Preparing for Deliverance

Intro

The Valley of Vision of which Isaiah focuses the attention of this prophecy refers to Jerusalem. In the midst of a series of judgements pronounced on the nations, Isaiah now pronounces the judgement of God’s own people in Jerusalem here in Chapter 22. When God sent his judgement upon his own people, it was fulfilled when Assyria besieged Jerusalem, an event detailed in 2 Kings 20. God gives Jerusalem a chance to repent, but they refuse and choose to perish in sin, a striking lesson for humanity.

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Read Isaiah 22:1-14

God’s people were terrified as they went up on their rooftops to look out and see the large Assyrian army surrounding them in the distance. Yet when faced with the threat of the great Assyrian army, rather than cry out in repentance to the LORD their God for mercy, Israel instead turned their shouts of terror into a final celebration.

God is always faithful to hear and answer the cries of his people, just as he did for his people when they were slaves in Egypt (Exodus 2:23-25). So maybe it was God's plan to use his prophet Isaiah to call his people in Jerusalem and Judah to cry out to the LORD in repentance so that he could show them his mercy and forgive them–just as he did for his people when sin entered Joshua's military in Cannan (Joshua 7).

Whatever the LORD's mysterious intentions, it is made known to us here in Isaiah 22 that Israel had now come to a collective state of being that was so filled with pride and attachment to sin, that in the face of destruction they did not cry out to the LORD their God for mercy and forgiveness. Israel instead through a big celebration to enjoy their sinful pleasures one last time before they died. Rather than using their last breaths to reaffirm their faith in the LORD God, they waste their last moments in temporal pleasure.

Israel's prideful response to God’s graceful plea for their repentance was, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die”(v.13). This statement is also appropriated by the apostle Paul in response to life without the resurrection, and life with no hope beyond the grave. (see 1 Corinthians 15:32).

Because God had removed Israel's (covering) defence, Judah (v. 8), Isaiah says that there will be confusion and crying in the Valley of Vision (ie. Jerusalem). So Jerusalem takes another approach to defend themselves as they attempt to fortify the breaches in the walls (v.9-10). Jerusalem also stored water (v.11) as a way to prepare for the approaching Assyrian siege, but they made the huge mistake of not returning to the LORD God who created that water. As a result God proclaims through the prophet Isaiah that, "This iniquity will not be wiped out for you and your people as long as you live." (v. 14)

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Read Isaiah 22:15-25

The remainder of this chapter (v.15-25) focuses on two Isrealite leaders, Shebna and Eliakim. Shebna, known as the steward of the palace, is condemned for an unknown reason. But it may be safe to assume that as a person of authority, Shebna may have condoned and even promoted the same wickedness that brought God's judgement on his own people Israel. A clue is given as to Shebna's pride through his desire to secure a burial spot where he should not so that his name would be remembered for many generations (v.16). But because of his pride, Shebna would be soon exiled and dragged off to a wide land to die, leaving his position to another (v.18-19).

In contrast, when Elaikim assumes Shebna’s position, he serves the LORD faithfully and leads Israel to do the same. Shebna sought his own honor and was removed from the land, but Elaikim served Jerusalem in godliness and would receive honor from the LORD (v.21-23). However, even with Elaikim holding the whole weight and authority of his ancestral house on his righteous shoulders, he could not prevent the fall of the peg that was fastened in a secure place(v.25). For the LORD has spoken, and what the LORD speaks not even a righteous man can prevent.

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Reflection

The Lord called Israel into repentance, but out of their pride they chose instead to enjoy the last drop of their sinful pleasures. In what ways does God call you to repent, do you hearken to his voice?

Shebna and Elaikim contrast each other; one receives a curse and the other a blessing; how did either pride or humility determine who would receive which?

I invite you to pray this prayer with me:

Most Merciful Father,

We give you praise for you agape love, which embraces us in spite of our faults. We thank you that this love is supreme in heaven and on earth establishing your will through our lives. As you call us into repentance today and throughout this pandemic, help us not to allow pride to block us from crying out to you for help. For you are a gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Help us not to take this very moment for granted, for it is an open door of repentance and an opportunity to reaffirm our faith in you. May humility be the path we walk on as you lead us into more than we can ask, imagine, or think, in Jesus name. Amen!