December 27, 2018: Day 26 – Isaiah 22

Even though this says that this is an oracle to the valley of vision, we can tell from the content that it is an oracle against Jerusalem.  It is probably a pun on the name that the valley between the Mount of Olives and Jerusalem has which is Kidron valley.  Kidron means literally darkness or gloom.  So if you call  it the valley of vision you are probably saying that tongue in cheek.  

This is probably a recounting of the withdrawal of Sennacherib’s troops in 701 from Jerusalem after the surrender of Hezekiah.  Now when you read these verses you read that the Lord defeated the army of Sennacherib, which we know historically never took place.  Hezekiah surrendered.  But I guess revisionist history is not unique to our day and age, it was happening some time ago as well.  

One of the neatest places to go in Jerusalem is Hezekiah’s tunnel.  This tunnel which really saved the city of Jerusalem because it provided water into the city is amazing.  It is a narrow, confining passageway, but it is amazing to be able to walk through it to the other side, even while you are wading through water which you know was life giving.  

Interestingly enough this steward who is called Shebna in vs.15ff and is absolutely lambasted is a historical figure.  Isaiah calls him out because he has cut out a tomb for himself when he is going to be losing his position in the kingdom.  This person’s tomb was actually found in the Kidron valley, east of Jerusalem.  I always take great pleasure in being able to read these prophecies of Isaiah and know that they are not just random words which generate discussion, but that they are rooted in historical fact.  This is crucial to understand where Isaiah was going in his prophecies.