THE INEXPIABLE SIN OF ISRAEL
‘This iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die.’
I. In this first half of the discourse directed to the whole of Jerusalem, the prophet assails the presumption with which the inhabitants formerly witnessed the approach of the enemy on an occasion not more closely specified.—He asks the meaning of their going up to the roofs of the houses. It was plainly in order to see the approaching foe, although the prophet does not expressly say this (Isaiah 22:1). But the noise which prevailed in the streets, and the universal gaiety, prove that the enemy was not regarded with apprehension, but with proud defiance (Isaiah 22:2). In contrast with this presumption stands the result which the prophet proceeds to depict. He sees the slain and prisoners of all ranks who fell into the hands of the enemy, not in manly conflict, but in cowardly flight (Isaiah 22:3). A second contrast to that insolent gaiety is formed by the profound sorrow which the prophet himself now feels as he looks upon the ruin of the daughter of his people (Isaiah 22:4). For the Lord Himself brings the day of destruction on Jerusalem, while He employs as His instruments for this purpose distant nations terribly equipped for war, as whose representatives only Elam and Kir are named (Isaiah 22:6-7).
II. The inhabitants of Jerusalem are now no longer inspired by thoughtless presumption.—They see themselves compelled by this new emergency to consider seriously their means of defence. First, they inspect the store of weapons in the arsenal (Isaiah 22:8). They examine the fortifications, and collect water in the lower pool (Isaiah 22:9). They pull down houses in order to repair the walls (Isaiah 22:10), and they form a new reservoir. But to Him Who has caused this distress, and Who alone can remove it, they do not turn their eyes (Isaiah 22:11). And when He brings upon them bitter misery (Isaiah 22:12), the only effect of it is that, with the recklessness of despair, they give themselves eagerly to pleasure, because all will soon be over (Isaiah 22:13). But this defiant spirit, exhibited no longer in blindness, but in sight of danger, the Lord will not pardon. They must expiate it with their life (Isaiah 22:14).