“"In that day the Lord God of hosts called for weeping and mourning, for baldness and wearing sackcloth;"”
Isaiah 22:12
Summary
Isaiah 22 begins with a prophecy about the 'valley of vision,' a reference to Jerusalem. The chapter portrays a scene of tumult and destruction, where the city's inhabitants face impending doom. Instead of turning to God in a time of crisis, the people engage in revelry and false confidence. The focus then shifts to God’s rebuke of their self-reliance and misplaced trust in military defenses. Isaiah continues by criticizing the city’s leaders who fail to recognize the true source of security which is faith in God. The chapter also includes a prophetic word against Shebna, the steward of the palace, for his arrogance and misuse of power. It concludes with a promise of the replacement of Shebna by Eliakim, who will be a better steward, someone who will honor God and uphold justice.