22:1 The oracle of the valley of vision While this heading is cryptic, Isa 22:8–10 reveals it refers to Jerusalem and its inhabitants. “Valley of vision” implies that they had opportunity to see and respond to God.

22:2 noisy, tumultuous city Jerusalem is celebrating, perhaps in response to the foretold destruction of all her surrounding enemies, or perhaps out of her own rebelliousness and complacency.

22:3 All of your rulers have fled together When Babylon took Jerusalem in 586 bc, the warriors of Judah fled by night (see 2 Kgs 25:1–7).

22:4 let me weep bitterly Compare Isa 21:3–4, where Isaiah responds with anguish for the fate of Babylon. Isaiah empathizes even more with the fate of his own people and his own city.

22:5 a day of tumult and trampling and confusion The day of Yahweh is a terrifying day of judgment (compare 2:12; Mic 7:14).

the valley of vision Refers to Jerusalem (see note on Isa 22:8). While Jerusalem is built on a “mount” like most ancient cities, it does not have high ground in its immediate surroundings.

22:6 Elam lifted up the quiver, with chariots of Elam is also invoked as an invader against Babylon in 21:2. Elam may have been allied with Assyria or Babylon; Elamites may have also served one of those empires as mercenaries. The reference to Kir in the second half of the verse suggests the mercenary option is most likely.

Kir uncovered the shield The precise location of Kir is unknown. Assyria exiled Syrian captives to Kir (2 Kgs 16:9), suggesting it was part of Mesopotamia. Amos 9:7 indicates Kir is where the Syrians originated.

22:8 he uncovered the covering of Judah Reveals the “valley of vision” is Judah and Jerusalem. Yahweh has exposed Judah in judgment.

the House of the Forest Part of the palace complex in Jerusalem that Solomon built (1 Kgs 7:2–5). It may have served as an armory (1 Kgs 10:16–17).

22:9 you gathered the waters of the lower pool Under Hezekiah, Jerusalem made elaborate preparations for an Assyrian siege by reinforcing its walls (Isa 22:10) and establishing a water supply (see 2 Chr 32:30). See note on Isa 3:1.

22:11 you did not look to its maker All of their preparations are worthless; they are not seeking God’s help through the crisis.

22:12 for baldness and girding with sackcloth Signs of mourning (compare 3:24; 15:2).

22:13 tomorrow we die Resigned to their fate and unwilling to repent, they focus on enjoying worldly pleasures to the end (see 1 Cor 15:32, where this is quoted).

22:14 Surely this sin will not be atoned Refers to the sin of pride and self-reliance—they seek indulgence instead of repentance.

22:15 Shebna He appears again in Isa 36–39, but is demoted in rank to “secretary” or scribe.

who is over the house A title for a steward—the equivalent of a modern president’s chief of staff.

22:16 cutting here for yourself, carving his grave on the height A royal steward’s tomb was found carved in the rocks outside of Jerusalem in the late 1800s. While the name on the tomb is damaged, it may be the tomb of the steward criticized here. Ultimately, the discovery illustrates Isaiah’s condemnation of Shebna is rooted in a historical practice.

22:18 disgrace to your master’s house Shebna is condemned strongly and removed from his position of power. His sin, or the way in which he brought shame on Hezekiah, is unclear. He may have been condemned for his pride and taking royal privileges for himself.

22:19 I will push you from your office God has Shebna removed from office and appoints a successor.

22:20 Eliakim son of Hilkiah The steward in the encounter with Assyria described in 36:3, where he is accompanied by Shebna the scribe. Shebna may have been demoted and replaced by Eliakim, but still retained on staff.

22:22 the key of the house of David Eliakim will receive Shebna’s position of power and influence. The key is a symbol of royal authority held by the steward.

22:24 the jars This Hebrew word refers to a type of clay jar or pitcher often used for wine.

22:25 that was driven will move away into a secure place For a time, Eliakim’s leadership will be solid and stable. But even the stability of the later reign of Hezekiah (post 701 bc) will not last; the day of Yahweh’s judgment will come.