Chapter 21 contains several brief “burdens”, arguably among the most ambiguous within the section of the burdens against the nations. Interpreters and scholars have long debated the precise identities of the nations or places mentioned (Who or what is "the Ocean Desert"? Who are Duma and Arabia?) and the meanings of the prophecies, as many of the chapter’s words and phrases are challenging to decipher.

Some of the names of the peoples and locations in this chapter may be identifiable: "Se’ir" is familiar to us, and Duma and Kedar, mentioned here, may be related to the descendants of Yishmael (Bereishit 25:13–14), among whom we find the names Duma and Kedar. Interestingly, another of Yishmael’s sons is named "Massa" — could this be a play on the word "Massa" (prophecy)? It is known that various Ishmaelite tribes settled in the desert regions of the eastern side of the Jordan River. This may suggest that the prophecies here address these diverse peoples and tribes who reside over the Jordan River.

Throughout the prophecies in this chapter, we sense the imminence of a major calamity. In the prophecy of the Ocean Desert, the prophet himself is so overwhelmed by the vision that he is gripped with dread: "This is why my hips are seized with sickness, why agonies take hold of me, like agonies of birth. I writhe away from hearing, shrink, horrified, from seeing" (21:3). Similarly, in the prophecy of Arabia, we hear of refugees fleeing from a great war: "For they have fled the sword, the drawn sword" (21:15).

The connection between the two prophecies in this chapter may be explained as follows: In the prophecy of the Ocean Desert, the prophet, by God’s command, places a watchman to observe and report the fall of Babylon. The watchman faithfully fulfills his duty: "At my post, Lord, always I stand, daylong at my watch, stationed through the nights" (21:8). In the prophecy of Duma, we see it opens not with the prophet’s words but with a call addressed to the prophet, the watchman, who observes and knows what is to come: "A voice calling to me from Se'ir: ‘What news does night bring, watchman? Watch, what news of night?’" (21:11). Perhaps there was a rumor about the prophet’s ability to hear God’s word and foretell events, prompting this inquiry from Se’ir by those seeking insight into the future. The prophet’s response to the envoy does not provide the desired answer; instead, it is cryptic and general: "The watch says, ‘Morning comes, and also night.’ If you would ask it, ask; turn back, return" (21:12). The prophet may be implying: "I am not a strategist or a military adviser. I am a prophet of God. The most relevant message for you is this — ‘If you would ask it, ask; turn back, return’ — repent, and perhaps you will be saved."

Another point to consider is that this chapter might serve as a prelude to the next. In our chapter, we hear about the anxiety and preparations of various nations in anticipation of a looming great war. In the following chapter, we will see how the Kingdom of Yehuda responds to these events with apathy, and how the prophet reacts to their indifference.