Isaiah 22:1-11 ▼

1 Here is a message about the Valley of Vision: What is the reason that all of you go up to the rooftops?

2 The noisy city is full of raucous sounds; the town is filled with revelry. Your slain were not cut down by the sword; they did not die in battle.

3 All your leaders ran away together--they fled to a distant place; all your refugees were captured together--they were captured without a single arrow being shot.

4 So I say: |Don't look at me! I am weeping bitterly. Don't try to console me concerning the destruction of my defenseless people.|

5 For the sovereign master, the LORD who commands armies, has planned a day of panic, defeat, and confusion. In the Valley of Vision people shout and cry out to the hill.

6 The Elamites picked up the quiver, and came with chariots and horsemen; the men of Kir prepared the shield.

7 Your very best valleys were full of chariots; horsemen confidently took their positions at the gate.

8 They removed the defenses of Judah. At that time you looked for the weapons in the House of the Forest.

9 You saw the many breaks in the walls of the city of David; you stored up water in the lower pool.

10 You counted the houses in Jerusalem, and demolished houses so you could have material to reinforce the wall.

11 You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool--but you did not trust in the one who made it; you did not depend on the one who formed it long ago!