Blind Watchmen, Voiceless Dogs

The foregoing warm, upbuilding words are followed by a striking, almost shocking, contrast..  Jehovah is prepared to act with mercy toward foreigners and eunuchs. But many who claim to be members of God's congregation are condemned and are in line for judgment.  More than that,  they are not even deserving of a decent burial and are fit only  to be devoured by ravenous beasts. Thus, we read:  "All you wild animals of the open field, come to eat, all you wild animals in the forest."  (Isaiah 56:9) What are these wild animals going to feast on? The prophecy will explain.  In doing so, it may remind us of the fate awaiting  those who oppose God at the coming war of Armageddon, who slain bodies are left for the birds of heaven to devour. -Revelation 19:17, 18.

The prophecy continues:  "His watchmen are blind.  None of them have taken note. All of them are speechless dogs; they are not able to bark, panting and lying down, loving to slumber.  They are even dogs strong in soulful desire; they have known no satisfaction. They are also shepherds  that not known how to understand.  they have all of them turned  to their own way, each one for his unjust gain from his own border: 'Come, men! Let me take some wine; and let us drink intoxicating liquor to the limit. And tomorrow will certainly turn out just as today, great in a very much larger way.' "-Isaiah 56:10-12.

The religious leaders of Judah profess to worship Jehovah.  They claim to be  "his watchmen." But they are spiritually blind, voiceless, and sleepy.  If they cannot keep on the watch and sound the warning of danger, what good are they?  Such religious watchmen are without understanding, in no position to give  spiritual direction to sheeplike people. Moreover, they are corrupt . They have insatiable selfish desires.  Instead of following Jehovah's direction, they seek their own way, pursue unjust gain, overindulge in intoxicating liquor, and encourage others to do the same.  So oblivious are they of God's impending judgment that they tell people that things  will be fine. 

Earlier in the prophecy, Isaiah used similar imagery to describe the unfaithful religious leaders of Judah-spiritually drunk, drowsy, and lacking in understanding.  They burdened the people with traditions of men, spoke religious lies, and trusted in Assyria for help rather than looking to God.  (2 Kings 16:5-9; Isaiah 29:1, 9-14) They have clearly learned nothing. Sadly, the same sort of leaders were present in the first century.  Instead of embracing the good news  brought to them by God's own Son, they rejected Jesus and conspired to have him put to death.  Jesus frankly called them "blind guides," adding that if  "a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit." -Matthew 15:14.

Next time: Watchmen of Today

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001