\\INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 22\\

This chapter contains two prophecies, one concerning the invasion of
Judah and Jerusalem, not by the Medes and Persians, but by the Assyrian
army, under which they served; and the other of the removal of Shebna,
an officer in Hezekiah's court, and of the placing of Eliakim in his
stead. After the title of the former of these prophecies, the distress
of the people, through the invasion, is described, by their getting up
to the housetops, \\#Isa 22:1\\ by the stillness of the city, having
left both trade and mirth; by the slain in it, not by the sword, but
through fear or famine, \\#Isa 22:2\\ by the flight of the rulers, and
by the lamentation of the prophet, \\#Isa 22:3-5\\ the instruments of
which distress were the Persians and Medes serving under Sennacherib,
who are described by their quivers and shields, their chariots and
horsemen, \\#Isa 22:6,7\\ the methods the Jews took to defend
themselves, and their vain confidence, are exposed; for which, with
their disrespect to the Lord, and his admonitions, their carnal
security and luxury, they are threatened with death, \\#Isa 22:8-14\\
then follows the prophecy of the deposition of Shebna, who is described
by his name and office, \\#Isa 22:15\\ whose pride is exposed as the
cause of his fall, \\#Isa 22:16\\ and he is threatened not only to be
driven from his station, but to be carried captive into another
country, suddenly and violently, and with great shame and disgrace,
\\#Isa 22:17-19\\ and another put in his place, who is mentioned by
name, \\#Isa 22:20\\ and who should be invested with his office and
power, and have all the ensigns of it, \\#Isa 22:21,22\\ and should
continue long in it, to great honour and usefulness to his family,
\\#Isa 22:23,24\\ yet not always, \\#Isa 22:25\\.