If the prophecy here is in chronological order, Assyria is ruling the world, and Babylon has not yet risen to power! But Macarthur and others point out that this verse seems to be quoted by the apostle John in his Revelation, applying it to the final fall of the final Babylon. Bible students will want to keep their eyes on the rise of a power in the world that seems to be headed for world domination. Rome. Babylon. The mystery here is deeper than most understand.

23. Isaiah 21:11-12. The watchman of verse 8 is re-visited here and asked just how bad things are for Edom. What is his response?

Obviously night follows morning, but in the context of the question, it seems the watchman is indicating that things will get better for Edom, (released from Assyrian oppression) but then worse again (oppressed by Babylon). Commentators suggest that all of this indecision has to do with the character of the Edomites and their unwillingness to repent fully. That would explain the enigmatic verse 12’s ending. “If you want to ask more about this, fine, but be sure to turn from your sins and to God.

24. Isaiah 22:1. Where was/is the valley of “vision.”

All agree this is Jerusalem. Though it is on a hill, it is surrounded by hills and comparatively could be considered a “valley.” But why the “vision” part? Here seems to be the very “seat” of revelation, says Benson. God spoke to prophets. God appeared in His Temple. One day the New Jerusalem will be the Capital City of the true “vision” of God Himself.

25. Isaiah 22: 15-25. The text mentions Shebna, and one Eliakim who is to replace him. Who were these men, and when did they live?

These were men who served in King Hezekiah’s administration (Judah, southern kingdom). Shebna, the treasurer of the realm, personified the things about which Isaiah prophesied. He was arrogant, self-centered, perhaps even a thief, as one treasurer later, Judas, who used God’s money for his own purposes. Shebna is first to be demoted, then thrown out of the country altogether, where he will die a disgraceful death.

For these reasons I part company with John Macarthur, who ties this man to the other Shebna of Isaiah, and II Kings. That other Shebna was a scribe. According to Macarthur, this office of scribe was so much lower than the office of treasurer that it fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah about a demotion. I feel that the original Shebna’s demotion involved far more than another office in the King’s service, but rather, catastrophic changes in his position, ending in his death.

As for Eliakim, there are at least five men by this name in Scripture. One of them was actually one of the last kings of Judah. But this one lived much earlier, was loved and honored by God, and was placed over the household of King Hezekiah, replacing Shebna. II Kings records that he and two others were sent to receive a message from the threatening Assyrian invaders.