Isaiah 22:6
Elam takes up a quiver, with chariots and horsemen, and Kir uncovers the shield.
Elam takes up a quiver
Elam, an ancient kingdom located east of Babylon, is often associated with Persia in biblical texts. The mention of Elam here signifies a formidable military force, as they were known for their archery skills. Historically, Elam was a significant power in the region, and its inclusion in this prophecy highlights the threat to Jerusalem. The quiver, a container for arrows, symbolizes readiness for battle and impending conflict. This imagery connects to other scriptures where God uses foreign nations as instruments of judgment (e.g., Isaiah 13:17).

with chariots and horsemen
Chariots and horsemen were symbols of military strength and speed in ancient warfare. The presence of these elements indicates a well-equipped and organized army. In the context of Isaiah, this imagery serves to emphasize the seriousness of the threat against Jerusalem. The use of chariots and horsemen is reminiscent of other biblical passages where God allows foreign armies to execute His judgment (e.g., Exodus 14:9, where Pharaoh's chariots pursue the Israelites).

and Kir uncovers the shield
Kir is another region or people group, possibly located in Mesopotamia or near Elam. The act of uncovering the shield suggests preparation for battle, as shields were often covered to protect them from the elements when not in use. This phrase indicates that Kir is also preparing for war, aligning with Elam against Jerusalem. The uncovering of the shield can be seen as a metaphor for revealing one's intentions or readiness to engage in conflict. This aligns with the broader theme of divine judgment and the use of foreign nations as instruments of God's will, as seen in other prophetic texts (e.g., Amos 1:5, where Kir is mentioned in the context of judgment).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elam
An ancient kingdom located east of Babylon, often associated with Persia. In this context, Elam represents a foreign power used by God as an instrument of judgment.

2. Kir
A region or people group, possibly located in Mesopotamia or near the Arameans. Kir's involvement signifies the gathering of nations against Jerusalem.

3. Quiver, Chariots, and Horsemen
Symbols of military strength and preparedness for battle. These elements highlight the impending threat and the seriousness of the situation.

4. Uncovered the Shield
A phrase indicating readiness for war. In ancient times, shields were often covered to protect them from the elements, and uncovering them signified preparation for combat.

5. Jerusalem
The city under threat in this passage, representing the people of God who are facing divine judgment due to their disobedience.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God uses nations and events to fulfill His purposes, even when it involves judgment. Believers should recognize His sovereignty and seek to align with His will.

Preparedness for Spiritual Battle
Just as Elam and Kir prepared for physical battle, Christians must be spiritually prepared. This involves putting on the full armor of God and being vigilant in prayer.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Jerusalem's predicament serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. Believers are called to live in obedience and faithfulness.

Hope in God's Justice
While judgment is a theme, God's justice also brings hope. He is righteous and will ultimately restore and redeem His people.

Intercession for Nations
Understanding that God uses nations for His purposes, Christians are encouraged to pray for their own nation and others, seeking God's mercy and guidance.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the involvement of Elam and Kir in Isaiah 22:6 illustrate God's control over nations and history?

2. In what ways can the imagery of military preparedness in this verse inspire Christians to be spiritually prepared?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience. How did it affect your relationship with God, and what did you learn from it?

4. How can the concept of God's justice in judgment provide hope and encouragement in today's world?

5. Considering Ephesians 6:10-18, what practical steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually prepared for the battles you face?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 21
The preceding chapter also speaks of judgment against Babylon, showing a pattern of God using foreign nations to execute His will.

2 Kings 16:9
This passage mentions Kir in the context of God's judgment, providing historical context for the involvement of foreign powers.

Jeremiah 49:34-39
Prophecies against Elam, showing that while God uses nations for His purposes, they are also subject to His judgment.

Ephesians 6:10-18
The armor of God passage, which contrasts physical warfare with spiritual warfare, reminding believers of the true nature of their battles.
Judgment Upon JerusalemE. Johnson Isaiah 22:1-14
The Sorrow of the WorldW. Clarkson Isaiah 22:1-14
People
Aram, David, Elam, Eliakim, Hilkiah, Isaiah, Shebna
Places
Elam, House of the Forest, Jerusalem, Kedar, Kir
Topics
Aram, Armed, Arrows, Bare, Beareth, Bore, Borne, Breastplate, Carried, Chariot, Charioteers, Chariots, Elam, Exposed, Horseback, Horsemen, Horses, Infantry, Kir, Quiver, Shield, Takes, Troops, Uncovered, Uncovereth, Uncovers
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 22:6

     5488   quivers

Library
Prevailing Prayer.
Text.--The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.--James v. 16. THE last lecture referred principally to the confession of sin. To-night my remarks will be chiefly confined to the subject of intercession, or prayer. There are two kinds of means requisite to promote a revival; one to influence men, the other to influence God. The truth is employed to influence men, and prayer to move God. When I speak of moving God, I do not mean that God's mind is changed by prayer, or that his
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion

Sundry Sharp Reproofs
This doctrine draws up a charge against several sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet have not learned this art of holy mourning. Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. Most are like the stony ground which lacked moisture' (Luke 8:6). We have many cry out of hard times, but they are not sensible of hard hearts. Hot and dry is the worst temper of the body. Sure
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ
In two things chiefly does the fundamental difference appear between Christianity and all other religious systems, notably Rabbinism. And in these two things, therefore, lies the main characteristic of Christ's work; or, taking a wider view, the fundamental idea of all religions. Subjectively, they concern sin and the sinner; or, to put it objectively, the forgiveness of sin and the welcome to the sinner. But Rabbinism, and every other system down to modern humanitarianism - if it rises so high in
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
Subdivision B. The Great Confession Made by Peter. (Near Cæsarea Philippi, Summer, a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XVI. 13-20; ^B Mark VIII. 27-30; ^C Luke IX. 18-21. ^b 27 And Jesus went forth, and his disciples, into the villages of Cæsarea Philippi [The city of Paneas was enlarged by Herod Philip I., and named in honor of Tiberias Cæsar. It also bore the name Philippi because of the name of its builder, and to distinguish it from Cæsarea Palestinæ or Cæsarea Strotonis, a
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Isaiah 22:6 NIV
Isaiah 22:6 NLT
Isaiah 22:6 ESV
Isaiah 22:6 NASB
Isaiah 22:6 KJV

Isaiah 22:6 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Isaiah 22:5
Top of Page
Top of Page