And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men [and] horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.
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}.
'Eilam picks up the quivers, with cavalry and horsemen, and Kir uncovers the shields.
Elam takes up a quiver, with chariots and horsemen, and Kir uncovers the shield.
And Elam bare the quiver, with chariots of men and horsemen; and Kir uncovered the shield.
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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.
Isaiah 22:6 provides a vivid snapshot of military mobilization and the instruments of ancient warfare, specifically mentioning two foreign nations, Elam and Kir. This verse is part of a larger prophecy concerning "the valley of vision," which refers to Jerusalem, foretelling a time of great distress and divine judgment upon the city.
Context
Chapter 22 of Isaiah describes a dire situation for Jerusalem, a city usually seen as impregnable due to its strategic location and divine protection. However, in this prophecy, God's judgment is pronounced, leading to a scene of panic, despair, and ultimately, a siege. Verse 6 introduces external forces, Elam and Kir, as key players in this unfolding drama. Whether these nations are depicted as allies coming to Jerusalem's aid (albeit fruitlessly, given the outcome) or as part of the invading forces is debated among scholars, but their military readiness is undeniable. This passage highlights how God uses various nations and events as instruments of His divine will, even in times of judgment. The description points to the severity of the coming divine judgment upon the city.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
Reflection and Application
Isaiah 22:6 reminds us that even the most powerful human armies and their preparations are ultimately part of a larger divine plan. For the people of Jerusalem, this verse would have underscored the gravity of their situation and the futility of relying solely on human defenses against God's judgment. For us today, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty over all earthly powers and nations. While we live in a world often marked by conflict and military tension, this verse encourages us to place our ultimate trust not in chariots or horsemen, but in the Lord of Hosts, who directs the course of history and whose word will always prevail. It prompts reflection on how nations, even unknowingly, play a role in the unfolding of God's purposes.