Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

ISAIAH - CHAPTER 22

THE ORACLE OF "THE VALLEY OF VISION"

In this chapter Isaiah turns from dealing with the nations surrounding Palestine to Judah (Jerusalem) itself. The situation he describes is a tragedy that the people of. God have brought upon themselves by their sins. To date the prophecy is almost impossible. Its fulfillment is probably in many parts- reaching clear down to the ultimate destruction of Jerusalem by the armies of Titus in 70 A.D.

1. The prophet scathingly denounces a people who indulge in riotous celebration when they have nothing to celebrate (Verse 1-2a).

2. He clearly sees what is coming upon them: destruction, by famine and pestilence; the capture of their military leaders, who will be bowed as prisoners, and taken away, without resistance, (Verse 2b-3; Jeremiah 14:18; La 2:20).

3. Heartbroken, over the thoughtfullness of a people soon to face disaster, Isaiah desires solitude that he may pour out his grief -weeping bitterly for the daughter of his people, (Verse 4; Jeremiah 4:19; Jeremiah 9:1; Micah 1:8-9).

4. The trouble that is to come upon Jerusalem is from the hand of the Lord, (Verse 4-5; Isaiah 37:3; La 1:5; 2:2); the walls of the city will be broken down and the mournful cries of her inhabitants (to the mountains) will be mockingly echoed back upon them.

5. Elam and Kir (confederates with Assyria) will furnish horsemen and chariots, armed with quiver and shield, so that the choice valleys of Judah will be full of chariots set in array against the very gates of Jerusalem, (Verse 6-7).

6. The enemy will remove the veil of Judah - dismantling her defensed cities, (Verse 8a; Isaiah 47:3; Nahum 3:5; Isaiah 36:1).

7. Even when surrounded by armies, the people of Jerusalem are presumptuous and self-confident - trusting their own resources,. (Verse 8b-11; 2 Kings 20:12-21; 2 Chronicles 32:2-7; 2 Chronicles 32:30).

a. They looked to Solomon’s armory for weapons, (1 Kings 7:2; 1 Kings 10:17).

b. Noting the breaches in the walls of Jerusalem, they dismantled houses for materials with which to repair them, (2 Chronicles 32:5).

c. And they dealt most wisely regarding the water supply for the city, (comp. 2 Kings 20:20; 2 Chronicles 32:2-5).

8. But, they are viewed as being in such a state of apostacy from God that they would not look unto, or reverence, the Lord their Maker, (Verse 11b; Isaiah 5:12; Psalms 28:5).

Verse 12-14: FROM GLADNESS TO SADNESS

1. In the day of their extremity the Lord calls the people of Judah to repentance, (Verse 12; comp. Isaiah 32:11; Joel 1:13-14; Joel 2:17; Micah 1:16).

2. Instead of repenting, they spread a joyous feast, saying: "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we shall die!" like Epicureans (Verse 13; Isaiah 5:11; Isaiah 5:22; Isaiah 28:7-8; Isaiah 56:12).

3. Thus, the Lord reveals to the prophet that nothing short of death will atone for their iniquity, (Verse 14; cf. 13:11; 26:21; 30:13-14; 65:7).

Verse 15-25: DENUNCIATION AND COMMENDATION OF JUDAH’S LEADERS

1. In verses 15-19 the prophet is commanded to, personally, confront Shebna - the presumptuous treasurer over the Palace.

a. So lofty is this one, in his own eyes, that he is seen hewing a sepulchre for himself and his family high up in the rocks - among the great ones.

b. He is wasting his time and effort, for he will not be buried there.

c. A disgrace to his master’s house, he will be removed from office and cast violently, like a ball, into a far-off country, where he will die.

2. The office vacated by Shebna will be filled by Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, who will be a faithful father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, (Verse 20-21).

b. He will fill his office with honor to his father’s house.

c. It seems obvious that Eliakim serves as a type of Christ - the God-man, who was also the Son of David, (cf. Isaiah 9:6).

3. If "the peg’, of verse 25, refers to Shebna, it describes the fall of all who were associated with him, (Exodus 20:5); if to Eliakim, it prophesies the ultimate fall of Judah.