Yes, Isaiah has been preaching against nation after nation. And now, finally, the Word of the Lord turns “homeward,” to the people of Judah and Jerusalem!
For some reason he calls this Sermon “The burden of the valley of vision.” (Isaiah 22:1a) Maybe God gave him this sad Message one day as he meditated in some “valley” near his home. That’s one possibility, anyway.
But there is no doubt the entire Oracle is directed against Judah, Jerusalem. “And he (an enemy attacker) discovered the covering of Judah, and thou didst look in that day to the armour of the house of the forest. Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool.” (Isaiah 22:8-9) No doubt about the addressee now! (The “HOUSE of the forest” is the Temple Solomon built long ago. And the “City of David” is often used as a title/name for Jerusalem.)
Earlier, back in Isaiah 17’s first paragraph, the Ten Tribes (Ephraim/Israel) was included in the Prophet’s list of Denunciations. (But if you recall, the North was always ahead of the South in terms of their rebellion against God.)
I am remembering … the people/Jews of Amos’ day were all right with his preaching against all the heathen nations around them, their enemies! BUT when he started preaching about/against THEM … his “approval rating” plummeted in a hurry!
Also this in our chapter, Isaiah is so grieved as he preaches this Sermon … he weeps uncontrollably. “Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people. For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.” Isaiah 22:4-5, so burdened for his own loved ones, his nation!
Jerusalem under siege! (This could be referring to the Assyrian episode of Isaiah chapters 36 and 37, or the later Babylonian disaster that led to the seventy years of captivity for Judah.) “And ye have numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall.” (Isaiah 22:10, tearing down houses/homes … to get enough lumber to strengthen the city walls against the aggressor!)
And Judah’s attitude toward God during this time of “national threat?” Her very existence being called into question! “And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth: and BEHOLD joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.” (When God asked them to weep … they partied! Isaiah 22:12-13)
Wow!
And God is so “upset,” He makes a bold pledge to these backslidden people. Nearly unprecedented! “And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye (people of Judah) die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.” (Isaiah was in such close communication or communion with the Lord! Isaiah 22:14 presents an “unpardonable sin!”)
Wow!
The chapter is so long (25 verses) that I cannot complete our analysis of it in a single Lesson. Therefore, the Lord willing, more tomorrow.
Isaiah then will conclude (in verses 15-25) with a discussion of two men, leaders … and these two types of leadership still exist today.
Sounds interesting!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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