Isaiah 21:5

The prophet contrasts his own lonely vigils with the careless security of the Babylonian revellers (cf. Daniel 5; Jeremiah 51:39; Isaiah 14:11).

Prepare the table, &c. Render as in R.V. They prepare the table, they set the watch (the only measure of precaution adopted by the revellers), they eat, they drink.

arise, ye princes The banquet breaks up in confusion, for the foe is at the gates.

anoint the shield Shields were oiled (2 Samuel 1:21), probably to make the blows glide off them.