Topical Bible: Vision of Isaiah of the Valley of Vision

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The "Valley of Vision" is a term found in the Book of Isaiah, specifically in Isaiah 22. This chapter is a prophetic oracle concerning Jerusalem, often referred to as the "Valley of Vision" due to its geographical and spiritual significance. The term reflects both the physical topography of Jerusalem, which is surrounded by valleys, and its role as a center of divine revelation and prophecy.

Context and Background

Isaiah, a major prophet in the Old Testament, ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings. His prophecies often addressed the spiritual and moral state of the nation, calling for repentance and warning of impending judgment. The "Valley of Vision" oracle is set against the backdrop of Assyrian aggression and the political instability of the region.

Isaiah 22:1-14

The oracle begins with a lament over the city of Jerusalem. Isaiah 22:1 states, "This is an oracle concerning the Valley of Vision: What is the matter with you now, that you have all gone up to the rooftops?" The prophet describes a scene of chaos and confusion, with the people of Jerusalem fleeing to their rooftops in panic.

Isaiah's vision reveals a city under siege, filled with noise and tumult. The people are celebrating, but Isaiah sees this as a misplaced confidence, given the looming threat. The prophet chastises the inhabitants for their lack of spiritual insight and their failure to recognize the seriousness of their situation.

Spiritual Blindness and Judgment

The "Valley of Vision" serves as a metaphor for the spiritual blindness of the people. Despite being the recipients of God's revelations, they fail to perceive the divine warnings. Isaiah 22:12-13 highlights this spiritual apathy: "On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth. But look, joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine, 'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!'"

This attitude reflects a disregard for God's call to repentance and a focus on immediate gratification. The people's failure to respond appropriately to God's warnings leads to a pronouncement of judgment. Isaiah 22:14 declares, "The LORD of Hosts revealed in my hearing: 'Until your dying day, this sin will not be atoned for,' says the Lord GOD of Hosts."

Historical and Theological Significance

The "Valley of Vision" oracle is significant both historically and theologically. Historically, it reflects the real threat posed by foreign powers and the internal decay of Judah's leadership. Theologically, it underscores the themes of divine judgment and the necessity of repentance. The oracle serves as a reminder of the consequences of ignoring God's warnings and the importance of spiritual vigilance.

Application for Believers

For contemporary believers, the "Valley of Vision" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual complacency. It calls for an awareness of the times and a readiness to respond to God's call for repentance and faithfulness. The passage challenges believers to seek true vision, grounded in a relationship with God, and to live in a manner that reflects His holiness and righteousness.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 22:1
The burden of the valley of vision. What ails you now, that you are wholly gone up to the housetops?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Fourth vision "On Earth"
... be seen that its Structure exactly corresponds with the preceding Vision "in heaven ...
(See Isaiah 11:16. ... in Hosea 2:14, 15, where we read that the valley of Achor ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision on earth.htm

Isaiah's Discourse
... ORATORY IV ISAIAH'S DISCOURSE. ... beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall
be ... are gone astray through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iv isaiahs discourse.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... months, then this "day of vengeance" of Isaiah 61:2 ... At the point contemplated in
the Vision (Revelation 17:10 ... will be ample time for the Euphrates valley to be ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Moses the Type of Christ.
... His Presence our dwelling-place: but we were cast out of paradise for sinning, and
are in a dreary land, a valley of darkness ... Isaiah saw the vision of the ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon ix moses the type.htm

Ezekiel
... absolute, indifference of ritual to true religion (Amos 5:25, Hosea 6:6, Isaiah
1:11ff ... Nothing could be more impressive than the vision of the valley of dry ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ezekiel.htm

The Judgment of Drunkards and Mockers
... through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble ... Isaiah speaks with fiery
indignation and sharp sarcasm. ... the fertility and beauty of the valley in which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the judgment of drunkards and.htm

The Revelation of Peter. Introduction.
... Epistle of Peter, are to be found in Isaiah 66:24 ... left their traces in such passages
as the Vision of Er ... Jewish Sheol, or among the fires of the valley of Hinnom ...
/.../unknown/the apocalypse of peter/the revelation of peter introduction.htm

Strange Dark Shadowings.
... There is that great throbbing fifty-third of Isaiah, with its ... Such is the great vision
in these Hebrew pages of ... the writers are puzzled at a dark valley of the ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/strange dark shadowings.htm

The Prophet --His Youth and his Call.
... The floor of the Jordan valley is not visible, but across its felt gulf the mountains
of Gilead form a ... That of Isaiah of Jerusalem was the vision of a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture iii the prophethis youth.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... Next follows a prophecy against "the valley of vision ... occupied, like the last part
of Isaiah, with predictions of ... contain a description of the vision which God ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm