Isaiah 21:8
Isaiah 21:8 in Multiple Translations
Then the lookout shouted: “Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; night after night I stay at my post.
And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:
And he cried as a lion: O Lord, I stand continually upon the watch-tower in the day-time, and am set in my ward whole nights;
And the watchman gave a loud cry, O my lord, I am on the watchtower all day, and am placed in my watch every night:
Then the lookout shouted “Sir, I've stood here on the watchtower day after day; night after night I've remained at my post.
And he cryed, A lyon: my lorde, I stand continually vpon ye watche towre in the day time, and I am set in my watche euery night:
And he crieth — a lion, 'On a watch-tower my lord, I am standing continually by day, And on my ward I am stationed whole nights.
He cried like a lion: “Lord, I stand continually on the watchtower in the daytime, and every night I stay at my post.
And he cried, a lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watch-tower in the day time, and I am set in my ward whole nights.
And a lion cried out: I am upon the watchtower of the Lord, standing continually by day: and I am upon my ward, standing whole nights.
So I did that, and one day the watchman called out, “Day after day I have stood on this watchtower, and I have continued to watch during the day and during the night.
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 21:8
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 21:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 21:8
Study Notes — Isaiah 21:8
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 21:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:8
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8
- Sermons on Isaiah 21:8
Context — Babylon Is Fallen
8Then the lookout shouted: “Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; night after night I stay at my post.
9Look, here come the riders, horsemen in pairs.” And one answered, saying: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon! All the images of her gods lie shattered on the ground!” 10O my people, crushed on the threshing floor, I tell you what I have heard from the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Habakkuk 2:1–2 | 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. Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it. |
| 2 | Isaiah 56:10 | Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 5:8 | Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. |
| 4 | Psalms 63:6 | When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 4:7 | A lion has gone up from his thicket, and a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his lair to lay waste your land. Your cities will be reduced to ruins and lie uninhabited. |
| 6 | Isaiah 5:29 | Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they carry it away from deliverance. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 49:19 | Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Edom from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” |
| 8 | Psalms 127:1 | Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 50:44 | Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to the watered pasture. For in an instant I will chase Babylon from her land. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? What shepherd can stand against Me?” |
| 10 | 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, |
Isaiah 21:8 Summary
The lookout in Isaiah 21:8 is saying that he is always watching and waiting for something to happen, day and night. This teaches us to be patient and faithful, like the lookout, and to trust in God's plan, as seen in Psalm 130:5-6 and Isaiah 40:31. We can learn from the lookout's example to be more vigilant and watchful in our own spiritual lives, and to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, as promised in Lamentations 3:22-23 and Hebrews 13:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the lookout's role in Isaiah 21:8?
The lookout's role is to be vigilant and report what he sees, as instructed by the Lord in Isaiah 21:6, emphasizing the importance of watchfulness and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Ezekiel 3:17 and Ezekiel 33:7.
Why does the lookout mention standing on the watchtower day and night?
The lookout's statement in Isaiah 21:8 highlights his dedication to his task, demonstrating a commitment to constant prayer and vigilance, similar to the apostle's encouragement in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing.
How does the lookout's shout relate to the rest of the chapter?
The lookout's shout in Isaiah 21:8 serves as a transition to the announcement of Babylon's fall in Isaiah 21:9, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's judgment, as prophesied in Isaiah 13:19 and Jeremiah 51:43.
What can we learn from the lookout's example in our own spiritual lives?
The lookout's example in Isaiah 21:8 teaches us the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in our spiritual watchfulness, as encouraged in Matthew 24:42 and Matthew 25:13, where Jesus teaches us to be prepared and alert for His return.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more vigilant and watchful, like the lookout in Isaiah 21:8?
- How can I apply the principle of constant prayer and vigilance in my daily life, as demonstrated by the lookout?
- What are some spiritual 'watchtowers' that I can stand on to observe and report the things of God, and how can I be more faithful in this role?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to God's commands and instructions, like the lookout's dedication to his task?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:8
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:8
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:8
Sermons on Isaiah 21:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
What It Means to Live by Faith by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living by faith, drawing from the prophet Habakkuk's experience of seeking God's word amidst difficult times. It highlights the need for be |
|
Why Does God Permit Evil in the World? by Charles E. Fuller | In this sermon, Dr. Charles E. discusses the book of Habakkuk in the Bible. He begins by referencing the familiar song "Jesus Saves" and asks the audience if they have heard it. He |
|
Woe Is Me, I Am Undone - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a criminal named Charlie Peace who committed heinous crimes and was eventually sentenced to death. Despite his impending execution, |
|
Forgiving and God by R.T. Kendall | This sermon by R.T. Kendall focuses on the concept of total forgiveness, exploring the trilogy of Total Forgiveness, Totally Forgiving Ourselves, and Totally Forgiving God. The mes |
|
Unfiegned Faith by Richard A. Bennett | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the current state of society, highlighting the rise of sexual immorality and violence. He also discusses the perversion of justice, where the |
|
Keys for a Successful Family Life - Part 8 by Don Courville | This sermon emphasizes the importance of going to the tower, symbolizing meeting with God in prayer and seeking His guidance. It highlights the story of Habakkuk standing upon his |
|
A Plain Vision for the Church and Coming Persecution - Brian Long by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of believers. He highlights the urgency of the times, stating that the end of all things is at hand. The |







