Isaiah 21 – Bible Study Questions
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Introduction from Enduringword: Babylon is called the Wilderness of the Sea because the great plain of Babylon was divided with lakes and marshes, so it was referred to as a “sea.” The name of sea being given by the Hebrews to every great collection of waters.” (Poole)
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Babylon is fallen, is fallen: This dramatic scene was fulfilled when the Medo-Persian Empire conquered Babylon, but it also has a prophetic application. Revelation 18:2 describes the cry of an angel when God judges the world system, both commercial Babylon and spiritual Babylon: And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!” The repetition of the phrase is fallen, is fallen connects the two passages. i. The same panic and terror the people of Babylon felt when that great city was conquered by the Medes and Persians will be seen again. When the LORD strikes the world system, both spiritual Babylon and commercial Babylon, the world will be terrified and mourn the same way. But God’s people rejoice over the fall of Babylon. –Revelation 18:9-20
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The Lord Will Judge Babylon. –Isaiah 21:1-10
- v3: 1. Where else have we seen or do we see pains of a woman in labor? What do these pains indicate? How does this compare to the “pains” in Romans 8? –Isa 13:1-8;Rom 8:18
- v5: 2. What does “anoint your shield” represent? What might this symbolize?
From Keep Your Shield and Sword Anointed!:
*Smearing{anointing} the shields with oil would make them more flexible and effective in battle
* a warrior’s shield that was in normal use would have to be anointed regularly in order to ensure that the leather did not become dry{hard} and brittle. –2Samuel 1:21
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Proverbs 22:17-19 AMPC … Listen (consent and submit=obey){Bow your ear} to the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; For it will be pleasant{pleasing} if you keep them in your mind [believing them]; your lips will be accustomed to [confessing] them. So that your trust (belief, reliance, support, and confidence) may be in the Lord, I have made known these things to you today, even to you. - v8: What do the watchmen watch for here in v8? In Revelation 18? In Romans 8? How do they stay alert? –Psalm 130
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Prophecies Against Edom and Arabia. –Isaiah 21:11-16
- From Matthew Henry:
*11,12(Edom) 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.
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*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 only whose riches and glory are out of the reach of invaders; all other prosperity will speedily pass away.
Touching the King! 