Isaiah 22:1-4
Summary for Isa 22:1-25: 22:1-25 a This message addresses the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in 701 BC (see chs 36–37 b; 2 Kgs 18:17–19:37 c) and perhaps the people’s preparation for the subsequent Babylonian siege in 588–586 BC.Summary for Isa 22:1-4: 22:1-4 d 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 e concerning Jerusalem—the Valley of Vision: The meaning of the Hebrew phrase is uncertain. Assuming that it refers to Jerusalem (see 22:5 f), 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 g; 42:18 h).
22:2 i The reveling city was full of feasting and drinking (22:13 j; see 23:7 k; 32:13 l), probably in response to the Assyrian retreat. Now a new threat approaches—the Babylonian siege (586 BC).
• The people died not in battle but by famine and disease. Siege warfare left the inhabitants of the city cut off from needed agricultural resources and in a terrible sanitation and health crisis.
22:3 m Leaders might try to flee, but they would not escape (see 2 Kgs 25:4-6 n).
22:4 o Leave me alone to weep: Isaiah mourned the victims and the decimation of his people (see 6:13 p).
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