Isaiah 22:1-9

The Lord Will Judge Jerusalem

22:1 Here is a message about the Valley of Vision:

What is the reason

that all of you go up to the rooftops?

22:2 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.

22:3 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.

22:4 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.”

22:5 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.

22:6 The Elamites picked up the quiver,

and came with chariots and horsemen;

the men of Kir prepared the shield.

22:7 Your very best valleys were full of chariots;

horsemen confidently took their positions at the gate.

22:8 They removed the defenses of Judah.

At that time you looked

for the weapons in the House of the Forest.

22:9 You saw the many breaks

in the walls of the city of David;

you stored up water in the lower pool.