The Son of Ishmael and the Burden of Silence
The name Dumah holds a dual significance in the Scriptures: it is the name of a key tribal patriarch and a symbolic geographical location in a prophecy concerning judgment and the watchman’s responsibility. Both aspects emphasize the Lord’s knowledge of all nations and the necessity of spiritual vigilance.
I. Dumah the Founder: The Son of Ishmael
Historically, Dumah is established as one of the twelve sons of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. His lineage places him among the tribal founders of the Arabian Peninsula, confirming God’s promise to Abraham that Ishmael would become a great nation (Genesis 17:20).
Dumah is listed sixth among the sons of Ishmael:
“And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa, Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah: These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.” (Genesis 25:13-16, KJV)
The descendants of Dumah are believed to have settled in an important oasis town in north-western Arabia, now known as Dumat al-Jandal, making them significant players in the geopolitical landscape surrounding Israel, much like their brethren Kedar and Tema. His inclusion in this genealogy confirms the divine authority over the rise and placement of all nations.
II. Dumah the Prophecy: The Burden of the Watchman
The second, and most famous, reference to Dumah is found in the prophetic book of Isaiah, where the word is used as a symbolic designation for a region under the shadow of judgment. The passage is one of the “burdens” (prophecies of judgment) against the nations:
“The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.” (Isaiah 21:11-12, KJV)
The name Dumah in this context means “Silence” or “Edified” (by silence). The prophecy is a profound theological exchange:
- The Urgent Inquiry: A voice cries out from Seir (the territory of Edom), urgently questioning the watchman about the status of the long night of judgment: “Watchman, what of the night?” This repeated question reveals a deep anxiety about the duration and severity of the darkness.
- The Paradoxical Answer: The watchman, representing the prophet or God’s appointed messenger, gives a complex, uncompromising response: “The morning cometh, and also the night.” The answer is a paradox—deliverance is coming, but so is continued judgment. The light will be followed by renewed darkness for those who do not heed the call.
- The Call to Action: The message concludes with a firm, dual command: “if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.” This is a final, urgent call for the people to turn from their ways and seek the truth of God before the next inevitable night of judgment falls.
The Burden of Dumah is a timeless instruction on unwavering conviction—judgment is certain, and the opportunity to repent is finite. It urges all those watching for the Lord’s Return to heed the spiritual darkness of the age, and to make their own calling and election sure.