Matthew Henry Commentary Isaiah 22:8-14
Matthew Henry Commentary
Isaiah 22:8-14
Matthew Henry Commentary
Isaiah 22:8-14
SCRIPTURE
"And he took away the covering of Judah; and thou didst look in that day to the armor in the house of the forest. And ye saw the breaches of the city of David, that they were many; and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool; and ye numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and ye brake down the houses to fortify the wall; ye made also a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But ye looked not unto him that had done this, neither had ye respect unto him that purposed it long ago. And in that day did the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth: and behold, joy and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine: let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we shall die. And Jehovah of hosts revealed himself in mine ears, Surely this iniquity shall not be forgiven you till ye die, saith the Lord, Jehovah of hosts." — Isaiah 22:8-14 (ASV)
The weakness of Judah now appeared more than ever. Now also they revealed their carnal confidence and their carnal security. They looked to the fortifications. They made sure of water for the city. But they were regardless of God in all these preparations.
They did not care for his glory in what they did. They did not depend upon him for a blessing on their efforts. For every creature is to us what God makes it to be; and we must bless him for it, and use it for him. They showed great contempt for God's wrath and justice by contending with them.
God's design was to humble them and bring them to repentance. They walked contrary to this. Actual disbelief in a life after this one is at the bottom of the carnal security and brutish sensuality, which are the sin, the shame, and ruin of so great a part of humankind. God was displeased at this.
It is a sin against the remedy, and it is unlikely they will ever repent of it. Whether this unbelief works by presumption or despair, it produces the same contempt of God and is a sign that a person will perish willfully.