Devastation of Jerusalem

Topic: Unbelief
Passage: Isaiah 22:1–14

May 13, 2021

Commentary

We cannot be certain which Assyrian invasion Isaiah was speaking of in these verses. God would deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrians; but He would not deliver them from Babylon. Isaiah points out that the sin of unbelief will cause Judah to decline and to be brought into captivity in Babylon. The expression “Valley of Vision” has been understood by many commentators as reference to Jerusalem (v. 1). In Isaiah’s day, Jerusalem was a “joyous city” (v. 2) with the people engaged in all kinds of celebrations (Isa. 5:11-13). He saw people dying, not from battle wounds, but from famine and disease (v. 2). He saw the nations’ rulers fleeing in fear as the enemy approached (vv. 3-7). The people would do everything humanly possible to prepare for a long siege (vv 8-10). He saw them collecting armor, fortifying the walls, by building a reservoir between the walls (v. 11). But all of this preparation would not deliver them from the enemy.

Instead of feasting they should have been fasting; weeping and putting on sackcloth (v. 12). God had sent the nation many prophets to warn them, but the people would not listen. Now it was too late; their sins could not be forgiven because their hearts were hard. Their philosophy was, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we shall die” (v. 13). However, Isaiah did not participate in the parties, for he saw a day when death and destruction would reign. God had given him a vision. This passage ends with one of the Bible’s most terrifying sentences when it says, “I won’t forgive them for this, not as long as they live” (v. 14).

Application

Because of Isaiah’s care for his people he was hurt by their punishment and mourned deeply for them. God expects me to be involved with others, and this may require me to suffer with them.

Isaiah 22:1– 14 (NET)

1 This is an oracle about the Valley of Vision: What is the reason that all of you go up to the rooftops?

2 The noisy city is full of raucous sounds; the town is filled with revelry. Your slain were not cut down by the sword; they did not die in battle.

3 All your leaders ran away together— they fled to a distant place; all your refugees were captured together— they were captured without a single arrow being shot.

4 So I say: “Don’t look at me! I am weeping bitterly. Don’t try to console me concerning the destruction of my defenseless people.”

5 For the Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies, has planned a day of panic, defeat, and confusion. In the Valley of Vision people shout and cry out to the hill.

6 The Elamites picked up the quiver, and came with chariots and horsemen; the men of Kir prepared the shield.

7 Your very best valleys were full of chariots; horsemen confidently took their positions at the gate.

8 They removed the defenses of Judah. At that time you looked for the weapons in the House of the Forest.

9 You saw the many breaks in the walls of the City of David; you stored up water in the lower pool.

10 You counted the houses in Jerusalem, and demolished houses so you could have material to reinforce the wall.

11 You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool— but you did not trust in the one who made it; you did not depend on the one who formed it long ago.

12 At that time the Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies called for weeping and mourning, for shaved heads and sackcloth.

13 But look, there is outright celebration! You say, “Kill the ox and slaughter the sheep, eat meat and drink wine. Eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”

14 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies told me this: “Certainly this sin will not be forgiven as long as you live,” says the Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies.