←Isaiah 22→BSB

concerning Jerusalem—the Valley of Vision: The meaning of the Hebrew phrase is uncertain. Assuming that it refers to Jerusalem (see 22:5), 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; 42:18).

• The reveling city was full of feasting and drinking (22:13; see 23:7; 32:13), 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.

Leaders might try to flee, but they would not escape (see 2 Kgs 25:4–6).

Leave me alone to weep: Isaiah mourned the victims and the decimation of his people (see 6:13).

Jerusalem’s walls were broken by the invading Babylonians, who breached them with battering rams (2 Kgs 25:4).

• Elamites: Elam was to the east of Babylon and would later play a role in Babylon’s defeat (see 21:2; also Jer 49:34–39).
• The actual location of Kir is unknown (see also Amos 1:5).

The Kidron and Hinnom valleys were located to the east and south of Jerusalem.

to the armory: This magnificent building was both an armory and a storage place for valuables (see 39:2; 1 Kgs 7:2–6).

• Jerusalem (literally the city of David): Calling Jerusalem “the city of David” evokes memories of Israel’s greatest king and God’s blessing upon him and the nation (see also 60:14).
• You store up water in the lower pool: Hezekiah expended great energy in ensuring a constant supply of water (see 22:11; 2 Kgs 20:20).

you will never be forgiven for this sin: The people of Judah added sin upon sin to the point that God would justly condemn them. This foreshadowed the Exile; although it took place in 586 BC, Isaiah was already anticipating it in 701 BC.

• The actions of Shebna represent among the populace a lack of confidence in God’s ability to rescue Jerusalem from the Assyrian attack.
• A palace administrator held the highest possible position in the royal court (see 22:21–22).

Shebna was building a beautiful tomb . . . a monument. This lavish burial place was intended to last for centuries.

• toss you away into a distant, barren land: Shebna would not find a resting place or have a memorial (cp. 14:11–20).
• your glorious chariots: In his high position, Shebna had lived in luxury.

A leader is like a father to the people when he truly cares for them and addresses their needs. In contrast, Shebna was concerned only for himself.

• The key to the house of David represents a high position of honor in the royal court (see also Rev 3:7).
• When he opens doors . . . when he closes doors: The officer with the highest position has sole authority in giving access to the king (cp. Matt 16:19).

I will pull out the nail: Even godly Eliakim would not be able to save Judah or David’s dynasty from God’s judgment. The people of Judah would go into exile more than a century later (39:6–7).