Useful instructions for a professing people in times of great security and degeneracy

Watchman, what, &c.] By Watchman is meant the Prophet, these are called Watchmen by God, because he sets them to discern his wrath, and give warning to the people. The meaning or intent of the Question is diversly understood: I find a twofold interpretation.

Watchman, what, &c.] By Watchman is meant the Prophet, these are called Watchmen by God, because he sets them to discern his wrath, and give warning to the people. The meaning or intent of the Question is diversly understood: I finde a twofold interpretation.

1. Some take it to be an expression of the bitterness and anguish of the Edomites, concerning the future event of those troubles which were beginning upon them: it seems War was threatened by the Assyrian; through which anguish they send to the Prophet, to know what was likely to ensue, what troubles they should meet withal: for Night is here a Metaphor of the time of affliction, as it is often in Scripture, Isa. 26. 9, &c. and then the ingemination of the Interrogatory, implies an earnestness of desire to be informed.

1. Some take it to be an expression of the bitterness and anguish of the Edomites, concerning the future event of those troubles which were beginning upon them: it seems War was threatned by the Assyrian; through which anguish they send to the Prophet, to know what was likely to ensue, what troubles they should meet withall: for Night is here a Metaphor of the time of affliction, as it is often in Scripture, Isa. 26. 9, &c. and then the ingemination of the Interrogatory, implies an earnestness of desire to be informed.