Isaiah 21:7
Isaiah 21:7 in Multiple Translations
When he sees chariots with teams of horsemen, riders on donkeys, riders on camels, he must be alert, fully alert.”
And he saw a chariot with a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, and a chariot of camels; and he hearkened diligently with much heed:
and when he seeth a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of asses, a troop of camels, he shall hearken diligently with much heed.
And when he sees war-carriages, horsemen by twos, war-carriages with asses, war-carriages with camels, let him give special attention.
When he sees chariots coming pulled by pairs of horses, riders on donkeys and on camels, he should watch very carefully, paying close attention.”
And he sawe a charet with two horsemen: a charet of an asse, and a charet of a camel: and he hearkened and tooke diligent heede.
And he hath seen a chariot — a couple of horsemen, The rider of an ass, the rider of a camel, And he hath given attention — He hath increased attention!
When he sees a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of donkeys, a troop of camels, he shall listen diligently with great attentiveness.”
And he saw a chariot with a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, and a chariot of camels; and he hearkened diligently with much heed:
And he saw a chariot with two horsemen, a rider upon an ass, and a rider upon a camel: and he beheld them diligently with much heed.
Tell him to watch for chariots pulled by pairs of horses, and men riding camels and donkeys, coming from Babylon. Tell the watchman to watch and listen carefully!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 21:7
BAB
Word Study
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 21:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/רָ֣אָה
רֶ֗כֶב
צֶ֚מֶד
פָּֽרָשִׁ֔ים
רֶ֥כֶב
חֲמ֖וֹר
רֶ֣כֶב
גָּמָ֑ל
וְ/הִקְשִׁ֥יב
קֶ֖שֶׁב
רַב
קָֽשֶׁב
וְ/רָ֣אָה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
רֶ֗כֶב
rekeb
H7393
chariot
N-ms
צֶ֚מֶד
tsemed
H6776
pair
N-ms
פָּֽרָשִׁ֔ים
pârâsh
H6571
horse
N-mp
רֶ֥כֶב
rekeb
H7393
chariot
N-ms
חֲמ֖וֹר
chămôwr
H2543
donkey
N-cs
רֶ֣כֶב
rekeb
H7393
chariot
N-ms
גָּמָ֑ל
gâmâl
H1581
camel
N-ms
וְ/הִקְשִׁ֥יב
qâshab
H7181
to listen
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
קֶ֖שֶׁב
qesheb
H7182
attentiveness
N-ms
רַב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
קָֽשֶׁב
qesheb
H7182
attentiveness
N-ms
Hebrew Word 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 21:7
וְ/רָ֣אָה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
רֶ֗כֶב
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
צֶ֚מֶד
tsemed
H6776
"pair"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a pair or team, often of animals, and can also mean an acre of land that a yoke of cattle can plow in a day. It's used to describe a unit or a set of two things working together.
Definition: 1) couple, pair, team, yoke 1a) couple, pair, span (usually of animals) 1b) acre 1b1) the amount of land a span of oxen could plow in one day
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: acre, couple, [idiom] together, two (donkeys), yoke (of oxen). See also: Judges 19:3; 2 Kings 5:17; Isaiah 5:10.
פָּֽרָשִׁ֔ים
pârâsh
H6571
"horse"
N-mp
This word means a horseman or a cavalry soldier, like those who rode chariots in battle. In the Bible, it describes the riders of horses and chariots, like in Exodus 14:9 where the Egyptian horsemen pursued the Israelites.
Definition: horse, steed, warhorse
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: horseman. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Chronicles 8:6; Isaiah 21:7.
רֶ֥כֶב
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
חֲמ֖וֹר
chămôwr
H2543
"donkey"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.
רֶ֣כֶב
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
גָּמָ֑ל
gâmâl
H1581
"camel"
N-ms
A camel, used for riding or carrying loads, is mentioned in the Bible as a valuable animal. In the KJV, it is translated simply as 'camel'.
Definition: 1) camel 1a) as property, as beast of burden, for riding, forbidden for food
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: camel. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:5; Isaiah 21:7.
וְ/הִקְשִׁ֥יב
qâshab
H7181
"to listen"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
To listen carefully is what this Hebrew word means, like pricking up your ears to hear something. It's used in many Bible verses, including Proverbs and Isaiah, to encourage people to pay attention. The KJV translates it as 'attend' or 'hear'.
Definition: 1) to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1a) (Qal) incline, attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1b) (Hiphil) to pay attention, give attention
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: attend, (cause to) hear(-ken), give heed, incline, mark (well), regard. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Song of Solomon 8:13; Psalms 5:3.
קֶ֖שֶׁב
qesheb
H7182
"attentiveness"
N-ms
This word describes being attentive or paying close attention to something. It's used in Bible verses like Proverbs and Jeremiah to describe someone who is carefully listening. The KJV translates it as 'attentiveness' or 'hearing'.
Definition: attentiveness, attention
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] diligently, hearing, much heed, that regarded. See also: 1 Kings 18:29; 2 Kings 4:31; Isaiah 21:7.
רַב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
קָֽשֶׁב
qesheb
H7182
"attentiveness"
N-ms
This word describes being attentive or paying close attention to something. It's used in Bible verses like Proverbs and Jeremiah to describe someone who is carefully listening. The KJV translates it as 'attentiveness' or 'hearing'.
Definition: attentiveness, attention
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] diligently, hearing, much heed, that regarded. See also: 1 Kings 18:29; 2 Kings 4:31; Isaiah 21:7.
Study Notes — Isaiah 21:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 21:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 21:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 21:7
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:7
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:7
- Sermons on Isaiah 21:7
Context — Babylon Is Fallen
5They prepare a table, they lay out a carpet, they eat, they drink! Rise up, O princes, oil the shields!
6For this is what the Lord says to me: “Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees.
7When he sees chariots with teams of horsemen, riders on donkeys, riders on camels, he must be alert, fully alert.”
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!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 21:9 | Look, 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!” |
| 2 | Isaiah 37:24 | Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest heights, the densest of its forests. |
| 3 | Hebrews 2:1 | We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. |
Isaiah 21:7 Summary
Isaiah 21:7 is a call to be alert and watchful, just like the lookout who is waiting for a sign of what is to come. The different types of riders mentioned in this verse may represent the various challenges or enemies that we face in our lives, but as believers, we can trust in God's power and protection, as seen in Psalm 20:7-8. By being fully alert and watching for the signs of God's presence and activity in our lives, we can be prepared to respond in faith and trust, just like the lookout in Isaiah 21:7, and live a life that is pleasing to God, as encouraged in Colossians 1:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the different types of riders mentioned in Isaiah 21:7?
The mention of chariots with teams of horsemen, riders on donkeys, and riders on camels may symbolize the various armies or nations that will be involved in the prophesied event, as seen in Isaiah 13:17, where the Medes are described as a powerful force that will attack Babylon.
Why is the lookout instructed to be 'fully alert' in Isaiah 21:7?
The lookout is instructed to be fully alert because the events he is about to witness are of great importance and will have significant consequences, much like the watchman in Ezekiel 33:2-6, who is responsible for warning the people of impending danger.
How does this verse relate to the fall of Babylon mentioned in Isaiah 21:9?
Isaiah 21:7 sets the stage for the events that will unfold in Isaiah 21:9, where the lookout reports the fall of Babylon, emphasizing the idea that the prophesied event is imminent and will be witnessed by the lookout, as prophesied in Isaiah 13:19 and Jeremiah 51:43.
What can we learn from the lookout's role in Isaiah 21:7 about our own role as believers?
The lookout's role in Isaiah 21:7 teaches us the importance of being vigilant and watchful, much like the believers in 1 Peter 5:8, who are instructed to be alert and watchful for the return of Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can be 'fully alert' to the spiritual battles and challenges that I face in my own life, and how can I apply the principles of Isaiah 21:7 to my daily walk with God?
- How can I, like the lookout, be faithful in my role as a watcher and a witness for God, and what are some ways I can share the message of salvation with those around me?
- What are some potential 'chariots' or 'riders' that I may face in my own life, and how can I prepare myself to respond to them in a way that is pleasing to God, as seen in Psalm 20:7-8?
- In what ways can I apply the idea of being 'fully alert' to my own spiritual life, and what are some practical steps I can take to stay vigilant and watchful, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:6?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 21:7
And he saw a chariot [with] a couple of horsemen,.... The drivers of it, or the riders in it; perhaps meaning Cyrus and Darius: a chariot of asses, [and] a chariot of camels; by the former may be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 21:7
And he saw a chariot with a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, and a chariot of camels; and he hearkened diligently with much heed: He saw a chariot (with) a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, (and) a chariot of camels.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 21:7
And he saw; a short speech for he told me that he saw. A chariot, not for burden, but for war, in which chariots were then much used. With a couple of horsemen; attended with two horsemen. So there were both chariots and troops of horsemen. Or, with a couple of horses, as this word is sometimes used, as . The chariot was drawn with two horses. A chariot of asses, and a chariot of camels; two chariots, one drawn by asses, (under which title some understand mules, as being engendered of asses,) and the other by camels; whereby he signifies the variety and abundance of warlike provisions which the Medes and Persians should have for this expedition, and particularly of chariots, whereof some were for the carriage of necessary things, and others for the battle. He hearkened diligently; he carefully observed what he saw, and what he could further discover.
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 21:7
Isaiah 21:7 And he saw a chariot [with] a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, [and] a chariot of camels; and he hearkened diligently with much heed:Ver. 7. And he saw,] scil., In a vision. A chariot with a couple of horsemen.] Darius and Cyrus. A chariot of asses and a chariot of camels.] Beasts of both sorts - both for burden and service - great store of them. And he hearkened diligently, with much heed.] Attendit attente, attentissime, the watchman did who was set to watch in the vision.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 21:7
(7) A chariot with a couple of horsemen.—Better, a troop, a couple. Both asses and camels were employed in the Persian army (Herod., i. 80, iv. 129). They probably indicate, the former an Arab, the latter a Carmanian contingent. Both are named (11,173 asses, 5,230 camels) among the spoil taken by Sennacherib on the defeat of Merôdach-baladan (Bellino Tablet in Records of the Past, i. 26). He hearkened diligently with much heed.—Literally, he listened sharply, listened sharply, with the iteration of intensity. What had met the watchman’s eye in his vision had passed by in silence, and had left him in doubt as to its meaning. Was it the symbol of a Babylonian army marching out against rebels, or of a rebel army on the way to attack Babylon? He listened, but no voice came out of the darkness to interpret the vision for him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 21:7
Verse 7. And he saw a chariot, c. - "And he saw a chariot with two riders a rider on an ass, a rider on a camel"] This passage is extremely obscure from the ambiguity of the term רכב recheb, which is used three times, and which signifies a chariot, or any other vehicle, or the rider in it; or a rider on a horse, or any other animal; or a company of chariots, or riders. The prophet may possibly mean a cavalry in two parts, with two sorts of riders; riders on asses or mules, and riders on camels; or led on by two riders, one on an ass, and one on a camel. However, so far it is pretty clear, that Darius and Cyrus, the Medes and the Persians, are intended to be distinguished by the two riders on the two sorts of cattle. It appears from Herodotus, i. 80, that the baggage of Cyrus' army was carried on camels. In his engagement with Croesus, he took off the baggage from the camels, and mounted his horsemen upon them; the enemy's horses, offended with the smell of the camels, turned back and fled. - L.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 21:7
7. The verse reads: And if he see a troop, horsemen in pairs (1 Kings 9:25), a troop of asses, a troop of camels, then let him hearken, hearken hard. This apparently is the expected sign that great events are on foot; when the riders are seen the watchman is to listen intently to discover who they are and what they are doing. The word for “troop” means always “chariot” (usually collective); here it must be used in the sense of “riding train” like the Arab. rakb. The procession represents the Persian army. “Asses” and “camels” are probably introduced as beasts of burden, although both animals are reported to have been used by the Persians in actual battle.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 21:7
And he saw a chariot with a couple of horsemen - This passage is very obscure from the ambiguity of the word רכב rekeb - ‘chariot.’ Gesenius contends that it should be rendered ‘cavalry,’ and that it
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 21:7
7. Chariot… horsemen… asses… camels — The first report is, the approach of a long procession, headed by horsemen, seen in perspective as two, a column of two, or two abreast, then successions of
Sermons on Isaiah 21:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah 21-25 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the United States and the world, highlighting the military buildup by Russia and the impending superwar. The preacher em |
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A Final Shaking by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a boat mooring to illustrate the importance of not drifting away from the truth of Christ. He emphasizes the need to hold on tightly |
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(Hebrews) 5-Abel and Enoch by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who committed adultery and ended up in prison. The man confesses his crime and expresses remorse for his actions. The preach |
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(Hebrews) 6-Noah by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of faith in pleasing God. He emphasizes that without faith, it is impossible to please God. The speaker also highlights the co |
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(So Great a Salvation) Awakening by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man named Victor who was desperate for money and decided to wait for his mother outside a church to take money from her purse. H |
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Concerning Spiritual Gifts: Unwrapping the Gifts by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love as the most excellent way. He starts by discussing Romans 12:1-3, which highlights dedication, transformation, and eva |
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Judgement Day by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of being prepared for the judgment day. He presents three tests that individuals must pass in order to stand confidently befor |