Isaiah 22

Isaiah 22:1

The valley of vision: Jerusalem. The temple of Jerusalem was built upon Mount Moria, or on the mountain of vision. But the city is here called, the valley of vision, either because it was lower than the temple, or because of the low condition to which it was to be reduced, (Challoner) during the captivity. (Worthington) — Vision. Septuagint, “Sion.” (Haydock) — This prophecy regards the devastation caused by Sennacherib, (St. Jerome) Nabuchodonosor, (Sanctius) the Romans, (Eusebius) or by Assaradon, when he took Manasses, 2 Paralipomenon xxxiii. 11., and 4 Kings xxi. 10. — Tops, to weep.

Isaiah 22:2

Battle. He taxes the king with cowardice.

Isaiah 22:4

People. He saw this in spirit, though he might not live to witness it. (Calmet)

Isaiah 22:5

Searching. That day beheld the Assyrians (Haydock) undermining the wall, and behaving with haughtiness (Calmet) on Mount Sion. (Haydock)

Isaiah 22:6

Wall. Arms were frequently hung thereon, Canticle of Canticles ix. 4. (Calmet)

Isaiah 22:8

Covering. Hebrew masac, (Haydock) “shade,” for the convenience of the people, 4 Kings xvi. 18. — Forest, built by Solomon. Ezechias has also procured store of arms, which were now delivered out to the citizens.

Isaiah 22:9

Many, but you have neglected them, (Calmet) till it be too late. (Haydock) — Pool, communicating with Gehon on the west.

Isaiah 22:11

Walls. Manasses enclosed the pool within walls, forming a second town, 4 Kings xxii. 29. — Ago. You have not imitated the piety of Ezechias.

Isaiah 22:13

Die. Thus the pagans encouraged themselves to feast. (Calmet) — Ergo vivamus dum licet esse bene. (Petronius) — This conduct betrayed an entire want of faith. (Calmet) — “Nothing offends God so much….as contempt proceeding from despair.” (St. Jerome)

Isaiah 22:14

Die. The repentance of Manasses, and the piety of Josias, could not avert the storm. Discite justitiam moniti et non temnere divos.

Isaiah 22:15

Temple, in the place of Eliacim. He had been secretary before, (Calmet) and had intruded himself into some office in the temple, which he abused. (Worthington)

Isaiah 22:16

CHAPTER XXII.

Isaiah 22:17

Cock. St. Jerome’s master assured him that the word which is usually rendered a warrior, has this meaning. (Haydock) — The comparison agrees well with a proud man reduced to misery. (Calmet) — Hebrew, “With the captivity of a man, and he will cover thee.” Septuagint, “he will cast out and bruise the man, and will take away thy comely robe, and throw thee into,” &c. (Haydock)

Isaiah 22:18

Lord; Manasses, who hath exalted thee. (Calmet)

Isaiah 22:20

Eliacim, who had been displaced, ver. 15. He acted as regent after the departure of Manasses, who always followed his counsels at his return, Judith iv. 5. The priesthood was not then incompatible with civil and military functions.

Isaiah 22:21

Girdle, the badge of power, Job xii. 18.

Isaiah 22:22

Shoulder. Here the marks of dignity were worn. Eliacim was appointed master of the palace, over all the other servants. (Calmet) — Thus we may gather what power Christ conferred on St. Peter, when he gave him the keys of heaven, Matthew xvi. 19., and Apocalypse iii. 7. (Haydock)

Isaiah 22:23

Peg, on which whatever is placed shall be secure, 1 Esdras ix. 8.

Isaiah 22:24

House. He shall be the ornament of the priesthood. — Music. All affairs in church and state shall be at his disposal.

Isaiah 22:25

Fall. Sobna shall lose all his employments, and ruin others. (Calmet)