Isaiah 22: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 22 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jerusalem’s people are in the Valley of Vision. They are confused and full of shouting. Their leaders have fled during a time of trouble (vv. 1-3). The people do not mourn for their slain. The strong walls are breaking down, and the city is in chaos (vv. 4-5). Yahweh calls for mourning, but the people celebrate instead, saying, 'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will die' (vv. 12-13). Yahweh declares that their sin will not be forgiven (v. 14).

Key verse

“In that day, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, called to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to dressing in sackcloth:”
Isaiah 22:12 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 22:1–4 Destruction in the Valley of Vision
Isaiah 22:5–11 Call to Mourning Ignored
Isaiah 22:12–14 God's Judgment Announced
Isaiah 22:15–19 Rebuke of Shebna
Isaiah 22:20–24 Eliakim as New Leader
Isaiah 22:25 The Fate of Eliakim

Discussion questions

In v6, what does Elam carry with him as he approaches Jerusalem?
What does the phrase 'killing cattle and killing sheep' (v13) suggest about the people's state of mind?
The statement 'this iniquity will not be forgiven you until you die' (v14): what implications does this have for the people of Judah?
In vv. 19-20, how does God’s promise to replace Shebna with Eliakim indicate a shift in leadership philosophy?
When have you felt a false sense of security like the people celebrating 'Let us eat and drink' (v13)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 22: Revelation 3, Matthew 16, Revelation 1.

Before next time: read Isaiah 23.