Isaiah 22
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
This section of prophecy, extending to the end of the eighth verse of the next chapter, is addressed to the king of Judah and his people. It enjoins on them the practice of justice and equity, as they would hope to prosper, Jer 22:14; but threatens them, in case of disobedience, with utter destruction, Jer 22:5-9. The captivity of Shallum, the son of Josiah, is declared to be irreversible, Jer 22:10-12; and the miserable and unlamented end of Jeconiah, contemptuously called Coniah, is foretold, Jer 22:13-19. His family is threatened with the like captivity, and his seed declared to be for ever excluded from the throne, Jer 22:20-30.
Open source ↗PROPHECY AS TO AN ATTACK ON JERUSALEM. (Isa 22:1-14) of . . . valley of vision--rather, "respecting the valley of visions"; namely, Jerusalem, the seat of divine revelations and visions, "the nursery of prophets" [JEROME], (Isa 2:3; Isa 29:1; Eze 23:4, Margin; Luk 13:33). It lay in a "valley" surrounded by hills higher than Zion and Moriah (Psa 125:2; Jer 21:13). thee--the people of Jerusalem personified. housetops--Panic-struck, they went up on the flat balustraded roofs to look forth and see whether the enemy was near, and partly to defend themselves from the roofs (Jdg 9:51, &c.).
Open source ↗The burden of the valley of vision,.... A prophecy concerning Jerusalem, so called, because it lay in a valley, encompassed about with mountains, and which was the habitation of the prophets or seers, and the seat of vision and prophecy; and perhaps there is an allusion to its name, which signifies the vision of peace, or they shall see peace. The Septuagint version calls it, "the word of the valley of Sion"; and the Arabic version, "a prophecy concerning the inhabitants of the valley of Sion, to wit, the fields which are about Jerusalem.'' The Targum is, "the burden of the prophecy concerning the city which dwells in the valley, of which the prophets prophesied;'' by all which it appears, that not the whole land of Judea is thought to be meant, only the city of Jerusalem, so called, not from its low estate into which it would fall, through the wickedness of the people, and so rather to be called a valley than a mountain, as Kimchi; but from its situation, it being, as Josephus (h) says, fortified with three walls, except on that side at which it was encircled with inaccessible valleys; and hence it may be, that one of its gates is called the valley gate, Neh 2:13 and besides, there was a valley in it, between the mountains of Zion and Acra, which divided the upper and lower city, as he also elsewhere says (i). The burden of it is a heavy prophecy of calamities that should come upon it, or at least of a fright it should be put into, not in the times of Nebuchadnezzar, when it was taken and destroyed, as Jarchi and Kimchi, and another Jew Jerom makes mention of; nor in the times of Titus Vespasian, according to Eusebius, as the said Jerom relates; but in the times of Hezekiah, when Judea was invaded, and Jerusalem besieged by Sennacherib: what aileth thee now? or, "what…
Open source ↗The prophet exposes the nature and worthlessness of their confidence in Isa 22:1-3 : "What aileth thee, then, that thou art wholly ascended upon the house-tops? O full of tumult, thou noisy city, shouting castle, thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor slaughtered in battle. All thy rulers departing together are fettered without bow; all thy captured ones are fettered together, fleeing far away." From the flat house-tops they all look out together at the approaching army of the foe, longing for battle, and sure of victory (cullâk is for cullēk, Isa 14:29, Isa 14:31). They have no suspicion of what is threatening them; therefore are they so sure, so contented, and so defiant. מלאה תּשׂאות is inverted, and stands for תּשׁאות מלאת, like מנדּח אפלה in Isa 8:22. עלּיזה is used to denote self-confident rejoicing, as in Zep 2:15. How terribly they deceive themselves! Not even the honour of falling upon the battle-field is allowed them. Their rulers (kâtzin, a judge, and then any person of rank) depart one and all out of the city, and are fettered outside "without bow" (mikkesheth), i.e., without there being any necessity for the bow to be drawn (min, as in Job 21:9; Sa2 1:22; cf., Ewald, 217, b). All, without exception, of those who are attacked in Jerusalem by the advancing foe (nimzâ'aik, thy captured ones, as in Isa 13:15), fall helplessly into captivity, as they are attempting to flee far away (see at Isa 17:13; the perf. de conatu answers to the classical praesens de conatu). Hence (what is here affirmed indirectly) the city is besieged, and in consequence of the long siege hunger and pestilence destroy the inhabitants, and every one who attempts to get away falls into the hands of the enemy, without venturing to defend himself, on account of his emaciation an…
Open source ↗The title of this prophecy is very observable. It is the burden of the valley of vision, of Judah and Jerusalem; so all agree. Fitly enough is Jerusalem called a valley, for the mountains were round about it, and the land of Judah abounded with fruitful valleys; and by the judgments of God, though they had been as a towering mountain, they should be brought low, sunk and depressed, and become dark and dirty, as a valley. But most emphatically is it called a valley of vision because there God was known and his name was great, there the prophets were made acquainted with his mind by visions, and there the people saw the goings of their God and King in his sanctuary. Babylon, being a stranger to God, though rich and great, was called the desert of the sea; but Jerusalem, being entrusted with his oracles, is a valley of vision. Blessed are their eyes, for they see, and they have seers by office among them. Where Bibles and ministers are there is a valley of vision, from which is expected fruit accordingly; but here is a burden of the valley of vision, and a heavy burden it is. Note, Church privileges, if they be not improved, will not secure men from the judgments of God. You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore will I punish you. The valley of vision has a particular burden. Thou Capernaum, Mat 11:23. The higher any are lifted up in means and mercies the heavier will their doom be if they abuse them. Now the burden of the valley of vision here is that which will not quite ruin it, but only frighten it; for it refers not to the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, but to the attempt made upon it by Sennacherib, which we had the prophecy of, ch. 10, and shall meet with the history of, ch. 36. It is here again prophesied of, because the desolat…
Open source ↗22:1-25 This message addresses the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in 701 BC (see chs 36–37; 2 Kgs 18:17–19:37) and perhaps the people’s preparation for the subsequent Babylonian siege in 588–586 BC. 22:1-4 The prophet rebukes the people for their excitement over the Assyrian retreat (701 BC). They did not foresee that the Babylonian army would later (in 586 BC) complete what the Assyrians failed to do, namely, the destruction of Jerusalem. 22:1 concerning Jerusalem—the Valley of Vision: The meaning of the Hebrew phrase is uncertain. Assuming that it refers to Jerusalem (see 22:5), it is ironic: Jerusalem sits atop a hill, and visions were not typically thought to originate in a valley. Similarly, Jerusalem was proud of its self-perceived religious vision, but its inhabitants were spiritually blind (see 6:10; 42:18).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
מַשָּׂא (massâʼ, H4853) — a burden; specifically, tribute, or (abstractly) porterage; figuratively, an utterance,… גַּיְא (gayʼ, H1516) — a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent) חִזָּיוֹן (chizzâyôwn, H2384) — a revelation, expectation by dream אֵפוֹ (ʼêphôw, H645) — strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… גָּג (gâg, H1406) — a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar
Open source ↗מָלֵא (mâlêʼ, H4392) — full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness;… תְּשֻׁאָה (tᵉshuʼâh, H8663) — a crashing or loud clamor הָמָה (hâmâh, H1993) — to make a loud sound (like English 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or… עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… עַלִּיז (ʻallîyz, H5947) — exultant קִרְיָה (qiryâh, H7151) — building; a city חָלָל (châlâl, H2491) — pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted חֶרֶב (chereb, H2719) — drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or… מוּת (mûwth, H4191) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill מִלְחָמָה (milchâmâh, H4421) — a battle (i.e. the engagement); generally, war (i.e. warfare)
Open source ↗קָצִין (qâtsîyn, H7101) — a magistrate (as deciding) or other leader נָדַד (nâdad, H5074) — properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee,… יַחַד (yachad, H3162) — properly, a unit, i.e. (adverb) unitedly אָסַר (ʼâçar, H631) — to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle קֶשֶׁת (qesheth, H7198) — a bow, forshooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris מָצָא (mâtsâʼ, H4672) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or… בָּרַח (bârach, H1272) — to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee suddenly רָחוֹק (râchôwq, H7350) — remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used…
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) שָׁעָה (shâʻâh, H8159) — to gaze at or about (properly, for help); by implication, to inspect, consider,… בְּכִי (Bᵉkîy, H1065) — a weeping; by analogy, a dripping מָרַר (mârar, H4843) — to be (causatively, make) bitter (literally or figuratively) אוּץ (ʼûwts, H213) — to press; (by implication) to be close, hurry, withdraw נָחַם (nâcham, H5162) — properly, to sigh, i.e. breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e. (in a… שֹׁד (shôd, H7701) — violence, ravage בַּת (bath, H1323) — a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence…
Open source ↗יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… מְהוּמָה (mᵉhûwmâh, H4103) — confusion or uproar מְבוּסָה (mᵉbûwçâh, H4001) — a trampling מְבוּכָה (mᵉbûwkâh, H3998) — perplexity אֲדֹנָי (ʼĂdônây, H136) — the Lord (used as a proper name of God only) יְהֹוִה (Yᵉhôvih, H3069) — {YHWH} צָבָא (tsâbâʼ, H6635) — a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized forwar (an army);… גַּיְא (gayʼ, H1516) — a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent) חִזָּיוֹן (chizzâyôwn, H2384) — a revelation, expectation by dream קוּר (qûwr, H6979) — to trench; by implication, to throw forth; to wall up, whether literal (to build a wall)… קִיר (qîyr, H7023) — a wall (as built in a trench) שׁוֹעַ (shôwaʻ, H7771) — a noble, i.e. liberal, opulent; also (as noun in the derived sense) a halloo הַר (har, H2022) — a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
Open source ↗עֵילָם (ʻÊylâm, H5867) — Elam, a son of Shem and his descendants, with their country; also of six Israelites נָשָׂא (nâsâʼ, H5375) — to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative אַשְׁפָּה (ʼashpâh, H827) — a quiver or arrow-case רֶכֶב (rekeb, H7393) — a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e. the… אָדָם (ʼâdâm, H120) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.) פָּרָשׁ (pârâsh, H6571) — a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by… קִיר (Qîyr, H7024) — Kir, a place in Assyrian; also one in Moab עָרָה (ʻârâh, H6168) — to be (causatively, make) bare; hence, to empty, pour out, demolish מָגֵן (mâgên, H4043) — a shield (i.e. the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide…
Open source ↗מִבְחָר (mibchâr, H4005) — select, i.e. best עֵמֶק (ʻêmeq, H6010) — a vale (i.e. broad depression) מָלֵא (mâlêʼ, H4390) — to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively) רֶכֶב (rekeb, H7393) — a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e. the… פָּרָשׁ (pârâsh, H6571) — a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by… שִׁית (shîyth, H7896) — to place (in a very wide application) שַׁעַר (shaʻar, H8179) — an opening, i.e. door or gate
Open source ↗גָּלָה (gâlâh, H1540) — to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being… מָסָךְ (mâçâk, H4539) — a cover, i.e. veil יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… נָבַט (nâbaṭ, H5027) — to scan, i.e. look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… נֶשֶׁק (nesheq, H5402) — military equipment, i.e. (collectively) arms (offensive or defensive), or (concretely) an… בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) יַעַר (yaʻar, H3293) — a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
Open source ↗רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… בְּקִיעַ (bᵉqîyaʻ, H1233) — a fissure עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse רָבַב (râbab, H7231) — properly, to cast together , i.e. increase, especially in number; to multiply by the… קָבַץ (qâbats, H6908) — to grasp, i.e. collect מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen תַּחְתּוֹן (tachtôwn, H8481) — bottommost בְּרֵכָה (bᵉrêkâh, H1295) — a reservoir (at which camels kneel as a resting-place)
Open source ↗סָפַר (çâphar, H5608) — properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e. (by implication) to inscribe,… בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, H3389) — Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine נָתַץ (nâthats, H5422) — to tear down בָּצַר (bâtsar, H1219) — to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e. inaccessible by height or fortification) חוֹמָה (chôwmâh, H2346) — a wall of protection
Open source ↗עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application מִקְוָה (miqvâh, H4724) — a collection, i.e. (of water) a reservoir חוֹמָה (chôwmâh, H2346) — a wall of protection מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen יָשָׁן (yâshân, H3465) — old בְּרֵכָה (bᵉrêkâh, H1295) — a reservoir (at which camels kneel as a resting-place) נָבַט (nâbaṭ, H5027) — to scan, i.e. look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… יָצַר (yâtsar, H3335) — to mould into a form; especially as apotter; figuratively, to determine (i.e. form a… רָחוֹק (râchôwq, H7350) — remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used…
Open source ↗יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… אֲדֹנָי (ʼĂdônây, H136) — the Lord (used as a proper name of God only) יְהֹוִה (Yᵉhôvih, H3069) — {YHWH} צָבָא (tsâbâʼ, H6635) — a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized forwar (an army);… קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… בְּכִי (Bᵉkîy, H1065) — a weeping; by analogy, a dripping מִסְפֵּד (miçpêd, H4553) — a lamentation קׇרְחָה (qorchâh, H7144) — baldness חָגַר (châgar, H2296) — to gird on (as a belt, armor, etc.) שַׂק (saq, H8242) — properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e. coarse loose cloth or…
Open source ↗שָׂשׂוֹן (sâsôwn, H8342) — cheerfulness; specifically, welcome שִׂמְחָה (simchâh, H8057) — blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival) הָרַג (hârag, H2026) — to smite with deadly intent בָּקָר (bâqâr, H1241) — beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing);… שָׁחַט (shâchaṭ, H7819) — to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre) צֹאן (tsôʼn, H6629) — a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men) אָכַל (ʼâkal, H398) — to eat (literally or figuratively) בָּשָׂר (bâsâr, H1320) — flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the… שָׁתָה (shâthâh, H8354) — to imbibe (literally or figuratively) יַיִן (yayin, H3196) — wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication מָחָר (mâchâr, H4279) — properly, deferred, i.e. the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely,… מוּת (mûwth, H4191) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
Open source ↗גָּלָה (gâlâh, H1540) — to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being… אֹזֶן (ʼôzen, H241) — broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form in man) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God צָבָא (tsâbâʼ, H6635) — a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized forwar (an army);… עָוֺן (ʻâvôn, H5771) — perversity, i.e. (moral) evil כָּפַר (kâphar, H3722) — to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or… מוּת (mûwth, H4191) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אֲדֹנָי (ʼĂdônây, H136) — the Lord (used as a proper name of God only) יְהֹוִה (Yᵉhôvih, H3069) — {YHWH}
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Behold, I am against you who dwell above the valley, atop the rocky plateau— declares the LORD— you who say, “Who can come against us? Who can enter our dwellings?”
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore.
In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping.
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the Day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Let the nations be roused and advance to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit down to judge all the nations on every side.
Then the king asked her, “What is the matter?” And she answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give up your son, that we may eat him, and tomorrow we will eat my son.’
This is the burden against Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz received:
On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,” declares the LORD.
Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
And the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. Now in those days the word of the LORD was rare and visions were scarce.