Isaiah 22:6

KJV

And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men [and] horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elam {H5867} bare {H5375} the quiver {H827} with chariots {H7393} of men {H120} and horsemen {H6571}, and Kir {H7024} uncovered {H6168} the shield {H4043}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Eilam picks up the quivers, with cavalry and horsemen, and Kir uncovers the shields.

Berean Standard Bible

Elam takes up a quiver, with chariots and horsemen, and Kir uncovers the shield.

American Standard Version

And Elam bare the quiver, with chariots of men and horsemen; and Kir uncovered the shield.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 22:6 vividly portrays the military mobilization of two foreign nations, Elam and Kir, detailing their preparations for battle with quivers, chariots, horsemen, and uncovered shields. This verse is an integral part of Isaiah's prophecy concerning "the valley of vision," a symbolic reference to Jerusalem, foretelling a period of profound distress and divine judgment upon the city, highlighting the instruments God uses to bring about His sovereign purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 22 opens with a prophetic oracle concerning "the valley of vision," which is widely understood to be Jerusalem. The chapter dramatically shifts from an expectation of joy and feasting (implied by Jerusalem's usual security) to a scene of lamentation, panic, and divine judgment. The initial verses describe a city in disarray, with its inhabitants fleeing to rooftops and engaging in revelry despite the impending doom, revealing a profound spiritual blindness. Verse 6 introduces external military forces, Elam and Kir, into this unfolding drama. Their precise role—whether as part of the invading Assyrian forces or as potential, albeit futile, allies coming to Jerusalem's aid—is debated among scholars. Regardless, their formidable military readiness underscores the gravity of the crisis and the overwhelming nature of the forces God is permitting or orchestrating against Jerusalem, signaling the futility of human resistance against divine decree. This verse serves to magnify the scale of the impending judgment, emphasizing that it will involve significant external powers, aligning with the broader prophetic pattern where God uses nations as instruments of His will, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - God Uses Assyria as His Instrument").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 22 is generally set against the backdrop of the Assyrian Empire's dominance and its expansionist campaigns in the 8th century BCE. Jerusalem, though often besieged, had a reputation for divine protection, notably during Sennacherib's siege (cf. [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-19 - Sennacherib's Siege of Jerusalem")). However, this chapter speaks to a future, severe judgment. Elam was an ancient kingdom located east of Babylon, in modern-day southwestern Iran. Elamites were renowned throughout the ancient Near East for their exceptional skill as archers, making the mention of "bare the quiver" particularly apt for them, signifying their readiness for ranged combat. Kir's exact geographical location is less certain but is often associated with a region in Mesopotamia or near Elam, possibly linked to a people deported by Assyria (cf. [Amos 1:5](/amos/1-5 "Amos 1:5 - Deportation to Kir")). The "chariots of men and horsemen" represent the elite, swift, and powerful ground forces of ancient warfare, capable of rapid deployment and decisive engagement. "Uncovered the shield" refers to the practice of removing a protective cover from a shield, polishing it, and preparing it for immediate use in battle, a clear signal of imminent conflict and full military readiness. This imagery paints a picture of a large-scale, professional military deployment, reflecting the formidable nature of the threats faced by Judah in this period.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Isaiah 22 and the broader book. Firstly, it highlights **Military Might and Preparedness**, showcasing the formidable capabilities of ancient armies. The detailed description of quivers, chariots, horsemen, and uncovered shields emphasizes the readiness and destructive potential of these forces, underscoring the severity of the threat to Jerusalem. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations**. Despite the impressive display of human power and strategic planning by Elam and Kir, the prophecy implicitly asserts that their actions are ultimately orchestrated by God. They are instruments in His hand, fulfilling His prophetic word and executing His judgment upon Jerusalem, demonstrating that no earthly power can thwart His purposes. This resonates with the broader biblical principle that God raises up and brings down nations according to His will, as articulated in passages like [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Impending Judgment**. The arrival and readiness of such formidable military powers serve as a stark and somber prelude to the severe tribulation or downfall prophesied for Jerusalem, signaling that the city's fate is sealed and that its traditional defenses will prove insufficient against God's determined judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elam (Hebrew, _ʻÊylâm'_):** From H5867, probably from a root meaning "hidden" or "distant." Elam refers to an ancient kingdom located to the east of Babylon, in what is modern-day southwestern Iran. Its mention here signifies a specific foreign power known for its military prowess, particularly its archers, making its involvement in the described military mobilization highly significant.
* **Kir (Hebrew, _Qîyr'_):** From H7024, meaning "fortress" or "wall." Kir is a geographical location, likely in Mesopotamia or near Elam, though its precise identity remains debated. It is mentioned elsewhere in prophetic literature (e.g., [Amos 1:5](/amos/1-5 "Amos 1:5 - Deportation to Kir")) as a place of origin or deportation. Its inclusion alongside Elam indicates another distinct foreign military contingent participating in the unfolding events.
* **uncovered (Hebrew, _ʻârâh'_):** From H6168, a primitive root meaning "to be (causatively, make) bare; hence, to empty, pour out, demolish." In this context, applied to the shield, it means to remove its protective cover, polish it, and prepare it for immediate use in battle. This action signifies a state of full readiness for combat, transitioning from a state of rest or storage to active engagement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elam bare the quiver":** This clause introduces Elam, an ancient kingdom renowned for its archers. "Bare the quiver" (from the Hebrew `nâsâʼ` H5375, "to lift" or "carry") signifies that Elamite archers are carrying or preparing their quivers, filled with arrows, indicating their readiness for offensive action, particularly ranged combat. This highlights their primary military contribution.
* **"with chariots of men [and] horsemen":** This phrase describes the accompanying forces, emphasizing the combined arms approach of ancient warfare. "Chariots of men" refers to war chariots manned by warriors, while "horsemen" denotes cavalry. These units represent the swift, powerful, and often decisive elements of an army, capable of rapid movement, flanking maneuvers, and breaking enemy lines. Their presence underscores the formidable nature and comprehensive mobilization of the forces.
* **"and Kir uncovered the shield":** This final clause introduces Kir, another foreign entity, and describes its specific action. "Uncovered the shield" (from the Hebrew `ʻârâh` H6168, "to make bare" and `mâgên` H4043, "shield") refers to the act of removing the protective cloth cover from a shield, polishing it, and preparing it for active duty. This is a clear and universally understood signal of readiness for close-quarters combat and defensive maneuvers, indicating that Kir's forces are prepared to engage directly in the impending conflict.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 22:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the gravity and immediacy of the military threat. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid mental picture of an army preparing for war: the sight of quivers being readied, the rumble of chariots, the thud of horsemen, and the glint of shields being uncovered. This sensory detail immerses the reader in the scene of impending conflict. **Metonymy** is also at play, where "Elam" and "Kir" stand in for their respective armies or military contingents, rather than just the nations themselves. This allows for a concise yet powerful representation of the foreign forces involved. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident in the specific military equipment mentioned: the "quiver" symbolizes offensive ranged warfare and the renowned skill of Elamite archers, while the "uncovered shield" symbolizes defensive readiness and the immediate onset of battle. Together, these devices create a potent and urgent portrayal of a world on the brink of war, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the forces arrayed against Jerusalem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 22:6, by detailing the military might of foreign nations, powerfully underscores the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. Even the formidable armies of Elam and Kir, with their specialized skills and impressive armaments, are ultimately instruments in the divine hand, whether they act knowingly or unknowingly. This passage reveals that God orchestrates the movements and actions of nations to fulfill His prophetic word and execute His judgment, particularly upon a people who have turned away from Him. The impending judgment on Jerusalem, signaled by the arrival of these forces, serves as a stark reminder that human strength and fortifications are futile against the will of the Almighty. It challenges any reliance on human alliances or military prowess as ultimate security, redirecting trust solely to the Lord of Hosts, who raises up and casts down kingdoms according to His righteous purposes.

* [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - God Uses Assyria as His Rod of Anger")
* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - God's Judgment Through Babylon")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by His Army")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 22:6 serves as a profound reminder that even in times of global conflict and the display of overwhelming military might, God remains sovereign over all nations and events. For the original audience in Jerusalem, this verse would have underscored the futility of relying on their own defenses or external alliances when facing divine judgment. It would have challenged their misplaced confidence in fortifications and human strength, urging them instead to humble themselves before the Lord. For us today, living in a world often marked by geopolitical tensions and the constant threat of conflict, this verse calls us to a similar posture of trust. It prompts us to consider where our ultimate security lies: in the strength of armies, economic stability, or political power, or in the unfailing sovereignty of God. It encourages us to pray for our nations, recognizing that God directs the course of history and uses even the actions of seemingly independent powers to accomplish His purposes. Ultimately, it invites us to place our hope not in human chariots or horsemen, but in the Lord, who alone is our refuge and strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in the life of my community do I tend to place trust in human strength or resources rather than in God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the understanding of God's control over nations, even in times of judgment, shape my prayers for global events and leaders?**
* **What does "uncovering the shield" mean for me spiritually in terms of preparing for the spiritual battles I face?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reliance on God's power and provision, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or threatening?**

### FAQ
**Who were Elam and Kir, and why are they mentioned here?**

Answer: Elam was an ancient kingdom located in what is now southwestern Iran, renowned for its skilled archers. Kir's exact location is debated but is often associated with a region in Mesopotamia or near Elam. Both were significant military powers in the ancient Near East. Their mention in Isaiah 22:6 highlights the formidable nature of the forces involved in the impending judgment upon Jerusalem. While their precise role (whether as part of the invading Assyrian army or as potential, but ultimately ineffective, allies) is debated, their inclusion underscores the widespread nature of the conflict and the overwhelming military might being brought to bear, orchestrated by God's sovereign hand. The prophet uses these specific nations to paint a vivid picture of the scale of the crisis.

**What is the significance of "uncovering the shield"?**

Answer: "Uncovering the shield" is a vivid military idiom signifying immediate readiness for battle. In ancient warfare, shields were often covered with cloth or leather when not in use to protect their surface from the elements and maintain their polish. To "uncover" a shield meant to remove this protective covering, clean or polish it, and prepare it for active use in combat. This action signals that the troops are no longer in a state of rest or parade but are fully prepared for defensive and offensive maneuvers, indicating the imminent onset of a serious conflict. It's a powerful image of an army transitioning from a state of peace to a state of war, ready to engage the enemy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 22:6 describes the temporal judgments brought by earthly armies, its underlying theological principle—God's sovereignty over all nations and His use of various means to accomplish His purposes—finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. The futility of human defenses against divine decree, so evident in Jerusalem's impending doom, points to the greater truth that no human power can withstand the ultimate judgment of God, which is perfectly executed through Christ. Jesus, the true [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), does not "bare the quiver" or "uncover the shield" in the manner of earthly armies, but He conquers through His sacrificial death and resurrection, disarming the spiritual principalities and powers (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). He is the one who ultimately triumphs over all spiritual enemies, and His kingdom is not defended by chariots or horsemen but by divine power and truth. Believers, rather than relying on earthly military might, are called to put on the [full armor of God](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-17 - The Armor of God"), a spiritual armament provided by Christ, to stand against the schemes of the devil. The final and decisive victory over all opposing forces is found in the Lamb of God, who, at His return, will come as a victorious warrior, not with human armies, but with the armies of heaven, to judge and make war in righteousness (cf. [Revelation 19:11-15](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-15 - Christ as Victorious Warrior")). Thus, the picture of earthly armies preparing for battle foreshadows the spiritual warfare and ultimate triumph of Christ, who alone provides true and lasting security.

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

2 Kings 16:9

And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried [the people of] it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.

Isaiah 21:2

A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.

Amos 1:5

I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD.

Amos 9:7

[Are] ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel? saith the LORD. Have not I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt? and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir?

Jeremiah 49:35

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.

Jeremiah 49:39

But it shall come to pass in the latter days, [that] I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.

Genesis 10:22

The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.