Isaiah 21:1 A prophecy against the Desert by the Sea: Like whirlwinds sweeping through the southland, an invader comes from the desert, from a land of terror.
Once again, I am struck by the imagery and wording in this passage. Whirlwinds speak to a force that is unstoppable and outside of human control. The word “sweeping” sounds methodical and indicates cleaning up, getting rid of the detritus.
Isaiah 21:3 At this my body is racked with pain, pangs seize me, like those of a woman in labor; I am staggered by what I hear, I am bewildered by what I see.
Again the choice of imagery here, a woman in labor, speaks to inevitably, of things outside of human control. But both images offer hope. With sweeping up, you are getting rid of, but what’s left is left better than it was. With labor pains, there is definitely pain there, but what is left is new life.
Isaiah 21:4 My heart falters, fear makes me tremble; the twilight I longed for has become a horror to me.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for hardwiring hope so strongly within me that I see it everywhere. Thank You for allowing me to draw closer to You through Your word. Help me to shine Your light. Amen.
Isaiah 21:5 They set the tables, they spread the rugs, they eat, they drink! Get up, you officers, oil the shields!
Have a blessed day.