This verse symbolizes a yearning for guidance amid a dark season.
“The oracle concerning Edom. One keeps calling to me from Seir, ‘Watchman, how far gone is the night? Watchman, how far gone is the night?’” (v. 11). Isaiah’s message begins by addressing Edom, a territory also called Seir. This region belonged to the descendants of Esau (the brother of Jacob) and was located in the mountainous lands east of the Dead Sea. Seir and Edom are often used interchangeably in Scripture, as when Moses reminds Israel, “This Warrior-King (the LORD) also dawned on Israel from Seir. The term Seir likely refers to the entire land of Seir, also called Edom”. Here, someone from Edom pleads with the “watchman,” symbolizing the prophet, for insight into how long their distress (“night”) will continue.
“One keeps calling to me from Seir” (v. 11) suggests desperation, as the people of Edom are seeking an answer about their troubles. In Israelite culture, a watchman stood guard during the night hours, scanning the horizon for signs of threats or the first rays of dawn, bringing hope of a new day (Psalm 130:6). In this oracle, the question “Watchman, how far gone is the night?” (v. 11) expresses uncertainty and anxiety, as though Edom wonders when deliverance or judgment will finally arrive. By stating the question twice, Isaiah emphasizes Edom’s eager desire to know their fate and the depth of their crisis.
Although the prophet does not answer directly in this verse, the repetition of the question underscores the importance of seeking God’s clarity. This verse highlights the Edomites’ conflicted situation and calls readers to reflect on the spiritual significance of waiting for God’s direction regarding the “night” of adversity. It reminds believers that trials may endure, but ultimately, God’s truth brings morning light (John 8:12).
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Isaiah 21:11 meaning
“The oracle concerning Edom. One keeps calling to me from Seir, ‘Watchman, how far gone is the night? Watchman, how far gone is the night?’” (v. 11). Isaiah’s message begins by addressing Edom, a territory also called Seir. This region belonged to the descendants of Esau (the brother of Jacob) and was located in the mountainous lands east of the Dead Sea. Seir and Edom are often used interchangeably in Scripture, as when Moses reminds Israel, “This Warrior-King (the LORD) also dawned on Israel from Seir. The term Seir likely refers to the entire land of Seir, also called Edom”. Here, someone from Edom pleads with the “watchman,” symbolizing the prophet, for insight into how long their distress (“night”) will continue.
“One keeps calling to me from Seir” (v. 11) suggests desperation, as the people of Edom are seeking an answer about their troubles. In Israelite culture, a watchman stood guard during the night hours, scanning the horizon for signs of threats or the first rays of dawn, bringing hope of a new day (Psalm 130:6). In this oracle, the question “Watchman, how far gone is the night?” (v. 11) expresses uncertainty and anxiety, as though Edom wonders when deliverance or judgment will finally arrive. By stating the question twice, Isaiah emphasizes Edom’s eager desire to know their fate and the depth of their crisis.
Although the prophet does not answer directly in this verse, the repetition of the question underscores the importance of seeking God’s clarity. This verse highlights the Edomites’ conflicted situation and calls readers to reflect on the spiritual significance of waiting for God’s direction regarding the “night” of adversity. It reminds believers that trials may endure, but ultimately, God’s truth brings morning light (John 8:12).