Verses 11-12
11, 12. These verses contain a single prophecy, one entirely distinct from all others.
Burden of Dumah Strictly, “Dumah” means silence. The word is used here probably as emblematic of the long silence that is to come over Edom and its capital, and hence here means Edom.
He calleth to me out of Seir “Seir” was the mountainous tract of Edom. In a rocky defile within this mountainous tract was the capital city, Sela; a name taken from its houses, temples, sepulchres, etc., being cut out of the rocky mountain sides. Its later name was Petra, noticed in chap. 18. The call is, as it were, to one stationed on a watchtower at a distance, not improbably at Jerusalem.
Watchman, what of the night From urgent anxiety the question is repeated. Edom never had kindly feeling toward Israel. Hatred dates back to Esau and his descendants. It was shown in its denial to Israel of a passage through Edom to the land of Canaan. See Numbers 20:17-18. The question may be a taunt to Judah in ideal affliction during a foreseen captivity, when its city is desolate, and its people are at Babylon; or it may be an agonizing inquiry in Edom’s own behalf.
The morning cometh The answer appears as if it were the latter. “The morning cometh, and also the night.” Edom has a short prospect of a returning day of prosperity, but a night, a long night, of adversity, is soon to succeed it. How faithfully true in Edom’s history! The Assyrian period darkened it.
The Chaldean, the Grecian, the Roman, followed each other. Then the light of Edom went out forever: its very capital was unknown for ages till discovered in this our own century. Nevertheless, the watchman’s word encourages. If ye will inquire after the true Jehovah, inquire ye; inquire at once, your chance is not lost.
Return, come Repent, seek, and regain at least your spiritual birthright. The oracle, like the Gospel to impenitent sinners, closes with a yearning entreaty.
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