Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 22

Verse 1

burden = oracle.

valley of vision. The Septuagint and Arabic versions render it Jerusalem, in relation to the high hills around. Similar names: "inhabitant of the valley, ""rock of the plain" (Jeremiah 21:13 ), "mountain in the fields" (Jeremiah 17:3 ). The reference is to Isaiah 22:5 .

vision. Here the most solemn visions had been seen: Abraham (Genesis 22:2 , Genesis 22:14 , compare the name Jehovah-jireh); also David (1 Chronicles 21:16 , 1 Chronicles 21:28 ). and the many visions of Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1 ; Isaiah 6:1-4 , &c). The Septuagint reads "Zion".

gone up, &c. Denoting a time of popular rejoicing. Refers to past time. Compare Matthew 24:16 . Luke 21:21 .

Verse 2

stirs = outcries. Referring to the time of this prophecy.

Verse 3

from far = afar, or far away.

Verse 6

Elam. Kir. The south and north limits of the Chaldsean forces.

quiver. Hebrew. 'ashpah. Occurs only here in "former" portion, and only in Isaiah 49:2 in the "latter" portion.

chariots. See note on Isaiah 21:7 .

and. Some codices, with three early printed editions and Vulgate, read this "and "in the text.

Verse 7

at = toward.

Verse 8

discovered = dismantled.

covering = veil.

Verse 9

have seen = beheld.

the lower pool. The pool of Siloam. Compare Isa 7:3 ; 2 Chronicles 32:30 . The old pool. See notes on 2 Chronicles 32:3 , 2 Chronicles 32:30 , and App-68 .

Verse 11

ditch = a gathering of waters.

Verse 13

let us, &c. Note Figure of speech Ellipsis ( App-6 ). Supply thus: "[saying, ] 'Let us eat', "&c. Compare 1 Corinthians 15:32 .

Verse 14

the LORD of hosts. See note on Isaiah 1:9 .

iniquity shall not be purged. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 30:10 . Leviticus 4:20 , &c). Compare Isaiah 6:7 ; Isaiah 27:9 ; and App-92 .

Verse 15

Shebna. See 2 Kings 18:18 , 2 Kings 18:26 . Probably a foreigner, or heathenized Jew.

and say. Some codices, with Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "and thou shalt say unto him".

Verse 16

as he. rock = (as. rock). Figure of speech Parenthesis.

Verse 17

Behold. Figure of speech Asterismos.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, &c. = will hurl thee with the hurling of [a mighty] man.

Verse 18

surely violently turn and toss thee. Note the Figure of speech Paronomasia . Hebrew. zanoph, yiznaphka, zenephah.

Verse 19

drive = thrust.

station = office, or administration.

Verse 20

in that day: i.e. in the day when this prophecy will be fulfilled. Compare Isaiah 22:25 .

Eliakim = Whom God sets up. Hezekiah's minister. Probably superseded by Shebna in the evil days of Manasseh. See Isaiah 36:3 , Isaiah 36:22 ; Isaiah 37:2 .

Verse 21

girdle. Reference to Pentateuch. Occurs here; and elsewhere only in Exodus 28:4 , Exodus 28:39 , Exodus 28:40 ; Exodus 29:9 ; Exodus 39:29 . Leviticus 8:7 , Leviticus 8:13 ; Leviticus 16:4 . App-92 . A priestly vestment.

government = administration.

Verse 22

so = and.

open and. shut. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), for power of administration. Compare Revelation 3:7 , which shows that the fulfilment culminates in Messiah.

Verse 24

the offspring and the issue: i.e. direct and collateral issue, and embraces his entire kindred.

the offspring. Hebrew. hazze'eza'im. Occurs only in Job and Isaiah (Job 5:25 ; Job 21:8 ; Job 27:14 ; Job 31:8 , and Isaiah 34:1 ; Isaiah 42:5 ; Isaiah 44:3 ; Isaiah 48:19 ; Isaiah 61:9 ; Isaiah 65:23 ). See App-79 .

vessels. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for the kindred mentioned above.

Verse 25

In that day. Refers back to the day of Isaiah 22:20 , i.e. the day of Shebna's overthrow. This would be the day of Eliakim's exaltation.

the nail: which Shebna thought himself to be, but which Jehovah declared Eliakim to be.

removed. cut down. fall. cut off. Referring to verses: Isaiah 22:17-19 . Figure of speech Synonymia , emphasizing the completeness of Shebna's downfall. The interpretation belongs to the two men, but the application refers (1) to the two parties in Jerusalem, and (2) to the Messiah, in Whom the prophecy will be exhausted.