Isaiah 22:1-13

1Here is a message about the Valley of Vision: What is the reason that all of you go up to the rooftops?

2The noisy city is full of raucous sounds; the town is filled with revelry. Your slain were not cut down by the sword; they did not die in battle.

3All your leaders ran away together – they fled to a distant place; all your refugees were captured together – they were captured without a single arrow being shot.

4So I say: “Don’t look at me! I am weeping bitterly. Don’t try to console me concerning the destruction of my defenseless people.”

5For the sovereign master, the Lord who commands armies, has planned a day of panic, defeat, and confusion. In the Valley of Vision people shout and cry out to the hill.

6The Elamites picked up the quiver, and came with chariots and horsemen; the men of Kir prepared the shield.

7Your very best valleys were full of chariots; horsemen confidently took their positions at the gate.

8They removed the defenses of Judah. At that time you looked for the weapons in the House of the Forest.

9You saw the many breaks in the walls of the city of David; you stored up water in the lower pool.

10You counted the houses in Jerusalem, and demolished houses so you could have material to reinforce the wall.

11You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool – but you did not trust in the one who made it; you did not depend on the one who formed it long ago!

12At that time the sovereign master, the Lord who commands armies, called for weeping and mourning, for shaved heads and sackcloth.

13But look, there is outright celebration! You say, “Kill the ox and slaughter the sheep, eat meat and drink wine. Eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”