Isaiah 22:2

Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, a joyous city: thy slain [men are] not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle.

Thou that art full {H4392} of stirs {H8663}, a tumultuous {H1993} city {H5892}, a joyous {H5947} city {H7151}: thy slain {H2491} men are not slain {H2491} with the sword {H2719}, nor dead {H4191} in battle {H4421}.

You city full of noise, confusion and boisterous excitement, your slain did not fall to the sword, nor did they die in battle.

O city of commotion, O town of revelry? Your slain did not die by the sword, nor were they killed in battle.

O thou that art full of shoutings, a tumultuous city, a joyous town; thy slain are not slain with the sword, neither are they dead in battle.

Isaiah 22:2 paints a vivid and stark picture of Jerusalem, referred to here as the "Valley of Vision" (see Isaiah 22:1). The verse describes a city in profound contradiction, setting the stage for a prophecy of impending doom.

Context

Chapter 22 is an oracle primarily directed at Jerusalem, detailing a coming invasion and judgment. It contrasts the city's current state of revelry and perceived security with the severe consequences of its sin and impending divine wrath. This particular verse captures the chaotic yet ironically "joyous" atmosphere of Jerusalem, even as its inhabitants face an unusual form of destruction.

Key Themes

  • Contradiction and Irony: The description of Jerusalem as "full of stirs, a tumultuous city" yet also "a joyous city" highlights a profound disconnect. This suggests either a panicked chaos masked by forced celebration, or a defiant, self-indulgent revelry in the face of grave danger, ignoring the signs of divine judgment. This complacency is a recurring theme in prophetic literature concerning Israel.
  • Unconventional Judgment: The most striking part of the verse is the declaration that "thy slain [men are] not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle." This signifies that the deaths would not primarily come from direct combat in a conventional war. This could point to casualties from famine and pestilence, common consequences of a prolonged siege (e.g., as seen in the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem), or perhaps direct divine intervention that bypasses typical warfare. It underscores the unique nature of God's judgment.
  • Divine Sovereignty in Judgment: The Lord's ability to bring about destruction through means other than direct battle emphasizes His ultimate control over the fate of nations and individuals.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used are powerful. "Stirs" (teshu'ot) and "tumultuous" (homiyyah) convey loud noises, uproar, and commotion, suggesting a city in disarray or fervent activity. The word for "joyous" (allizah) implies exultation or triumph, creating a jarring juxtaposition with the preceding descriptions of chaos and the following grim reality of death. This linguistic contrast amplifies the prophetic warning.

Practical Application

Isaiah 22:2 serves as a timeless warning against complacency and false security, especially when facing spiritual or societal challenges. It reminds us that:

  • True security is found in God, not in worldly revelry or perceived strength. Like ancient Jerusalem, we can be easily distracted by temporary pleasures while ignoring deeper spiritual dangers.
  • God's judgment can come in unexpected forms. It's not always through direct, obvious conflict, but can manifest through the consequences of our actions, societal decay, or unseen forces. This calls for spiritual discernment and humility.
  • A call to repentance: The prophet's lament over Jerusalem's misplaced joy is a call for genuine repentance and seeking God's mercy, rather than clinging to fleeting pleasures in the face of impending doom. This aligns with calls for humility and seeking God found throughout scripture, such as in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 32:13

    Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns [and] briers; yea, upon all the houses of joy [in] the joyous city:

  • Jeremiah 14:18

    If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

  • Lamentations 2:20

    Behold, O LORD, and consider to whom thou hast done this. Shall the women eat their fruit, [and] children of a span long? shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?

  • Isaiah 23:7

    [Is] this your joyous [city], whose antiquity [is] of ancient days? her own feet shall carry her afar off to sojourn.

  • Isaiah 37:33

    Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast a bank against it.

  • Jeremiah 38:2

    Thus saith the LORD, He that remaineth in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth forth to the Chaldeans shall live; for he shall have his life for a prey, and shall live.

  • Amos 6:3

    Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back