8 And He removed the defense of Judah . In that day you depended on the weapons of the house of the forest , 9 And you saw that the breaches In the wall of the city of David were many ; And you collected the waters of the lower pool . 10 Then you counted the houses of Jerusalem And tore down houses to fortify the wall . 11 And you made a reservoir between the two walls For the waters of the old pool . But you did not depend on Him who made it, Nor did you take into consideration Him who planned it long ago . 12 Therefore in that day the Lord GOD of hosts called you to weeping , to wailing , To shaving the head and to wearing sackcloth . 13 Instead, there is gaiety and gladness , Killing of cattle and slaughtering of sheep , Eating of meat and drinking of wine : " Let us eat and drink , for tomorrow we may die ." 14 But the Lord of hosts revealed Himself to me, "Surely this iniquity shall not be forgiven you Until you die ," says the Lord GOD of hosts .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 22:8-14
Commentary on Isaiah 22:8-14
(Read Isaiah 22:8-14)
The weakness of Judah now appeared more than ever. Now also they discovered their carnal confidence and their carnal security. They looked to the fortifications. They made sure of water for the city. But they were regardless of God in all these preparations. They did not care for his glory in what they did. They did not depend upon him for a blessing on their endeavours. For every creature is to us what God makes it to be; and we must bless him for it, and use it for him. There was great contempt of God's wrath and justice, in contending with them. God's design was to humble them, and bring them to repentance. They walked contrary to this. Actual disbelief of another life after this, is at the bottom of the carnal security and brutish sensuality, which are the sin, the shame, and ruin of so great a part of mankind. God was displeased at this. It is a sin against the remedy, and it is not likely they should ever repent of it. Whether this unbelief works by presumption or despair, it produces the same contempt of God, and is a token that a man will perish wilfully.