Isaiah 22

Verse 1. The valley of vision: Jerusalem. The temple of Jerusalem was built upon Mount Moria, or on the mountain of vision. But the city is here called, the valley of vision, either because it was lower than the temple, or because of the low condition to which it was to be reduced, ( Challoner.) during the captivity. Worthington.—Vision. Septuagint “Sion.” Bible.—This prophecy regards the devastation caused by Sennacherib, (Saint Jerome) Nabuchodonosor, (Sanct.) the Romans, (Eus.) or by Assaradon, when he took Manasses. 2 Chronicles 33:11 and 4 Kennicott. 21:10.—Tops, to weep.

Verse 2. Battle. He taxes the king with cowardice.

Verse 4. People. He saw this in spirit, though he might not live to witness it. Calmet.

Verse 5. Searching. That day beheld the Assyrians ( Bible.) undermining the wall, and behaving with haughtiness ( Calmet.) on Mount Sion. Bible.

When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, “LORD” or “GOD” is the translation of God’s Proper Name (Hebrew “יהוה”, usually pronounced Yahweh).

Verse 6. Wall. Arms were frequently hung thereon. Song of Songs 5:14. Calmet.

Verse 8. Covering. Hebrew masac, ( Bible.) “shade,” for the convenience of the people. 4 Kennicott. 16:18.—Forest, built by Solomon. Ezechias has also procured store of arms, which were now delivered out to the citizens.

Verse 9. Many, but you have neglected them, ( Calmet.) till it be too late. Bible.—Pool, communicating with Gehon on the west. Calmet.

Verse 11. Walls. Manasses enclosed the pool within walls, forming a second town. 4 Kennicott. 22:2–9.—Ago. You have not imitated the piety of Ezechias.

When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, “LORD” or “GOD” is the translation of God’s Proper Name (Hebrew “יהוה”, usually pronounced Yahweh).

Verse 13. Die. Thus the pagans encouraged themselves to feast. Calmet.—Ergo vivamus dum licet esse benè. Petron.—This conduct betrayed an entire want of faith. Calmet.—“Nothing offends God so much … as contempt proceeding from despair.” Saint Jerome

Verse 14. Die. The repentance of Manasses, and the piety of Josias, could not avert the storm. Discite justitiam moniti et non temnere divos.

When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, “LORD” or “GOD” is the translation of God’s Proper Name (Hebrew “יהוה”, usually pronounced Yahweh).

Verse 15. Temple, in the place of Eliacim. He had been secretary before, ( Calmet.) and had intruded himself into some office in the temple, which he abused. Worthington.

Verse 17. Cock. S. Jerom’s master assured him that the word which is usually rendered a warrior, has this meaning. Bible.—The comparison agrees well with a proud man reduced to misery. Calmet.—Hebrew “With the captivity of a man, and he will cover thee.” Septuagint “he will cast out and bruise the man, and will take away thy comely robe, and throw thee into,” and so forth Bible.

Verse 18. Lord; Manasses, who hath exalted thee. Calmet.

Verse 20. Eliacim, who had been displaced, verse 15. He acted as regent after the departure of Manasses, who always followed his counsels at his return. Judith 4:5. The priesthood was not then incompatible with civil and military functions.

Verse 21. Girdle, the badge of power. Job 12:18.

Verse 22. Shoulder. Here the marks of dignity were worn. Eliacim was appointed master of the palace, over all the other servants. Calmet.—Thus we may gather what power Christ conferred on Saint Peter, when he gave him the keys of heaven. Matthew 16:19. Revelation 3:7. Bible.

Verse 23. Peg, on which whatever is placed shall be secure. 1 Ezra 9:8.

Verse 24. House. He shall be the ornament of the priesthood.—Music. All affairs in church and state shall be at his disposal.

Verse 25. Fall. Sobna shall lose all his employments, and ruin others. Calmet.