Isaiah 22:7

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Isaiah 22:7 offers a stark image of impending invasion and judgment upon Jerusalem, referred to as "the valley of vision" in this chapter. It describes the enemy forces overwhelming the surrounding landscape and positioning themselves for attack.

Context

This verse is part of a prophecy in Isaiah chapter 22 directed at Jerusalem. The prophet Isaiah condemns the city's inhabitants for their misplaced confidence and revelry in the face of imminent danger, rather than turning to God in repentance. Verse 7 specifically pictures the military reality of the siege, showing the enemy's powerful presence dominating the land leading up to the city gates. It follows descriptions of the city's defenses being assessed and the people's panic. The overall context is one of divine judgment being executed through a foreign army.

Key Themes

  • Invasion and Judgment: The presence of the enemy army is the physical manifestation of God's judgment against Jerusalem.
  • Military Might: Chariots and horsemen represented the most formidable military power of the ancient world, signifying an overwhelming force.
  • Loss of Security: The "choicest valleys" being filled with enemy forces indicates that even the fertile, potentially strategic, or visually appealing areas surrounding the city have been overrun, leaving no buffer zone.
  • Imminent Siege/Attack: The horsemen setting themselves "in array at the gate" means the enemy is positioned and ready for a direct assault or to enforce a siege, cutting off access to the city.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "choicest valleys" (Hebrew: mevchar ʿemaqayich) highlights the fertile or most desirable lands around the city, emphasizing that the invasion is not confined to remote areas but has reached the very doorstep and vital surroundings of Jerusalem. "Set themselves in array" (Hebrew: yithʿarru) indicates a military formation, ready for battle or siege operations.

Reflection

Isaiah 22:7 serves as a powerful reminder of vulnerability when divine protection is removed due to disobedience. It shows how quickly security can be shattered when an overwhelming force, whether military or metaphorical, arrives. The imagery of chariots filling the valleys and horsemen arrayed at the gate is one of inescapable threat and the reality of judgment reaching its target. It contrasts sharply with the peace and security promised to those who trust in the Lord, as seen in Isaiah 26:3 regarding perfect peace for those who trust God. The passage calls us to consider where our true security lies and to respond appropriately to the warnings God gives.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 8:7 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 10:32 (2 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

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