only, as far as I can find with certainty. Secondly, from the singularity of the phraseology; for a�m massa is generally prefixed to its object without a preposition, as lbb a�m massa bHebel; and never but in this place with the preposition b beth. Besides, as the word br[b baarab occurs at the very beginning of the prophecy itself, the first word but one, it is much to be suspected that some one, taking it for a proper name and the object of the prophecy, might note it as such by the words br[b a�m massa baarab written in the margin, which he might easily transfer to the text.

The Septuagint did not take it for a proper name, but render it en tw drumw esperav, "in the forest, in the evening, "and so the Chaldee, which I follow; for otherwise, the forest in Arabia is so indeterminate and vague a description, that in effect it means nothing at all. This observation might have been of good use in clearing up the foregoing very obscure prophecy, if any light had arisen from joining the two together by removing the separating title; but I see no connection between them. The Arabic Version has, "The prophecy concerning the Arabians, and the children of Chedar." This prophecy was to have been fulfilled within a year of the time of its delivery, see ver. 16; and it was probably delivered about the same time with the rest in this part of the book, that is, soon before or after the 14th of Hezekiah, the year of Sennacherib's invasion. In his first march into Judea, or in his return from the Egyptian expedition, he might perhaps overrun these several clans of Arabians; their distress on some such occasion is the subject of this prophecy. - L.

Is. 21:1-10 Babylon was a flat country, abundantly watered. The destruction of Babylon, so often prophesied of by Isaiah, was typica of the destruction of the great foe of the New Testament church foretold in the Revelation. To the poor oppressed captives it would be welcome news; to the proud oppressors it would be grievous. Let thi check vain mirth and sensual pleasures, that we know not in what heaviness the mirth may end. Here is the alarm given to Babylon, when forced by Cyrus. An ass and a camel seem to be the symbols of the Mede and Persians. Babylon's idols shall be so far from protecting her, tha they shall be broken down. True believers are the corn of God's floor hypocrites are but as chaff and straw, with which the wheat is no mixed, but from which it shall be separated. The corn of God's floo must expect to be threshed by afflictions and persecutions. God' Israel of old was afflicted. Even then God owns it is his still. In all events concerning the church, past, present, and to come, we must loo to God, who has power to do any thing for his church, and grace to d every thing that is for her good.

Is. 21:11,12 God's prophets and ministers are as watchmen in the cit in a time of peace, to see that all is safe. As watchmen in the camp i time of war, to warn of the motions of the enemy. After a long sleep i sin and security, it is time to rise, to awake out of sleep. We have great deal of work to do, a long journey to go; it is time to be stirring. After a long dark night is there any hope of the day dawning What tidings of the night? What happens to-night? We must never be secure. But many make curious inquiries of the watchmen. They woul willingly have nice questions solved, or difficult prophecie interpreted; but they do not seek into the state of their own souls about the way of salvation, and the path of duty. The watchman answer by way of prophecy. There comes first a morning of light, and peace and opportunity; but afterward comes a night of trouble and calamity If there be a morning of youth and health, there will come a night of sickness and old age; if a morning of prosperity in the family, in the public, yet we must look for changes. It is our wisdom to improve the present morning, in preparation for the night that is coming after it Inquire, return, come. We are urged to do it quickly, for there is n time to trifle. Those that return and come to God, will find they have a great deal of work to do, and but little time to do it in.

Is. 21:13-17 The Arabians lived in tents, and kept cattle. A destroying army shall be brought upon them, and make them an easy prey. We know not what straits we may be brought into before we die. Those may know the want of necessary food who now eat bread to the full. Neither the skill of archers, nor the courage of mighty men, can protect from the judgments of God. That is poor glory, which will thus quickly come to nothing. Thus hath the Lord said to me; and no word of his shall fal to the ground. We may be sure the Strength of Israel will not lie Happy are those only whose riches and glory are out of the reach of invaders; all other prosperity will speedily pass away __________________________________________________________________

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