Isaiah 22:6

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.

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

  • Military Might and Preparedness: The descriptions of "quiver," "chariots of men," "horsemen," and "uncovered shield" emphasize the formidable military capabilities of Elam and Kir. The quiver signifies archers, for which Elam was renowned, while chariots and horsemen represent swift and powerful ground forces. Uncovering the shield is a clear sign of readiness for battle.
  • Divine Sovereignty Over Nations: Despite the human display of power, the prophecy underscores God's ultimate control. He orchestrates the movements and actions of nations like Elam and Kir to fulfill His prophetic word and execute His judgment upon Jerusalem.
  • Impending Judgment: The presence of these formidable military powers signals the severity of the coming judgment on Jerusalem, indicating that the city's fate is sealed. It's a somber prelude to the city's downfall or severe tribulation.

Linguistic Insights

  • Elam (עֵילָם): An ancient kingdom located to the east of Babylon, in what is modern-day southwestern Iran. Elamites were famously skilled archers, making the mention of "bare the quiver" particularly apt for them.
  • Kir (קִיר): The exact location of Kir is uncertain, though it's often associated with a region in Mesopotamia or near Elam. Kir is also mentioned in other prophetic books, such as Amos 1:5 and Amos 9:7, often in contexts of deportation or origin.
  • "Bare the quiver": This phrase highlights the readiness of archers, signifying a primary weapon of offense.
  • "Uncovered the shield": A shield is typically covered or put away when not in use. Uncovering it means taking it out, polishing it, and preparing it for defensive and offensive maneuvers in battle.

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.

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.

  • 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.

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