_The burden of the valley of vision_ “THE VALLEY OF VISION” This expression is applied to Jerusalem, where Jehovah was pleased to give visions concerning His will to His servants. (_B. Blake, B. D._) THE VALLEY OF VISION It is quite in place, in so far as round Jerusalem there are mountains, and... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ye have not looked unto the Maker thereof_ A GODLESS PRUDENCE They take measures to supply the city with water during its siege, and to cut it off, if possible, from the besiegers. “Why,” as it is written in the history which gives us the fulfilment of this prophecy, “should the kings of Assyria... [ Continue Reading ]
_And in that day did the Lord God of hosts call to weeping. .. And behold joy and gladness_ A CALL TO REPENTANCE I. THE CALL TO REPENTANCE (Isaiah 22:12). 1. The day here referred to was a season of abounding iniquity. A day of sore trouble (Isaiah 22:4). II. THE RECEPTION IT MET WITH. (Isaiah 22... [ Continue Reading ]
_Shebna_ SHEBNA In the councils of Hezekiah there was a strong party favourable to an alliance between Judah and Egypt. At the head of the party stood Shebna. He occupied a post corresponding to that of our prime minister, and was treasurer, or chief adviser of the king. His tenure of office bode... [ Continue Reading ]
_He will surely violently turn and toss the like a ball_ SHEBNA’S DOOM To this unfamilied intruder, who had sought to establish himself in Jerusalem, after the manner of those days, by hewing himself a great sepulchre, Isaiah brought sentence of violent banishment: “Behold, Jehovah will be hurling... [ Continue Reading ]
_My servant Eliakim_ “MY SERVANT ELIAKIM” Who was he? Nobody can tell. Where else is he referred to in Holy Writ? Probably nowhere. Was he then a man without renown? That depends upon what you mean by renown, for he is indicated in the text by terms which imply infinite fame, Say “Eliakim,” and n... [ Continue Reading ]
_And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place_ THE FASTENING HOLD OF CHRIST The fastening force of Christ upon the soul of humanity is seen-- I. IN HIS HOLD UPON THE GENERAL MIND OF THE WORLD. Who, throughout the history of the ages, have laid such a firm grip upon mankind as Christ has? It is... [ Continue Reading ]
_And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father’s house_ ELIAKIM’S FAMILY The vessels, large and small, are figures of the various members of Eliakim’s family. As vessels of every kind are suspended upon a nail, so will Eliakim’s connections, rich and poor alike, support themselves upon... [ Continue Reading ]
_In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed_ ELEVATION IS ONLY HELD ON GOOD CHARACTER Even God who drove in the nail can take it out again. No nail once driven in can do without God, saying, I am driven in now, so I care not what may happen.... [ Continue Reading ]