The Book Of Isaiah. Day 89, A Prophecy Against Jerusalem, Part One

We have been studying Isaiah's prophecies against nations that were the ancient enemies of Israel and Judah. But Chapter 22 takes a different turn: it contains a prophecy against Jerusalem---the capital city of Judah. Previously we studied prophecies against those who were the enemies of God and of His people. Now we are going to study a prophecy against those who were once the Lord's people but have made themselves His enemies.

"A prophecy against the Valley of Vision: What troubles you now, that you have all gone up on the roofs, you town so full of commotion, you city of tumult and revelry?" (Isaiah 22:1-2a) Although Isaiah uses the term "Valley of Vision", it will become clear as we move through the entire chapter that Jerusalem is the city he has in mind.

Jerusalem was built on a hill, not in a valley, but many scholars believe Isaiah calls it the "Valley of Vision" because the hill of Jerusalem was lower than a hill right beside it and because it was surrounded by valleys. Other scholars think the word "valley" is being used as a symbol for the spiritual condition of the people: they have sunk from the heights (from the right relationship with the Lord) to the depths (into sin and idolatry). 

We know from history that it was the Neo-Babylonian Empire that conquered Jerusalem. But this was not accomplished primarily through battle but through a long siege. This is why Isaiah says next: "Your slain were not killed by the sword, nor did they die in battle." (Isaiah 22:2b) This would not occur until over a hundred years later but Isaiah sees it happening as clearly as if he were standing in Jerusalem when it happened.

Judah's king and many of his officials and his soldiers (likely the royal guardsmen or the "secret service" as we would call them today) will attempt to flee the enemy by escaping from Jerusalem but will be captured. "All your leaders have fled together, they have been captured without using the bow. All you who were caught were taken prisoner together, having fled while the enemy was still far away." (Isaiah 22:3) 

Jeremiah describes this event: "But the Babylonian army pursued them and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. They captured him and took him to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced sentence on him. There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes and also killed all the nobles of Judah. Then he put out Zedekiah's eyes and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon." (Jeremiah 39:5-7)

As this vision passes before Isaiah's eyes, he weeps for the fate of Jerusalem. I believe what he says next is what the Lord says too, for I believe the Lord's heart was broken for Jerusalem as well. "Therefore I said; turn away from me; let me weep bitterly. Do not try to console me over the destruction of my people.'" (Isaiah 22:4) 

The Lord does not want anyone to perish. The Lord does not want to have to bring judgment against anyone. But if He does not discipline the people of Isaiah's nation for their idolatry, they will all be lost. The only way to save them spiritually and to preserve them as a people is to allow the scene Isaiah envisions to play out. After the nation falls to Babylon and so many of its people are taken captive, there will be a time of return to the land and from then on we never again see the people bowing to other gods. They will make mistakes, just as everyone makes mistakes, but they won't worship idols anymore.