11 The [k]oracle concerning [l]Edom.
One keeps calling to me from Seir,
“Watchman, [m]how far gone is the night?
Watchman, [n]how far gone is the night?”
12 The watchman says,
“Morning comes but also night.
If you would inquire, inquire;
Come back again.”13 The [o]oracle about Arabia.
In the thickets of Arabia you [p]must spend the night,
O caravans of Dedanites.
14 Bring water [q]for the thirsty,
O inhabitants of the land of Tema,
Meet the fugitive with bread.
15 For they have fled from the swords,
From the drawn sword, and from the bent bow
And from the press of battle.16 For thus the Lord said to me, “In a year, as [r]a hired man would count it, all the splendor of Kedar will terminate; 17 and the remainder of the number of bowmen, the mighty men of the sons of Kedar, will be few; for the Lord God of Israel has spoken.”
As we turn to the fate of Edom, we don’t have a lot of detail, but “One keeps calling…” and asking “how far gone is the night?” Now, it’s doubtful Isaiah would be bothered about an actual person annoying the night watch with their incessant questions. Rather, the night shows that Edom also is enduring hardship and oppression. As Judah was being attacked and at times under siege by Assyria, it is unlikely they were alone in that state.
That is, Assyria wasn’t just singling out Israel and Judah, but was likely flexing their muscle against all the nations of the region. So Edom is in a dark place, and no doubt asking, “when will this all end?” If that sounds familiar, it’s because we do the same thing with God. When we go through hard times, and are struggling with something, we get focused on the problem at hand, and just want to know when it will all be over.
The answer for Edom doesn’t necessarily help us much, as it is pretty much, “If you’re going to ask, go ahead. The morning is coming, but the night isn’t over yet, come back later.” Or more simply, “Just wait…” which is probably our least favorite answer from God also.
But… that “wait” means something still needs to happen. Maybe it’s in our own hearts, for God often uses trials to teach us or mold us into something better. Edom may have just been collateral damage from the judgment and warnings against Israel, but they were the descendants of Abraham also, via Esau. They knew God, or should have, and so God may have been trying to get through to them also.
In any case, when we find ourselves asking, “God, how long!?” we might need to switch gears. Instead, ask if God is trying to tell you something, or teach you something. It doesn’t mean you’re deep in sin like these folks, but perhaps you need a course correction. Stop a moment, be quiet, and listen for His voice. Be patient, let God do His work in your heart, and don’t rush the process.