Isaiah 22:10

And ye have numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall.

And ye have numbered {H5608} the houses {H1004} of Jerusalem {H3389}, and the houses {H1004} have ye broken down {H5422} to fortify {H1219} the wall {H2346}.

you surveyed the houses in Yerushalayim, tearing some down to fortify the wall.

You counted the houses of Jerusalem and tore them down to strengthen the wall.

and ye numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and ye brake down the houses to fortify the wall;

Commentary

Isaiah 22:10 describes the desperate measures taken by the inhabitants of Jerusalem during a time of impending crisis, specifically in preparation for a siege. They meticulously surveyed and then demolished their own homes to gather materials for strengthening the city's defenses.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Isaiah 22 concerning the "Valley of Vision," a prophetic term for Jerusalem. The chapter details a time of great distress and panic, likely referring to the Assyrian siege under King Sennacherib in 701 BC, though it can also speak to broader patterns of Jerusalem's history. The people are depicted as frantically preparing for war, inspecting breaches in the walls (Isaiah 22:9) and making provisions for water. However, the prophet critiques their efforts because they are relying solely on human ingenuity and resources, failing to look to the Maker of it or have faith in God's deliverance.

Key Themes

  • Desperate Self-Reliance: The act of tearing down houses underscores the extreme and desperate measures people take when facing overwhelming threats, often in an attempt to secure themselves by their own might.
  • Misplaced Trust: This verse, especially when read with the surrounding context, highlights the people's misplaced trust in physical fortifications and human strategies rather than in God's protection. This contrasts sharply with calls to trust in the name of the Lord rather than chariots or horses.
  • Futility Without God: The frantic activity, while seemingly practical, is ultimately depicted as futile without divine blessing and true repentance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "numbered the houses" implies a systematic survey or inventory, suggesting a calculated and organized effort to identify which structures could be sacrificed for the greater defense. This was not random destruction but a strategic, albeit desperate, military decision. "Broken down" (Hebrew: natats) conveys the forceful tearing down or demolishing of structures, emphasizing the destructive nature of their preparations.

Practical Application

Isaiah 22:10 serves as a powerful reminder for us today. When faced with challenges or crises, where do we first turn for security and solutions? Do we immediately resort to our own plans, resources, and frantic activity, even if it means sacrificing what is valuable, without first seeking God's wisdom and guidance? The verse challenges us to examine our priorities and ensure that our ultimate trust is placed in God, who is our true refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1), rather than solely in human efforts or material defenses. It calls us to spiritual preparedness alongside practical action.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.