revelation. To the poor oppressed captives it would be welcome news; to
the proud oppressors it would be grievous. Let this check vain mirth and sensual pleasures, that we
know not in what heaviness the mirth may end. Here is the alarm given to Babylon, when forced
by Cyrus. An ass and a camel seem to be the symbols of the Medes and Persians. Babylon's idols
shall be so far from protecting her, that they shall be broken down. True believers are the corn of
God's floor; hypocrites are but as chaff and straw, with which the wheat is now mixed, but from
which it shall be separated. The corn of God's floor must expect to be threshed by afflictions and
persecutions. God's Israel of old was afflicted. Even then God owns it is his still. In all events
concerning the church, past, present, and to come, we must look to God, who has power to do any
thing for his church, and grace to do every thing that is for her good.
Is. 21:11,12 God's prophets and ministers are as watchmen in the city in a time of peace, to see
that all is safe. As watchmen in the camp in time of war, to warn of the motions of the enemy. After
a long sleep in sin and security, it is time to rise, to awake out of sleep. We have a great deal of
work to do, a long journey to go; it is time to be stirring. After a long dark night is there any hope
of the day dawning? What tidings of the night? What happens to-night? We must never be secure.
But many make curious inquiries of the watchmen. They would willingly have nice questions
solved, or difficult prophecies interpreted; but they do not seek into the state of their own souls,
about the way of salvation, and the path of duty. The watchman answers by way of prophecy. There
comes first a morning of light, and peace, and opportunity; but afterward comes a night of trouble
and calamity. If there be a morning of youth and health, there will come a night of sickness and
old age; if a morning of prosperity in the family, in the public, yet we must look for changes. It is
our wisdom to improve the present morning, in preparation for the night that is coming after it.
Inquire, return, come. We are urged to do it quickly, for there is no time to trifle. Those that return
and come to God, will find they have a great deal of work to do, and but little time to do it in.
Is. 21:13-17 The Arabians lived in tents, and kept cattle. A destroying army shall be brought
upon them, and make them an easy prey. We know not what straits we may be brought into before
we die. Those may know the want of necessary food who now eat bread to the full. Neither the
skill of archers, nor the courage of mighty men, can protect from the judgments of God. That is
poor glory, which will thus quickly come to nothing. Thus hath the Lord said to me; and no word
of his shall fall to the ground. We may be sure the Strength of Israel will not lie. Happy are those