Isaiah 21:11-12

A very short message about Dumah, a small place in the desert, 300 miles south-east of *Jerusalem. Dumah was at an important cross-roads where routes from Babylon and Edom and Syria met. Merchants could exchange news about political events that could affect their trade.

• A caller (whom Isaiah does not name) in the region of Seir (a place in Edom) asks a question from a *look-out. The *look-out answers. ‘Morning’ and ‘night’ probably refer to ‘a time of peace’ and ‘a time of war’. The answer therefore warns that after a short break, war will begin again.

A message for Arabs

v13 (A special message that God gave Isaiah for Arabs who live in the region called Dedan.) Order your caravans to bring water to people who urgently need it. v14 You people in Tema, bring food to those who are hungry. v15 They are very tired because enemies have been chasing them with swords and arrows.

v16 (The *Lord gave me another special message.) In exactly one year from now, the power of the army of Kedar will definitely end. It will end on time, just as certainly as a worker’s contract ends, after exactly one year. v17 Few soldiers in Kedar’s army will remain. The *Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken.