King James Version

What Does Isaiah 21:5 Mean?

Isaiah 21:5 in the King James Version says “Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield.”

Isaiah 21:5 · KJV

Context

3

Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it.

4

My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me: the night of my pleasure hath he turned into fear unto me. heart: or, mind wandered turned: Heb. put

5

Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield.

6

For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.

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:

Read Isaiah 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield.' This describes Babylon's complacency at the moment of conquest—feasting while watchmen stand guard, leaders eating and drinking, warriors preparing for eventual battle ('anoint the shield'—oil for leather preservation). Yet this preparation proves futile. This references the historical event recorded in Daniel 5: Belshazzar's feast, drinking from Jerusalem temple vessels while Persian army entered the city. The imagery captures false security—doing all 'normal' defensive things while judgment arrives unexpectedly. This warns against presumption—normal precautions don't guarantee security when God decrees judgment. Only genuine repentance and trust in God provide refuge, not mere military/political preparations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Daniel 5 describes exactly this scene: Belshazzar's feast with thousands of officials, drinking wine, praising false gods, while that very night Babylon fell. The Persians diverted the Euphrates, entering through unguarded river gates—the watchmen's vigilance failed. The anointed shields never saw battle—conquest came without major military engagement. This demonstrated that human preparations prove futile against divine decrees. The prophetic accuracy is remarkable—describing specific activities (feasting, watching, shield preparation) that characterized the actual conquest night. This validates Isaiah's divine inspiration—no human speculation could predict such specific details 150+ years in advance. The historical fulfillment authenticates Scripture's divine origin.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Babylon's complacency despite preparations teach about false security?
  2. How does Daniel 5's feast scene fulfill this prophetic description?
  3. Why do normal defensive precautions fail when God decrees judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
עָרֹ֧ךְ1 of 10

“Prepare”

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

הַשֻּׁלְחָ֛ן2 of 10

“the table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

צָפֹ֥ה3 of 10
H6823

to sheet over (especially with metal)

הַצָּפִ֖ית4 of 10

“in the watchtower”

H6844

a sentry

אָכ֣וֹל5 of 10

“eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

שָׁתֹ֑ה6 of 10

“drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

ק֥וּמוּ7 of 10

“arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

הַשָּׂרִ֖ים8 of 10

“ye princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

מִשְׁח֥וּ9 of 10

“and anoint”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

מָגֵֽן׃10 of 10

“the shield”

H4043

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 21:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 21:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 51:39Jeremiah 51:11Jeremiah 51:57Daniel 5:1-5Isaiah 22:13-14Isaiah 45:1-3

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 21 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes