Bible Strands
Isaiah 21:6
For this is what the Lord says to me: “Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Lord speaks directly to the prophet Isaiah, commanding him to relay orders to station a lookout and report his observations. This directive interrupts a scene of military preparation and feasting.
The words — The imperative לֵךְ (lekh) commands "go," while הַמְצַפֶּה (ha-m'tzappeh) denotes the appointed "watchman" or lookout. These terms establish the active duty of surveillance and communication.
The thread — This watchman motif appears in Ezekiel 33:2, where God commands a sentinel to sound the alarm, and in Ezekiel 3:17, where the prophet is appointed as a watchman for Israel. Habakkuk 2:1 similarly depicts a prophet stationing himself at a guard post to receive divine instruction.
Why it lands — The text demands immediate obedience to divine surveillance and accurate reporting of coming events. It requires the reader to recognize the urgency of heeding prophetic warnings before judgment arrives.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 33:2 “Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman,
- Habakkuk 2:1 I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected.
- Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.
- 2 Kings 9:17 Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’”
- Isaiah 62:6 On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves,
- Jeremiah 51:12 Raise a banner against the walls of Babylon; post the guard; station the watchmen; prepare the ambush. For the LORD has both devised and accomplished what He spoke against the people of Babylon.