Tuesday, December 3 – Isaiah 22, 23

1. What preparation did Jerusalem fail to make for the Assyrian invasion? (Isaiah 22:11)

2. What philosophy did the inhabitants of Jerusalem adopt? (Isaiah 22:13)

3. Who does Eliakim prophetically represent? (Isaiah 22:22)

Commentary and Reflection:

Isaiah 22 is part of a section in the book that contains prophecies for various nations announcing God’s judgments. While nations believe they are in control, the Lord reveals through the prophet that His authority is above all nations, and everyone will have to answer to Him and face His judgment.

This chapter focuses explicitly on Judah and Jerusalem. The term “the Valley of Vision” refers to Jerusalem, recognized as the spiritual center of the nation and the place where Isaiah and other prophets carried out their ministries.

Isaiah denounces and laments the disconnect between the people’s attitude and the reality of their circumstances. Despite the Assyrian army threatening Judah and wreaking havoc, Jerusalem was filled with celebration and joy, as if its inhabitants were blind to danger or willfully ignoring it.

On the same day of feasting and revelry, Isaiah withdrew to weep bitterly (v. 4). He refused consolation because of the destruction he foresaw coming upon “the daughter of my people.” He declared, “For it is a day of trouble and treading down and perplexity by the Lord God of hosts in the Valley of Vision—breaking down the walls and crying to the mountain” (Isaiah 22:5, NKJV).

Elam and Kir, mentioned in verse 6, represent nations allied with Assyria in their campaign against Judah.

While Jerusalem took practical steps to prepare for the invasion, such as fortifying walls and securing water supplies, they neglected the most critical preparation as God’s people: seeking the Lord. Isaiah rebukes them, saying, “But you did not look to its Maker, nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago” (Isaiah 22:11, NKJV).

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary explains: “Many in Jerusalem no longer looked to God for protection, but to the works they had themselves devised. They forgot that the Lord was the true builder and maker of the city, and alone able to provide the help needed in time of distress.” (SDABC, Isaiah 22:11).

This disconnect between God and His people is deeply concerning. How could they be so out of tune with His timing, perspective, and plans? How could they celebrate on a day of mourning? This condition parallels Jesus’ prophecy about the last days when people would live obliviously, just as in Noah’s time, until the flood came and swept them away: “So also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:39, NKJV).

Isaiah identifies the root cause of this disconnect: an obsession with materialism and a worldly outlook on life. The people adopted the philosophy, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” (Isaiah 22:13, NKJV).

Another symptom of this disconnect is their diminishing regard for God’s Word. They relegated it to a secondary place and ignored the prophet and his messages.

Isaiah delivers a direct message to Shebna, an official in King Hezekiah’s court. Influenced by the “tomorrow we die” philosophy, Shebna focused on building an elaborate tomb to secure his legacy. However, Isaiah declared that Shebna would not use his tomb, as he would die in captivity. Eliakim, a servant of God, replaced Shebna. In Isaiah’s prophetic poem, Eliakim becomes a type of the Messiah: “The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; so he shall open, and no one shall shut; and he shall shut, and no one shall open” (Isaiah 22:22, NKJV).

Isaiah 23 focuses on a prophecy against Tyre and Sidon, prosperous Phoenician cities north of Judah. Known for their maritime trade, Tyre, and Sidon represented economic power and pride. The Lord decreed their downfall by Assyria: “To bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth” (Isaiah 23:9, NKJV).

Regarding Tyre’s seventy years of desolation, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary notes: “It is difficult to give a literal application of this prophecy, for the history of Tyre is not sufficiently well known. Some think this period was roughly parallel with the 70 years of Jewish captivity in Babylon.” (SDABC, Isaiah 23:15).

Isaiah’s warnings to Jerusalem and the surrounding nations remind us of the importance of staying connected to God’s Word, His will, and His timing. Neglecting these leads to spiritual blindness, misplaced priorities, and ultimately judgment.

May God grant you the grace to stay attuned to His Word, plans, and purpose.