Isaiah 21:12

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

La sentinelle répond: Le matin vient, et la nuit aussi. Si vous voulez interroger, interrogez; Convertissez-vous, et revenez.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from Isaiah, a watchman speaks, suggesting that light and darkness, good and bad times, are all part of life. He invites people to seek wisdom and to return to God. The key message is to seek and return to God, no matter the time.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing outside and the sun is going down. The watchman is like a big brother saying, 'Hey, the day will end, but a new one will come. If you want to learn more, ask questions. Come back to where it's safe and warm.' It's about knowing that good and bad times come and go, and you can always come back to God.

Historical Background

Isaiah, a prophet, wrote this around 700 BC. He spoke to the people of Judah, warning them about the coming Babylonian invasion. The cultural setting was one of political unrest and spiritual decay.

Living It Out Today

Consider a scenario where you're going through a tough time at work. This verse reminds you that good times will come after the bad. It encourages you to seek guidance and to return to God during both the difficult and the good times.

Topics

• hope
• return
• seeking wisdom
• darkness and light
• times of trouble
• God's presence

Related Verses

• Psalms 130:5
• Jeremiah 33:16
• Luke 13:34
• Ecclesiastes 3:1
• Habakkuk 2:3

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the watchman in Isaiah 21:12?

The watchman represents a prophet or a messenger, who is giving a message to the people, warning them and encouraging them to seek God.

What does the phrase 'if ye will enquire, enquire ye' mean?

This phrase means that if the people want to seek more information or wisdom, they should do so actively. It encourages active seeking and questioning.

How does this verse relate to the concept of hope?

This verse emphasizes the idea that both good and bad times will come. It gives hope that better times will follow the tough ones, encouraging people to return to God and seek guidance.

What does it mean to 'return, come' in this context?

To 'return, come' means to return to a place of safety and guidance, in this case, to return to God, no matter what the circumstances are.