Isaiah 22:7

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] thy choicest valleys shall be full of chariots, and the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that thy choicest {H4005} valleys {H6010} shall be full {H4390} of chariots {H7393}, and the horsemen {H6571} shall set {H7896} themselves in array {H7896} at the gate {H8179}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In time, your choicest valleys are overrun by chariots, and the cavalry take their posts by the gate;

Berean Standard Bible

Your choicest valleys are full of chariots, and horsemen are posted at the gates.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, that thy choicest valleys were full of chariots, and the horsemen set themselves in array at the gate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 22:7 paints a vivid and ominous picture of Jerusalem's impending judgment, depicting the overwhelming military might of an invading army. The verse describes the most fertile and strategic areas surrounding the city, the "choicest valleys," being completely overrun and filled with enemy chariots, while the formidable horsemen position themselves directly at the city's gates, signifying an immediate and inescapable siege or assault. This imagery underscores the complete loss of security and the imminent execution of divine judgment upon a city that had placed its trust in human defenses rather than in God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 22:7 is embedded within a prophetic oracle specifically directed at Jerusalem, often called "the Valley of Vision" (Isaiah 22:1). The preceding verses (Isaiah 22:1-6) describe a scene of lament and confusion, hinting at the city's impending doom, while also highlighting the misplaced revelry and lack of repentance among its inhabitants. Following verse 7, the prophecy details Jerusalem's frantic efforts to fortify its defenses, such as breaking down houses for wall repairs and constructing a reservoir (Isaiah 22:8-11), yet these actions are condemned for their failure to "look to the Maker" (Isaiah 22:11). The immediate context thus sets the stage for a city under siege, facing an overwhelming military force, and underscores the prophet's indictment of their spiritual blindness and self-reliance in the face of divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 22 is generally understood to refer to the Assyrian threat, particularly Sennacherib's campaign against Judah in 701 BC, though some scholars see elements that could also point to the later Babylonian invasion. Jerusalem, though strategically located, was vulnerable to siege. "Valleys" (Hebrew: `ʻêmeq`) surrounding Jerusalem, such as the Kidron or Hinnom valleys, were vital for agriculture, water sources, and strategic movement. The presence of "chariots" and "horsemen" represented the pinnacle of ancient military power, particularly for empires like Assyria, known for their formidable cavalry and chariot divisions. Their deployment in the "choicest valleys" and "at the gate" indicated a complete encirclement and readiness for a decisive assault, a common tactic for besieging fortified cities in the ancient Near East. The city gate was not merely an entrance but a vital center of commerce, justice, and defense, making its direct assault a symbol of the city's ultimate vulnerability.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. It vividly illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment**, where God uses foreign nations as instruments of His wrath against His disobedient people, as seen in [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Assyria as God's Rod"). The overwhelming presence of military forces highlights the **Futility of Human Strength** and self-reliance when contrasted with God's sovereign power, a recurring motif in Isaiah, contrasting Jerusalem's trust in its walls with the call to trust in the Lord (e.g., [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "In quietness and trust shall be your strength")). The imagery of the "choicest valleys" being overrun and the enemy at the "gate" underscores the **Loss of Security and Imminent Danger**, emphasizing that no place, however desirable or fortified, is safe from God's determined judgment. This passage also subtly introduces the theme of **Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of empires and their movements, even when they act out of their own will (cf. [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "God creates good and evil")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **choicest (Hebrew, _mibchâr'_):** From the root `bâchar` meaning "to choose" or "select," this word signifies the best, most excellent, or most desirable of something. In the context of "choicest valleys," it emphasizes that even the most fertile, strategic, or aesthetically pleasing areas surrounding Jerusalem—those deemed most valuable and secure—would be completely overrun by the enemy. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the impending invasion, leaving no place untouched or safe.
* **full (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to fill" or "to be full of," with a wide application that can include accomplishing or fulfilling. Here, it conveys the overwhelming quantity and density of the chariots. The valleys would not merely have some chariots, but would be *filled* with them, suggesting an immense, inescapable, and suffocating presence of the enemy forces, leaving no room for escape or maneuver.
* **gate (Hebrew, _shaʻar'_):** Derived from a sense of "opening," this term refers to a city's door or gate. In ancient cities, the gate was the primary point of entry, exit, commerce, and legal proceedings, and thus the most crucial defensive point. The enemy "setting themselves in array at the gate" signifies the final, decisive stage of a siege or direct assault, indicating that the invasion has reached the very threshold of the city's last line of defense, making the threat immediate and direct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass":** This introductory phrase serves as a prophetic declaration, signaling that the following events are certain to unfold, a divine decree that will inevitably be fulfilled. It sets a tone of inevitability and divine orchestration.
* **"that thy choicest valleys shall be full of chariots":** This clause vividly portrays the overwhelming numerical superiority and destructive power of the invading army. The "choicest valleys," representing the most valuable and strategic surrounding territories of Jerusalem, are depicted as being completely inundated with chariots. This imagery suggests a complete loss of outer defenses and a pervasive enemy presence that has consumed the very heart of the land, leaving no buffer zone.
* **"and the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate":** This second clause intensifies the threat, bringing the enemy directly to the city's doorstep. "Horsemen" (cavalry) were swift and formidable, and their action of "setting themselves in array" (forming up for battle or siege operations) at the "gate" indicates an immediate and direct assault or the complete enforcement of a siege, cutting off all access and egress. It signifies the final, critical stage of the invasion, where the city's ultimate vulnerability is exposed.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 22:7 employs powerful **Imagery** to convey the scale of the impending disaster. The vision of "choicest valleys" being "full of chariots" evokes a sense of overwhelming force and inescapable encirclement, painting a picture of a landscape utterly dominated by the enemy. The phrase "full of chariots" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the sheer, almost unbelievable, number of enemy vehicles. The positioning of "horsemen" in "array at the gate" creates a stark visual of imminent, direct confrontation and the complete loss of the city's defensive perimeter. This vivid description serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the destruction and humiliation awaiting Jerusalem, contrasting sharply with its earlier presumed security. The entire verse functions as a **Metaphor** for the comprehensive and unavoidable nature of divine judgment, which, like an overwhelming army, will leave no stone unturned and reach the very heart of the offending entity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 22:7 profoundly illustrates the consequences of spiritual complacency and misplaced trust, demonstrating that when a people turn away from God, even their most cherished securities become vulnerable to divine judgment. The overwhelming force depicted in the verse serves as a stark reminder that God's sovereignty extends over all nations and their armies, using them as instruments to accomplish His purposes, whether in judgment or deliverance. This passage underscores the principle that true security is found not in military might, strategic location, or human ingenuity, but in humble reliance upon the Lord. It calls believers to discern the signs of the times and to respond with repentance and faith, rather than doubling down on self-sufficient efforts that ultimately prove futile against the tide of divine decree.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses")
* [Jeremiah 4:20](/jeremiah/4-20 "Destruction upon destruction")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid imagery of Isaiah 22:7 serves as a potent reminder that our perceived securities, whether material, relational, or even spiritual (if based on self-effort), are ultimately fragile without God's sustaining grace and protection. When we, like ancient Jerusalem, neglect to "look to the Maker" (Isaiah 22:11) and instead place our confidence in our own wisdom, resources, or defenses, we open ourselves to the "chariots and horsemen" of life's inevitable challenges and judgments. This verse calls us to a profound introspection: Where do we truly place our trust? Are we diligently seeking God's face and aligning our lives with His will, or are we frantically shoring up our own "gates" and "valleys" while ignoring the divine warnings? The ultimate lesson is that genuine peace and security are found only in humble dependence on the Lord, who alone is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "choicest valleys" or areas of security in my life might I be trusting in more than God?**
* **In what ways might I be "setting myself in array at the gate" through self-reliance, rather than seeking God's intervention and guidance?**
* **How does the imagery of an overwhelming, inescapable threat challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty and my need for repentance?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "choicest valleys" being filled with chariots?**

Answer: The "choicest valleys" (Hebrew: `mibchâr ʻêmeqayich`) refer to the most fertile, valuable, or strategically important areas surrounding Jerusalem. Their being "full of chariots" signifies that the invading army has completely overrun the most desirable and defensible outer territories. This imagery emphasizes the overwhelming numerical superiority of the enemy and the total loss of any buffer zone or defensive perimeter, highlighting the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the impending judgment. It means that even the most secure or pleasant areas are no longer safe.

**Why are chariots and horsemen specifically mentioned as the invading force?**

Answer: Chariots (Hebrew: `rekeb`) and horsemen (Hebrew: `pârâsh`) represented the elite, most powerful, and terrifying military units in the ancient Near East. Empires like Assyria, the likely historical context for this prophecy, were renowned for their formidable chariot and cavalry divisions. Their presence symbolized overwhelming force, speed, and destructive capability. By specifying these units, Isaiah emphasizes that the invading force is not merely an inconvenience but an unstoppable, superior military power, making the threat to Jerusalem utterly dire and inescapable. It underscores the severity of the divine judgment being executed through such a mighty instrument.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 22:7 vividly portrays the physical judgment upon Jerusalem through an invading army, its deeper spiritual fulfillment points to the ultimate judgment against sin and the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ. The "choicest valleys" being overrun and the enemy at the "gate" speak to the pervasive and inescapable nature of sin's dominion over humanity, and the just judgment it incurs. Yet, in Christ, we find the true "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment on the cross, becoming our perfect sacrifice and delivering us from the spiritual "chariots and horsemen" of sin, death, and the devil that once arrayed themselves against us ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Triumph over spiritual enemies")). Furthermore, while earthly Jerusalem faced destruction, Christ inaugurates a spiritual kingdom and a New Jerusalem, where the gates are never shut, and no enemy can ever array itself in judgment against those who are in Him ([Revelation 21:25](/revelation/21-25 "Gates of New Jerusalem Always Open")). He is the true "gate" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "Jesus is the Door")) through whom we find eternal security and peace, a security far surpassing any earthly defense.

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

Isaiah 8:7

Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, [even] the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:

Isaiah 8:8

And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

Jeremiah 39:1

¶ In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it.

Jeremiah 39:3

And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, [even] Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.

Isaiah 10:28

He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages:

Isaiah 10:32

As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand [against] the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 37:34

By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD.