Oracle 9: The Valley of Vision (Jerusalem) Isaiah 22:1-25

As in the first five oracles, where the fourth one looked at God’s people in Israel, here the fourth (ninth overall) oracle looks to Judah. The Valley of Vision seems to be something like “a dark night of the soul” for Isaiah. The people of Judah are celebrating their protecting provisions and plans, but Isaiah mourns the certainty of their collapse. God has ordained that Jerusalem should fall, and no amount of human prevention will suffice. In fact, it is this very attitude of self-sufficiency and self-reliance that is their sin. They have become like the nations around them. Instead of turning to God, they are relying on their own strength and that of their neighbors.

Two individuals are highlighted in this message. The prophecy is not just for the nation against its sins. It is a prophecy that applies to individuals in the nation. We all carry responsibility for the people we are. Shebna, a man with responsibility for others, has become so self-obsessed that he is planning his own grave and leaving the needs of his people unattended. In his place, God will raise up Eliakim. Eliakim will be a much better leader and will care for the people. However, even his care and protection will fail. Human power always fails. We shoul learn to trust only God for our safety, security, and future.