The backdrop of this prophecy seems to be the aftermath of the siege against Jerusalem by Sennacherib, king of Assyria (Isa. 36-37; 2 Chron. 32). Isaiah referred to Jerusalem as the Valley of Vision. God had miraculously delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrians. Jerusalem was filled with revelry and loud celebrations. But at that moment, Isaiah was very distraught by a vision of what would one day happen to his people. The LORD Almighty would bring terror and trample down Jerusalem. This was caused by unrepentance.

The Assyrian siege and the subsequent rescue by the LORD were meant to humble the people of Judah to repent. God stripped away Judah's defenses and allowed Assyria to invade. The people of Jerusalem did everything they could to fortify the city. But they did not turn to God. After God saved his people, they still did not repent. They ate and drank with no regard for God. How do you respond in a crisis or after God brings you through a crisis?

God was angry with his unrepentant people. He saw that it began with a failure in leadership. The LORD would replace the arrogant palace administrator, Shebna, with Eliakim. But Eliakim would also be brought down for his sins.


Application: Father, thank you for getting our attention through pain. Help us to repent and seek you.
One Word: God's grace must lead to repentance.