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Sunday 25 December 2011

Isaiah 22 - Jerusalem

"Valley of vision" refers to Jerusalem, though it is not clear why Isaiah uses this term here, as it is used nowhere else. There is debate about exactly how this chapter should be interpreted. Some see it as referring to some Assyrian invasion, but Elam (verse 6) was an ally of Babylon who fought against Assyria. So it is maybe better to see it as Isaiah seeing ahead to the Babylonian invasion. This makes better sense of the reference to leaders deserting the city, as this happened prior to the Babylonian invasion.

Many people died of starvation rather than war during the Babylonian seige. Isaiah saw the destruction that was coming upon his people. All Judah's attempts to stave off defeat would come to nothing. They did everything they could except look to the Lord Himself. 

Instead of repenting they carried on partying. "Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die", but there was no need for them to die. They could have turned to the Lord instead.

The destruction of Jerusalem would be inevitable and unavoidable.

Happy Christmas!

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