Devastation of Jerusalem
May 13, 2021
Commentary
God would deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrians, but He would not deliver them from Babylon. The sin of unbelief would cause Judah to decline and to be brought into captivity in Babylon. The expression “Valley of Vision” likely refers 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 nation’s 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. 8-11), but all this preparation would not deliver them. 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). Isaiah did not participate in the parties, for he saw a day when death and destruction would reign. 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).
Shebna was the treasurer, second in authority to King Hezekiah (v. 15). He used his authority to build himself a monument (v. 16). Eventually he was thrown “like a ball” (vv. 18-19) into a far country, and God chose a new man, Eliakin, called “my servant” (v. 20). Instead of exploiting the people, he would be a father to them (v. 21). “The key to the house of David” refers to his responsibility in protecting the Davidic line (v. 22). The process of opening and shutting refers to his absolute authority in civic affairs. God then promises that he will “fasten him as a nail in a sure place” (v. 23). He would be like a peg hammered into the wall, on which you could hang many burdens and one which would be virtually unremovable (v. 24). Even a godly leader like Eliakin could not prevent the ultimate fall of Judah, for one day the whole nation would fall (v. 25).
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 22:1–25 (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.
15 This is what the Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: “Go visit this administrator, Shebna, who supervises the palace, and tell him:
16 ‘What right do you have to be here? What relatives do you have buried here? Why do you chisel out a tomb for yourself here? He chisels out his burial site in an elevated place, he carves out his tomb on a cliff.
17 Look, the Lord will throw you far away, you mere man! He will wrap you up tightly.
18 He will wind you up tightly into a ball and throw you into a wide, open land. There you will die, and there with you will be your impressive chariots, which bring disgrace to the house of your master.
19 I will remove you from your office; you will be thrown down from your position.
20 “‘At that time I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah. 21 I will put your robe on him, tie your belt around him, and transfer your authority to him. He will become a protector of the residents of Jerusalem and of the people of Judah. 22 I will place the key to the house of David on his shoulder. When he opens the door, no one can close it; when he closes the door, no one can open it. 23 I will fasten him like a peg into a solid place; he will bring honor and respect to his father’s family. 24 His father’s family will gain increasing prominence because of him, including the offspring and the offshoots. All the small containers, including the bowls and all the jars, will hang from this peg.’
25 “At that time,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “the peg fastened into a solid place will come loose. It will be cut off and fall, and the load hanging on it will be cut off.” Indeed, the Lord has spoken.
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