Isaiah 22:1 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

The burden of the valley of vision— The seventh discourse of the second book, contained in this chapter, relates to the calamity of the people of Jerusalem, and to the fall of Shebna. Besides the inscription, it contains first, an account of the calamity and perturbation of the people of Jerusalem at the time of the irruption of their enemies upon Judaea; Isaiah 22:1-14. And secondly, the judgment upon Shebna; Isaiah 22:15-25. In the former part of the prophesy we have, first, a mystical delineation of the fatal calamity which should bring destruction upon the city under king Zedekiah, set forth under the figure of an exprobatory address directed to the people of Jerusalem, secure and exulting in the prosperity of the present times. Secondly, the calamity and fear of the approaching time, in which the Assyrians should invade and possess themselves of a great part of Judaea, which should be the forerunner, as it were, of a latter and more grievous calamity; Isaiah 22:6 to the middle of Isaiah 22:11. Thirdly, the crimes of the people, which provoked God's indignation against them; inconsideration, impenitence, and carnal security: Isaiah 22:11-14. Vitringa is of opinion, that Jerusalem is here called the valley of vision, because it was the seat of prophesy, the place where God revealed himself in prophetic visions; and it might be called the valley, with respect to the hills wherewith it is surrounded. He conjectures, that possibly there were schools of the prophets in that valley which was beneath the temple. The reader should observe, that as a two-fold calamity to come upon Jerusalem is foretold in this chapter; so the latter, and the more grievous, is placed first; and after it, that which in order should precede, and be as it were the forerunner of it. See a similar example, chap. Isaiah 14:28, &c.