Isaiah 22:5

KJV

For [it is] a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.

KJV (with Strong's)

For it is a day {H3117} of trouble {H4103}, and of treading down {H4001}, and of perplexity {H3998} by the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} of hosts {H6635} in the valley {H1516} of vision {H2384}, breaking {H6979} down the walls {H7023}, and of crying {H7771} to the mountains {H2022}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For it is a day of panic, trampling and confusion from Adonai ELOHIM-Tzva'ot in the Valley of Vision. With walls crashing down, they cry for help to the mountains.

Berean Standard Bible

For the Lord GOD of Hosts has set a day of tumult and trampling and confusion in the Valley of Vision— of breaking down the walls and crying to the mountains.

American Standard Version

For it is a day of discomfiture, and of treading down, and of perplexity, from the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, in the valley of vision; a breaking down of the walls, and a crying to the mountains.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 22:5 vividly portrays a catastrophic day of divine judgment descending upon Jerusalem, metaphorically termed the "valley of vision." This verse encapsulates the overwhelming chaos, despair, and vulnerability that will befall the city, emphasizing that this calamity is not a random misfortune but a deliberate act orchestrated by the sovereign Lord GOD of hosts, who is breaking down the very defenses and hopes of a people who have strayed from Him, leaving them in utter confusion and desperate cries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 22:5 is an integral component of the "oracle concerning the valley of vision," spanning [Isaiah 22:1-14](/isaiah/22-1-14 "Isaiah 22 - The Oracle Concerning the Valley of Vision"). The preceding verses, [Isaiah 22:1-4](/isaiah/22-1-4 "Isaiah 22:1-4 - Jerusalem's Unheeding Revelry"), establish the paradoxical state of Jerusalem: despite the imminent threat of divine judgment, its inhabitants are engaged in revelry and celebration, seemingly oblivious or indifferent to the gravity of their situation. The prophet laments their spiritual blindness and forecasts a day of profound weeping and sorrow. Verse 5 then transitions from the people's misguided reaction to the direct cause and nature of the impending judgment, explicitly attributing the "day of trouble" to the "Lord GOD of hosts." This attribution underscores the divine origin and inevitability of the catastrophe that will dismantle their perceived security. The subsequent verses, [Isaiah 22:6-14](/isaiah/22-6-14 "Isaiah 22:6-14 - Futile Preparations and Unatoneable Sin"), detail the military invasion and the people's futile attempts to fortify the city, starkly contrasting their human efforts with God's preordained plan. The oracle culminates in a severe warning that their sin will not be atoned for until they die, highlighting the finality of this divine decree.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "valley of vision" is a poetic and ironic designation for Jerusalem, situated in a valley surrounded by hills, and historically recognized as a center of prophetic revelation. This oracle likely dates to the late 8th century BCE, during the reign of King Hezekiah, a period profoundly shaped by the escalating threat of the formidable Assyrian Empire. Jerusalem, though extensively fortified, faced immense pressure, particularly during Sennacherib's invasion around 701 BCE. Culturally, Jerusalem held a unique and sacred status as the city where God had chosen to place His name and dwell, as articulated in [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Chosen Place of Worship"). This divine favor often fostered a dangerous sense of invincibility among its inhabitants, frequently leading to spiritual complacency and a false sense of security. The vivid imagery of "breaking down the walls" and "crying to the mountains" powerfully reflects the common ancient Near Eastern experience of siege warfare, where city walls were the paramount defense, and flight to mountainous terrain was a desperate, last-resort attempt for survival or escape from an invading army. The people's reliance on their physical fortifications and human alliances, rather than on the covenant faithfulness and protective power of God, forms a crucial backdrop to Isaiah's severe condemnation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. The theme of **Divine Judgment** is central, as the calamity is explicitly "by the Lord GOD of hosts," emphasizing God's active, sovereign role in history and His righteous indignation against sin, even among His chosen people. It highlights God's **Sovereignty** over nations and events, demonstrating unequivocally that no human defense, strategic planning, or political alliance can thwart His purposes when judgment is decreed. The verse also underscores the theme of **False Security**, as Jerusalem's formidable walls and perceived strength are shown to be utterly useless against divine wrath, leading inevitably to "perplexity" and "trouble." This contrasts sharply with the true refuge found exclusively in God, a theme eloquently echoed in the Psalms, such as [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength"). Furthermore, the imagery of "crying to the mountains" vividly depicts **Utter Despair and Helplessness**, a recurring motif in prophetic literature for those facing inescapable judgment, as seen in [Hosea 10:8](/hosea/10-8 "Hosea 10:8 - Call to the mountains to cover them") and later echoed in [Revelation 6:16](/revelation/6-16 "Revelation 6:16 - Cry to the mountains and rocks"). Finally, the ironic designation "valley of vision" speaks profoundly to the theme of **Spiritual Blindness**, where a place blessed with divine revelation tragically fails to perceive or respond to God's warnings, thereby inviting His severe discipline.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** This term, while literally meaning a period of 24 hours, is used here figuratively to denote a specific, defined period of time characterized by particular events. In prophetic literature, "day" often refers to "the day of the Lord," a time of decisive divine intervention, whether for judgment or salvation. Here, it signifies a calamitous and predetermined period unequivocally marked by God's direct action, emphasizing its unique and inevitable nature as a moment of reckoning for Jerusalem.
* **Lord GOD of hosts (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih tsâbâʼ'_):** This formidable composite divine title combines three powerful names for God, conveying His absolute authority and might. `ʼĂdônây` (Lord) signifies absolute mastership and sovereign authority, denoting God as the supreme ruler. `Yᵉhôvih` (GOD), a variant of YHWH (Yahweh), emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness, self-existent nature, and personal relationship with His people. `tsâbâʼ` (hosts) refers to armies, multitudes, or organized forces, encompassing both heavenly and earthly armies, and by implication, all created things under His command. Together, "Lord GOD of hosts" portrays God as the supreme commander of all creation, possessing irresistible power and authority over all armies, nations, and events. His explicit involvement ensures the judgment is not random or accidental but a meticulously orchestrated, irresistible act of sovereign power and righteous judgment.
* **Valley of vision (Hebrew, _gayʼ chizzâyôwn'_):):** This is an ironic and profoundly symbolic designation for Jerusalem. `gayʼ` (valley) refers to a deep gorge or ravine, characteristic of Jerusalem's topography, which is surrounded by hills. `chizzâyôwn` (vision) denotes a revelation, prophetic insight, or divine communication, emphasizing that Jerusalem was the preeminent locus of divine revelation, where prophets received visions and God's word was proclaimed. The profound irony lies in the fact that the very city blessed with "vision" failed to see or heed God's warnings and prophetic insights. Consequently, it became a "valley" of trouble and judgment, where the dire consequences of unheeded divine revelation would be tragically and undeniably manifest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For it is a day of trouble":** This opening clause immediately defines the nature of the impending period for Jerusalem. "Trouble" (mᵉhûwmâh) signifies a state of profound confusion, uproar, and discomfiture, indicating not merely a minor inconvenience but a comprehensive societal upheaval and distress. It points to a deep, pervasive disorder that will grip the city.
* **"and of treading down":** "Treading down" (mᵉbûwçâh) evokes the powerful and visceral image of being trampled underfoot. This metaphor conveys humiliation, subjugation, and complete defeat, suggesting that the city and its inhabitants will be utterly overcome, crushed, and stripped of their dignity and power by an overwhelming external force.
* **"and of perplexity":** "Perplexity" (mᵉbûwkâh) describes a state of utter bewilderment, confusion, and discomfiture, where there is no clear path forward, no solution, and no understanding of the unfolding events. It speaks to the profound psychological and emotional impact of the crisis, leaving the people without direction, hope, or the ability to comprehend or escape their predicament.
* **"by the Lord GOD of hosts":** This crucial phrase unequivocally identifies the ultimate agent behind the calamity. It explicitly states that the "day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity" is not a random misfortune, nor solely the result of human enemies, but a deliberate, sovereign act of God Himself. This emphasizes His supreme power, righteous judgment, and active involvement in the affairs of humanity.
* **"in the valley of vision":** This poetic and deeply ironic designation for Jerusalem specifies the precise location of this divine judgment. As explored in "Key Word Analysis," it highlights the profound paradox of a city blessed with abundant divine revelation now facing severe consequences for its spiritual blindness, disobedience, and failure to respond to the very "vision" it received.
* **"breaking down the walls":** This vivid imagery signifies the forceful destruction of the city's primary defense and perceived source of security. "Breaking down" (qûwr) implies a deliberate, violent act of demolition. The "walls" (qîyr) represent not only physical fortifications but also the city's perceived invincibility, its human reliance for safety, and its strategic defenses, all of which are now rendered utterly useless against the divine onslaught.
* **"and of crying to the mountains":** This final phrase portrays the extreme desperation and utter helplessness of the inhabitants. "Crying" (shôwaʻ) indicates a loud, desperate shout or plea born of terror and despair. The act of crying "to the mountains" suggests a futile search for refuge, a desperate wish for the mountains to hide them from the overwhelming judgment, or an appeal to nature itself in the face of an inescapable catastrophe, underscoring their complete lack of hope and escape.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 22:5 is rich with literary artistry that profoundly amplifies its message of impending doom and divine judgment. The phrase "**Valley of Vision**" is a powerful example of **Irony**, as Jerusalem, the historical and spiritual center of prophetic revelation, becomes the very place where the dire consequences of unheeded divine insight are tragically realized through devastating judgment. The accumulation of terms like "trouble," "treading down," and "perplexity" creates a profound sense of **Climax** and **Intensification**, building a vivid and escalating picture of chaos, despair, and psychological distress. The imagery of "breaking down the walls" functions as a potent form of **Metonymy**, where the physical fortifications stand in for the city's entire defense system and its inhabitants' misplaced sense of security, symbolizing the complete and utter collapse of human reliance and self-sufficiency. Finally, "crying to the mountains" employs **Hyperbole** to convey the extreme, almost unimaginable desperation of the people, suggesting a fervent wish for the very earth to swallow them or hide them from the terrifying divine wrath. This phrase also functions as a form of **Personification**, as the mountains are implicitly addressed as if they possess the agency to offer aid or concealment, further emphasizing the people's ultimate helplessness in the face of an omnipotent God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 22:5 stands as a stark and enduring reminder of God's unwavering justice and absolute sovereignty, even over His covenant people. It powerfully dismantles any notion of automatic divine protection apart from genuine faithfulness, asserting that God's judgment is a righteous and inevitable response to spiritual complacency, rebellion, and misplaced self-reliance. The "day of trouble" is not merely a historical event but a profound theological statement, demonstrating unequivocally that ultimate security is found not in human fortifications, strategic alliances, or material prosperity, but solely and exclusively in the Lord GOD of hosts. This passage foreshadows the broader biblical theme of the "Day of the Lord," a recurring prophetic motif signifying a divinely appointed time of reckoning, whether for Israel or the nations, where God intervenes decisively in history to judge sin, purify His people, and establish His righteous rule. The utter despair depicted also highlights the futility and ultimate emptiness of seeking refuge in anything other than God, a foundational truth echoed throughout the entirety of Scripture.
* [Hosea 10:8](/hosea/10-8 "Hosea 10:8 - Mountains and hills cover us!")
* [Revelation 6:16](/revelation/6-16 "Revelation 6:16 - Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne!")
* [Jeremiah 30:7](/jeremiah/30-7 "Jeremiah 30:7 - Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 22:5 serves as a profound and timeless call to humility, genuine reliance on God, and vigilant spiritual discernment. In an age where humanity often places its trust in economic stability, technological advancement, political systems, or personal achievements as ultimate sources of security, this verse powerfully reminds us that all human defenses are ultimately fragile and insufficient when confronted with the sovereign will and righteous judgment of God. It compels us to critically examine where our true security lies and whether we are truly heeding the "vision" and warnings God provides through His Word and Spirit in our contemporary lives. The "day of trouble" for Jerusalem was a direct consequence of their spiritual complacency and misplaced trust; similarly, we are called to vigilant self-examination, ensuring our hearts are aligned with God's purposes and that our faith is active and responsive. This passage challenges us to move beyond superficial religiosity to cultivate a deep, abiding faith that trusts God's power, wisdom, and love above all else, even when facing life's inevitable "days of trouble." True peace, resilience, and an unshakeable hope are found not in the absence of difficulty, but in the steadfast, abiding presence of the Lord GOD of hosts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I relying on "walls" of my own making (e.g., finances, career, relationships, self-sufficiency) rather than on the Lord GOD of hosts for ultimate security and provision?**
* **How do I typically respond when faced with "trouble, treading down, and perplexity" in my personal life or in the world around me? Do I cry to the "mountains" (seeking human solutions, escapism, or despair) or do I turn in desperate prayer and trust to God?**
* **Am I truly heeding the "vision" (God's Word, the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and the lessons of history) in my daily life, or am I spiritually complacent and blind to divine warnings, much like the inhabitants of Jerusalem?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jerusalem being called the "valley of vision" in this context?**

Answer: The "valley of vision" is a profoundly ironic and symbolic title for Jerusalem within this prophetic oracle. Geographically, Jerusalem is indeed situated in a valley surrounded by hills. Theologically, however, it was the preeminent place where God revealed Himself, where prophets received divine visions, and where God's temple stood as the center of His presence and instruction. Calling it the "valley of vision" in a context of impending judgment highlights a profound paradox: the very city that was blessed with abundant divine revelation and spiritual insight tragically failed to see or heed God's warnings. Instead of being a beacon of spiritual clarity and obedience, it became a "valley" of judgment, where the dire consequences of its spiritual blindness, disobedience, and unheeded prophetic "vision" would be tragically and undeniably realized. It underscores the powerful principle that divine privilege does not exempt from judgment if faithfulness is absent, and that true spiritual vision requires not just receiving revelation but actively responding to it in obedience and repentance, as further detailed in [Isaiah 22:1-4](/isaiah/22-1-4 "Isaiah 22:1-4 - The Burden of the Valley of Vision").

**Why is God bringing this "day of trouble" upon His own people?**

Answer: The passage explicitly states that this "day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity" is "by the Lord GOD of hosts." This crucial phrase unequivocally indicates that the calamity is not random misfortune or merely the result of human enemies, but a deliberate, sovereign act of divine judgment. God brings this severe judgment upon Jerusalem because of their pervasive sin, spiritual complacency, and misplaced trust. Instead of relying on God for their security and deliverance, they had turned to human strength, physical fortifications, and strategic alliances (as implied in the broader context of [Isaiah 22](/isaiah/22 "Isaiah 22 - The Burden of the Valley of Vision")). This judgment serves as a profound form of divine discipline, intended to call His people to repentance, purify them, and remind them of His absolute sovereignty and their covenant obligations. It underscores the biblical principle that God, in His perfect righteousness and holiness, holds even His chosen people accountable for their disobedience, a truth consistently seen throughout the prophetic books, such as in [Jeremiah 5:29](/jeremiah/5-29 "Jeremiah 5:29 - Shall I not punish them for these things?").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 22:5, with its stark depiction of a "day of trouble" orchestrated by the sovereign "Lord GOD of hosts," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks of a temporal judgment on ancient Jerusalem, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "Day of the Lord" when all humanity will face divine reckoning. However, in Christ, this terrifying "day of trouble" is miraculously transformed for those who believe. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's righteous wrath and judgment on the cross, becoming the ultimate "treading down" for our sins. Through His sacrifice, we are spared from the eternal "perplexity" and "trouble" of separation from God. The "breaking down the walls" of Jerusalem points to the futility of any human defense against divine judgment, but Christ Himself becomes our impregnable wall and [secure refuge](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - My refuge and my fortress") from the coming wrath. The desperate "crying to the mountains" for refuge is answered in Christ, who graciously invites all who are weary and burdened to find [rest in Him](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden"). He is the ultimate "vision" of God, perfectly revealing the Father (as stated in [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever has seen me has seen the Father")), and through Him, we gain true spiritual sight, overcoming the blindness that led Jerusalem to its downfall. Thus, the terrifying judgment of Isaiah 22:5 serves as a dramatic backdrop against which the glorious salvation and eternal security offered in Christ shine even brighter, providing deliverance from the ultimate "day of trouble" and an unshakeable foundation in the sovereign [Lord of all](/acts/10-36 "Acts 10:36 - Jesus Christ is Lord of all").

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

Luke 23:30

Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.

Micah 7:4

The best of them [is] as a brier: the most upright [is sharper] than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen [and] thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.

Lamentations 1:5

Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the LORD hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy.

Isaiah 37:3

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day [is] a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and [there is] not strength to bring forth.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

Amos 5:18

Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end [is] it for you? the day of the LORD [is] darkness, and not light.

Amos 5:20

[Shall] not the day of the LORD [be] darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?