Isaiah 21:2
A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.
Isaiah 21:2 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease." conveys a message of impending doom and destruction. The prophet is warned of a vision that will bring sorrow and distress, as deceitful and destructive forces are at work. The reference to Elam and Media suggests a call to these ancient kingdoms to rise up and conquer, bringing an end to the suffering and sighing of the people. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of treachery and violence, as well as the ultimate judgment that will come upon those who perpetuate evil. It is a call to action for righteousness and justice to prevail, even in the face of adversity. Through this verse, readers are encouraged to reflect on the importance of integrity and compassion in a world filled with deceit and destruction.
Theological Overview
Within this verse from the book of Isaiah, we see a description of a troubling vision being declared to the prophet. The use of the term "treacherous dealer" and "spoiler" suggests deceit and destruction, possibly pointing to an enemy nation's actions against God's people. The specific mention of Elam and Media in the context of besieging and causing suffering indicates a historical event or an impending invasion. The prophet Isaiah expresses the cessation of all the sighing caused by these oppressors, possibly alluding to a future relief or deliverance from the suffering. The mention of Elam and Media could be symbolic or literal, signifying the involvement of foreign powers in the affairs of God's people. Through theological interpretation and word studies, scholars delve deeper into the historical and cultural contexts to uncover the significance of these events and the underlying message for the readers.
Isaiah 21:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous man dealeth treacherously, and the destroyer destroyeth. Go up, O Elam; besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.
World English Bible
A grievous vision is declared to me. The treacherous man deals treacherously, and the destroyer destroys. Go up, Elam; attack! I have stopped all of Media’s sighing.
Douay-Rheims
A grievous vision is told me: he that is unfaithful dealeth unfaithfully: and he that is a spoiler, spoileth. Go up, O Elam, besiege, O Mede: I have made all the mourning thereof to cease.
Geneva Bible (1599)
A grieuous vision was shewed vnto me, The transgressour against a transgressour, and the destroyer against a destroyer. Goe vp Elam, besiege Media: I haue caused all the mourning thereof to cease.