Isaiah 22:1-9

1 A prophecy about the Valley of Vision: Tell me what is wrong with you, that you have all gone up on the roofs.

2 You city full of noise, confusion and boisterous excitement, your slain did not fall to the sword, nor did they die in battle.

3 All your leaders fled together and were captured without the use of a bow; all from you who were found were captured, even though they had fled far away.

4 This is why I said, "Don't look at me, leave me alone to weep bitterly, don't try to comfort me over the destruction of my people."

5 For it is a day of panic, trampling and confusion from Adonai ELOHIM-Tzva'ot in the Valley of Vision. With walls crashing down, they cry for help to the mountains.

6 'Eilam picks up the quivers, with cavalry and horsemen, and Kir uncovers the shields.

7 In time, your choicest valleys are overrun by chariots, and the cavalry take their posts by the gate;

8 thus is Y'hudah's protection removed. That day you looked for the armor in the House of the Forest.

9 You saw how many breaches there were in the City of David, you collected water from the lower pool,

Isaiah 22:1-9 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 22

This chapter contains two prophecies, one concerning the invasion of Judah and Jerusalem, not by the Medes and Persians, but by the Assyrian army, under which they served; and the other of the removal of Shebna, an officer in Hezekiah's court, and of the placing of Eliakim in his stead. After the title of the former of these prophecies, the distress of the people, through the invasion, is described, by their getting up to the housetops, Isa 22:1 by the stillness of the city, having left both trade and mirth; by the slain in it, not by the sword, but through fear or famine, Isa 22:2 by the flight of the rulers, and by the lamentation of the prophet, Isa 22:3-5 the instruments of which distress were the Persians and Medes serving under Sennacherib, who are described by their quivers and shields, their chariots and horsemen, Isa 22:6,7 the methods the Jews took to defend themselves, and their vain confidence, are exposed; for which, with their disrespect to the Lord, and his admonitions, their carnal security and luxury, they are threatened with death, Isa 22:8-14 then follows the prophecy of the deposition of Shebna, who is described by his name and office, Isa 22:15 whose pride is exposed as the cause of his fall, Isa 22:16 and he is threatened not only to be driven from his station, but to be carried captive into another country, suddenly and violently, and with great shame and disgrace, Isa 22:17-19 and another put in his place, who is mentioned by name, Isa 22:20 and who should be invested with his office and power, and have all the ensigns of it, Isa 22:21,22 and should continue long in it, to great honour and usefulness to his family, Isa 22:23,24 yet not always, Isa 22:25.