21:12 The watchman replies,
“Morning is coming, but then night. 2
If you want to ask, ask;
come back again.” 3
1 tn Heb “Make it as deep as Sheol or make it high upwards.” These words suggest that Ahaz can feel free to go beyond the bounds of ordinary human experience.
2 sn Dumah will experience some relief, but it will be short-lived as night returns.
3 sn The point of the watchman’s final instructions (“if you want to ask, ask; come again”) is unclear. Perhaps they are included to add realism to the dramatic portrayal. The watchman sends the questioner away with the words, “Feel free to come back and ask again.”