Yeshaya Perek 22

• A prophecy about the “Valley of Vision.” (Rashi, Radak, Yerushalmi)

• Taanis 29A: At the time of the destruction of the first Beis Hamikdash all of the Kohanim went onto the roof of the Beis Hamikdash with the keys to the Beis Hamikdash in their hands. They called out to Hashem to take back the keys as apparently there were no more honest people left. They then proceeded to jump off the roof into the burning fires below.

• The great, busy city of Yerushalayim has emptied out because all of her residents have fled for the lives.

• Yeshaya called out, “Don’t try to console me; just let me cry!”

• The valley of Yerushalayim is filled with weapons of war and the walls of Yerushalayim have been breached. This refers to the seventeenth of Tammuz, when the walls of Yerushalayim were breached. Three weeks later the Beis Hamikdash was destroyed.

• Instead of the mourning that should have taken place, the streets were filled with the happiness and joy of the enemies who destroyed the Beis Hamikdash.

• Yeshaya related a harsh prophecy about Shevna.

Note: Shevna was a royal treasurer in the times of Chizkiyahu. Shevna betrayed Chizkiyahu and tried to hand over the keys to the city gates of Yerushalayim to Sancheriv.

• Shevna also prepared for himself a grave on the royal burial grounds, as he wanted to be king.

• Hashem would disgrace and embarrass Shevna.

• Shevna’s position of authority would be given to Elyakim ben Chilkiyahu.

Note: For more info on the background, see NachDaily, Melachim II, Pereks 22, 23 and 24.