The Prophet and His Day: Isaiah 1-39 - Free Bible Commentary

ased on certain word plays or key words, not historical events (i.e., the poems are out of chronologicalorder).Remember the main point of the whole oracle and the main truth of each strophe is the way toapproach the prophet’s (i.e., YHWH’) meaning, not great attention to all the details and rare words.} “the valley of vision” Because of the use of this phrase in v. 5b, it must refer to the “day of panic”sent by the LORD of hosts (note Joel 3:14).Surprisingly the JB changes “vision” to “Hinnom” (cf. Jer. 7:31-34). The LXX has “valley ofZion.”22:1b-2b These are a description of a time of rejoicing in Jerusalem.1. up to the housetops2. you who were full of noise3. you boisterous town4. you exultant cityThe JB (footnote) assumes it relates to Hezekiah’s initial victories over Assyria in 705 B.C. or 713 B.C.(Jewish Study Bible).22:2c-3d Apparently some of the city (i.e., leaders and soldiers) fled before the invaders.1. they were captured, but not in battle2. their leaders fled too, but were also captured3. all of them who fled were taken into exileBecause of these lines of poetry many believe this chapter refers to the siege of Nebuchadnezzar in 586B.C., when Zedekiah fled the city and was captured (cf. II Kgs. 25:4-6), but I think it refers to Assyria’sinvasion of one of the following:1. Tiglath-pileser III (Isaiah 7-12)2. Shalmaneser V (cf. II Kings 17)3. Sargon II (fall of Samaria in 722 B.C., cf. 28:1-6)4. Sennacherib (705 and 701 B.C., Isaiah 36-39; II Kings 18-19)This chapter seems to relate specifically to Hezekiah’s reign (715-687 B.C.). But as often happens inIsaiah, these invasions are presented as mingled. Isaiah was primarily concerned with theology; historywas a servant to present these truths about God, mankind, sin, and salvation.22:4 The prophet speaks of himself, as he did in 21:3-41. turn your eyes away from me, BDB 1043, KB 1609, Qal IMPERATIVE2. let me weep bitterly, BDB 600, KB 638, Piel IMPERFECT used in a COHORTATIVE sense3. do not try to comfort me, BDB 21, KB 23, Hiphil IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense (“tocomfort,” BDB 636, KB 688, Piel INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT)The prophet wanted to be left alone so as to work through his grief privately.} “the daughter of my people” This is an idiomatic phrase for a people or ethnic group (cf. 1:8; 10:30,32; 16:1; 23:10-12; 37:22; 47:1,5; 52:5; 62:11). Here it refers to the covenant people of Judah (i.e.,“daughter of Zion”).22:5 This verse describes YHWH’s “day of panic.” It is just the opposite of vv. 1-2.1. panic, BDB 223, cf. Deut. 28:202. subjugation, BDB 101, used only thrice, cf. 18:2,73. confusion, BDB 100, used only twice, cf. Micah 7:4217