translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: ISA

label: NET study note

text: The following message pertains to Jerusalem. The significance of referring to the city as the Valley of Vision is uncertain. Perhaps the Hinnom Valley is in view, but why it is associated with a prophetic revelatory “vision” is not entirely clear. Maybe the Hinnom Valley is called this because the destruction that will take place there is the focal point of this prophetic message (see v. 5 ).


text: Apparently they died from starvation during the siege that preceded the final conquest of the city. See J. N. Oswalt, Isaiah (NICOT), 1:409.


text: Perhaps “the hill” refers to the temple mount.


text: A distant region in the direction of Mesopotamia; see Amos 1:5; 9:7 .


text: The Elamites and men of Kir may here symbolize a fierce army from a distant land. If this oracle anticipates a Babylonian conquest of the city (see 39:5-7 ), then the Elamites and men of Kir are perhaps viewed here as mercenaries in the Babylonian army. See J. N. Oswalt, Isaiah (NICOT), 1:410.


text: Perhaps this refers to a royal armory, or to Solomon’s “House of the Forest of Lebanon,” where weapons may have been kept (see 1 Kgs 10:16-17 ).


text: Apparently the reference to chariots alludes to Shebna’s excessive pride, which in turn brings disgrace to the royal family.


text: This may refer to a literal insignia worn by the chief administrator. Even so, it would still symbolize the administrator’s authority to grant or exclude access to the king. See J. N. Oswalt, Isaiah (NICOT), 1:422.


text: The metaphor depicts how secure his position will be.


text: Eliakim’s authority, though seemingly secure, will eventually be removed, and with it his family’s prominence.