Isaiah 22:1

KJV

¶ The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?

KJV (with Strong's)

The burden {H4853} of the valley {H1516} of vision {H2384}. What aileth thee now {H645}, that thou art wholly gone up {H5927} to the housetops {H1406}?

Complete Jewish Bible

A prophecy about the Valley of Vision: Tell me what is wrong with you, that you have all gone up on the roofs.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the burden against the Valley of Vision: What ails you now, that you have all gone up to the rooftops,

American Standard Version

The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 22:1 introduces a solemn prophetic oracle, a "burden," directed at Jerusalem, paradoxically termed the "valley of vision." The prophet expresses profound dismay and confusion over the city's inhabitants, who, instead of demonstrating sorrow or repentance in the face of impending judgment, are depicted as having ascended to their housetops, seemingly engaged in a state of oblivious revelry or inappropriate observation. This verse sets the stage for a divine pronouncement of judgment against a city that, despite being the center of God's revelation, has become spiritually complacent and unresponsive to His warnings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a distinct prophetic "burden" (מַשָּׂא, *massâ'*) specifically against Jerusalem, often referred to as "the Valley of Vision" (Isaiah 22:1-14). It follows a series of oracles against various nations (e.g., Babylon in [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - The Burden of Babylon"), Moab in [Isaiah 15:1](/isaiah/15-1 "Isaiah 15:1 - The Burden of Moab"), Damascus in [Isaiah 17:1](/isaiah/17-1 "Isaiah 17:1 - The Burden of Damascus")), signaling a shift in focus to Judah itself. The immediate context of Isaiah 22 describes a city in a state of misplaced celebration and revelry, completely at odds with the gravity of the divine judgment about to befall it. The subsequent verses detail the specific nature of this judgment, including a siege, famine, and the stripping away of leadership, culminating in a stark warning that their sin will not be atoned for until death ([Isaiah 22:14](/isaiah/22-14 "Isaiah 22:14 - Unforgivable Sin")). This oracle serves as a poignant indictment of Judah's spiritual blindness and moral decay, even in the face of imminent peril.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this prophecy is most likely the period leading up to or during the Assyrian threat, specifically the siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib in 701 BC during the reign of King Hezekiah. Jerusalem, though geographically situated in a valley surrounded by higher hills, was culturally and spiritually the epicenter of Israelite worship and divine revelation, often called the "city of God" ([Psalm 48:1](/psalms/48-1 "Psalm 48:1 - Jerusalem, City of God")). The "housetops" (גָּג, *gâg*) were common features of ancient Near Eastern homes, serving as cool places for sleeping, social gatherings, and observation. However, in times of national crisis, they were also places for public mourning and lamentation ([Isaiah 15:3](/isaiah/15-3 "Isaiah 15:3 - Mourning on Housetops")). The scene depicted in Isaiah 22:1, where the inhabitants are "wholly gone up to the housetops" in what appears to be a state of festivity rather than solemnity, highlights a profound cultural and spiritual disconnect. Instead of repentance or preparation for hardship, their actions suggest either a naive celebration of a perceived deliverance (perhaps from an earlier threat) or a defiant indifference to God's warnings, contrasting sharply with the expected response to a "burden" of judgment.

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes interwoven throughout Isaiah 22:1 and its broader context include **Divine Judgment and Irony**, where Jerusalem, the "valley of vision" (the place of divine revelation), is paradoxically subjected to a "burden" of judgment due to its spiritual blindness. This highlights the severe consequences of rejecting God's truth. Another significant theme is **Spiritual Complacency and Apathy**, as the people's ascent to the housetops in a state of revelry, rather than mourning or seeking God, underscores their profound indifference to the impending crisis and the prophetic warnings ([Isaiah 5:12](/isaiah/5-12 "Isaiah 5:12 - Judah's Revelry and Ignorance")). This complacency is a recurring lament in Isaiah's prophecies, demonstrating a people hardened against the Lord's voice. Finally, the phrase "The burden of..." emphasizes **Prophetic Authority and the Weight of God's Word**. It signifies that the message is a divinely ordained, weighty pronouncement, not mere human speculation, underscoring the prophet's role as a faithful, though often unwelcome, messenger of God's truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burden (Hebrew, _massâ'_):** (H4853) Derived from the root נָשָׂא (nāśā'), meaning "to lift" or "to carry," *massâ'* refers to something lifted up or a load. In prophetic literature, it takes on a specialized meaning: a heavy, authoritative pronouncement, often an oracle of judgment or doom. It conveys the idea that the message is a weighty responsibility for the prophet to deliver and a heavy reality for the recipients to bear, signifying a divine decree that carries immense gravity.
* **Valley (Hebrew, _gay'_):** (H1516) This term refers to a gorge or a narrow valley, often characterized by lofty sides. While Jerusalem is indeed situated in a mountainous region with surrounding valleys, the use of "valley" here, in conjunction with "vision," creates a powerful juxtaposition. It points to the physical location but also serves as a canvas for the spiritual reality.
* **Vision (Hebrew, _chizzâyôwn'_):** (H2384) From the root חָזָה (ḥāzâ), "to see" or "to behold," *chizzâyôwn* signifies a revelation, a prophetic insight, or a divine dream. It refers to the means by which God communicates His will and truth to His prophets and, through them, to His people. In this context, it emphasizes Jerusalem's unique privilege as the recipient and guardian of God's revelations.
* **Gone up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** (H5927) A primitive root meaning "to ascend" or "to go up," *ʻâlâh* is used in a wide variety of senses, both literal and figurative. Here, it describes the physical act of ascending to the housetops. However, in the context of the prophet's dismay, it carries a figurative weight, suggesting an ascent to a place of observation or revelry that is inappropriate given the impending "burden" of judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ The burden of the valley of vision."**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the nature and recipient of the oracle. "The burden" (מַשָּׂא, *massâ'*) signifies a heavy, divinely ordained pronouncement, usually one of judgment. "The valley of vision" is a poetic and ironic epithet for Jerusalem. Geographically, Jerusalem is surrounded by valleys and hills. Spiritually, it was the central place where God revealed Himself through prophets and where His Temple stood, making it the primary recipient of divine "vision" or revelation. The juxtaposition of "burden" and "vision" highlights the tragic irony: the city privileged with divine insight is now burdened with judgment due to its failure to heed that insight.
* **"What aileth thee now,"**: This is a rhetorical question expressing the prophet's profound bewilderment, dismay, and perhaps even grief. It conveys Isaiah's astonishment at the state of Jerusalem's inhabitants. He is asking, "What has happened to you? What is wrong with you?" The urgency of "now" (אֵפוֹא, *ʼêphôw*) emphasizes the immediate and critical nature of their inappropriate behavior in the face of imminent crisis.
* **"that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?"**: This clause describes the specific, perplexing behavior of the people. Instead of mourning, repenting, or preparing for a siege, the entire populace (implied by "wholly gone up") has ascended to the flat roofs of their houses. This action, typically associated with celebration, observation, or seeking refuge, is utterly incongruous with the "burden" of judgment announced. It suggests a profound spiritual blindness, complacency, or even defiant revelry in the face of divine warning.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 22:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Irony**, seen in the designation of Jerusalem as "the valley of vision." This city, meant to be the epicenter of divine revelation and spiritual insight, is paradoxically depicted as blind to its own impending doom and the gravity of God's warnings. The "burden" (a heavy judgment) contrasts sharply with the "vision" (divine insight) that should have guided them. Another device is **Metaphor**, where "burden" serves as a metaphor for a weighty, oppressive divine oracle of judgment. It's not a physical load but a spiritual and existential one. The phrase "wholly gone up to the housetops" functions as a **Symbolism** of misplaced priorities and spiritual apathy. The housetops, typically places of mourning in times of crisis, are here used for what appears to be revelry or passive observation, symbolizing the people's detachment from their spiritual reality. Finally, the verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question** ("What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?"), which is not meant to elicit an answer but to express the prophet's deep consternation, bewilderment, and sorrow over the people's inexplicable behavior.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 22:1 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment and human responsibility. It underscores that spiritual privilege does not guarantee immunity from God's wrath if that privilege is met with complacency and disobedience. Jerusalem, the chosen city, the recipient of God's unique revelation, is held to a higher standard, and its failure to respond appropriately to divine warnings leads to a "burden" of judgment. The verse highlights God's justice in holding His people accountable for their spiritual apathy and their failure to discern the times. It teaches that true worship and faithfulness involve not just receiving revelation but actively responding to it with humility, repentance, and a sober understanding of God's holiness and His demands.

* [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - To Whom Much Is Given")
* [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given")
* [Jeremiah 8:12](/jeremiah/8-12 "Jeremiah 8:12 - Shame for Their Actions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 22:1 stands as a timeless warning against spiritual complacency and indifference in the face of God's revealed truth. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly discerning the spiritual realities of our time, or are we distracted by superficial concerns and misplaced celebrations? When God's Word speaks, especially concerning sin, judgment, or the need for repentance, our response should be one of humility, brokenness, and a fervent seeking of His face, not indifference or a defiant revelry. This verse calls us to avoid the presumption that our spiritual heritage or privilege somehow exempts us from accountability. Like Jerusalem, we too can be recipients of immense spiritual blessings and yet fall prey to a blindness that prevents us from seeing the "burden" of our own sin or the urgency of God's warnings. It compels us to ask if our actions align with a sober and humble understanding of God's holiness and His prophetic word, urging us to cultivate a spirit of vigilance and responsiveness to His voice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be spiritually complacent or indifferent to God's warnings in my own life or in the world around me?**
* **How do my actions and attitudes reflect my true understanding of God's holiness and the gravity of sin?**
* **Am I truly discerning the times and responding appropriately to the spiritual realities God reveals, or am I distracted by earthly concerns?**
* **What "housetops" might I be "going up to" that distract me from a humble and repentant posture before God?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "The burden of the valley of vision"?**

Answer: "The burden" (Hebrew: *massâ'*) signifies a heavy, authoritative prophetic pronouncement, usually one of judgment, indicating a severe message from God. "The valley of vision" is an ironic and poetic epithet for Jerusalem. Geographically, Jerusalem is indeed located in a valley surrounded by hills. Spiritually, it was the central hub of divine revelation, where prophets received "vision" (Hebrew: *chizzâyôwn*) and God's presence dwelt in the Temple ([Psalm 48:1](/psalms/48-1 "Psalm 48:1 - Jerusalem, City of God")). The phrase highlights the tragic irony: the city uniquely privileged to receive God's truth is now burdened with His judgment because of its failure to heed that truth.

**Why are the people "wholly gone up to the housetops" in this context?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern culture, flat housetops were common gathering places. While they could be used for various activities, including seeking refuge or observation, in times of national crisis or mourning, they were typically places for lamentation and public displays of sorrow ([Isaiah 15:3](/isaiah/15-3 "Isaiah 15:3 - Mourning on Housetops")). The prophet's rhetorical question, "What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?", expresses dismay because the people are apparently celebrating or observing with indifference, rather than mourning or repenting in the face of impending divine judgment. Their behavior signifies a profound spiritual blindness, complacency, or even defiant revelry, completely inappropriate for the gravity of the "burden" being announced.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 22:1, with its lament over Jerusalem's spiritual blindness and misplaced revelry in the face of impending judgment, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and the very embodiment of God's "vision," later laments over Jerusalem, weeping because its inhabitants "did not know the time of your visitation" ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). Just as Isaiah's Jerusalem was blind to its "burden," so too was the Jerusalem of Jesus' day blind to the presence of their Messiah, the true "vision" of God ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The "valley of vision" ultimately rejected the light of the world ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Light Has Come Into the World")), leading to its ultimate desolation, a fulfillment of the judgment prophesied by Isaiah. However, in Christ, the true burden of sin is lifted from those who believe ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He is the one who bears the ultimate "burden" of God's wrath on the cross, offering true vision and salvation to all who, unlike ancient Jerusalem, turn from their complacency and embrace Him as Lord ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 21:13

Behold, I [am] against thee, O inhabitant of the valley, [and] rock of the plain, saith the LORD; which say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations?

Psalms 125:2

As the mountains [are] round about Jerusalem, so the LORD [is] round about his people from henceforth even for ever.

Isaiah 15:3

In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.

Joel 3:12

Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.

Joel 3:14

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision.

Judges 18:23

And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?

Psalms 114:5

What [ailed] thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, [that] thou wast driven back?