Isaiah 22:1-4
Isaiah speaks of the burden he feels about the destruction of Jerusalem that was coming. In verses 8-10 we see that the 'Valley of Vision' is a reference to Jerusalem; those who had an opportunity to see and respond.
- NKJV says 'What ails you now?'
- NASB asks 'What is the matter with you now?'
- NIV asks 'What troubles you now?'
Isaiah asks the question because the city is filled with the sounds of parties and joy. The people won't die by the sword in battle. This is characteristic of a siege, where the enemy set up camp around a city and starved the people out. They'll die of starvation or disease; Isaiah says it as though it already happened.
When an army set up siege against a city it instilled terror on the people. Sometimes a siege went on for years. Isaiah sees the rulers flee the trouble, instead of staying with the people. They ran away to protect themselves. This corresponds to 2 Kings 25:4-7 when Babylon came against Judah and Jerusalem.
Isaiah is grieved by this and will weep and can't be comforted.
Isaiah 22:5-7
The Day of the Lord was a terrible devastation. As this coming day against Jerusalem will be bad, it will only be a small picture of that final 'Day of the Lord'. Elam were apparently mercenaries for Babylon from a land to the East, in the area of present day Iran. Kir is an unknown, but may be mercenaries from the people who were settled in Syria by the Assyrians. The picture offered is that the walls would be broken down, removing their protection. The valleys around Jerusalem would be full of chariots prepared for war. A frightening sight indeed!!
Isaiah 22:8-14
This passage seems to speak of Hezekiah as the Assyrians were coming. He stored up water, fixed the wall and prepared for the siege. Extensive planning took place in preparation for the Assyrian siege. Hezekiah did these things while trusting God (see 2 Chronicles 32:5). This is quite a contrast to the people Isaiah is speaking about. They are relying on their human endeavors to save them and not on God. Instead of repenting and turning to God in weeping, mourning and sacrifice, they decided to accept their death, "eat, and drink for tomorrow we die."
This is an example of incredible pride and stubbornness. They trusted in their own abilities and saw no need for God. Then, when these things failed them, instead of turning to God they accepted their demise and had a party.
It's a complete and utter failure of the leadership, but also for the people to take care of their own spiritual health. To accept this death in the human condition is a failure to comprehend what was at stake. No party could be so good to die without trusting the Lord. In hell, no one will say, "It was worth it!"
Isaiah 22:15-19
Shebna was a royal official, a steward, second in command to the king. God dismissed him from his office because of what he has done. He was carving a fancy tomb to memorialize himself when he passed away instead of doing his job. Shebna thought highly of himself and considered Himself a mighty man. God said this man wouldn't see that tomb but be violently tossed to another country where he would die and be put to shame. He epitomizes the rich young ruler. His chariots and fancy tomb wouldn't mean much when he died in exile; in fact, they would be his shame showing how he wasted his life.
Isaiah 22:20-25
In Isaiah 36:3 we see that Shebna was replaced by Eliakim as the chief steward; Shebna must have stayed on the staff for a time. Eliakim would assume this position of authority. He would hold the key of the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. This shows the kings trust in his servant Eliakim who will control who comes before him. We see this same terminology in Revelation 3:7.
God will drive Eliakim like a peg for the house of his father. All these things affiliated with his father will hang on the peg with him. Then when he falters, he will be removed and all those things will fall with him. Eliakim and all that was his will be cut off when the judgment comes.
©2018 Doug Ford
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