ישעיהו, פרק כ״א, פסוק ו׳

The impending fall of the Babylonian empire brings a dramatic shift in the prophetic vision, marked by an urgent command to post a watchman. This guard is positioned high upon a wall or tower to sound the alarm and report on approaching events [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Yet, the act of keeping watch here involves far more than physical sight. It represents a deep preparation to witness the future, looking toward a reality that is not yet visible. It carries a sense of tense, hopeful anticipation for what is about to unfold [מלבי״ם].

A central question emerges regarding who issues this command to set up the guard and who is meant to receive it. One perspective views this as a dramatic portrayal of the panic within Babylon itself. In this scenario, frightened Babylonian officers cry out to one another, desperately ordering guards to be stationed to look for the advancing armies of Media and Persia [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. However, another view suggests that the Babylonians were actually reckless and complacent, completely unaware of the sudden disaster about to strike. Because they failed to protect themselves, the command is directed at the prophet, instructing him to perform in a prophetic vision what the Babylonians should have done in reality [שד״ל].

Taking a more spiritual approach, the instruction is given directly to Isaiah, who places a watchman entirely within the realm of his vision [אבן עזרא]. This visionary guard stands ready, waiting for the collapse of Babylon so he can testify that God has fulfilled the words spoken through His prophets [מלבי״ם]. Another unique layer connects this command to future generations of prophecy. Rather than a physical guard, the watchman represents one of Isaiah's future students, the prophet Habakkuk. Years later, Habakkuk would challenge God about the extended peace enjoyed by Babylon, declaring that he would stand at his watchpost and wait for God's answer. Thus, God commands Isaiah to assure this future watchman that he will indeed live to witness the destruction of Babylon and report what he sees [רש״י].