King James Version

What Does Isaiah 22:7 Mean?

Isaiah 22:7 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass, that thy choicest valleys shall be full of chariots, and the horsemen shall set themselves in...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall come to pass, that thy choicest valleys shall be full of chariots, and the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate. thy: Heb. the choice of thy valleys at: or, towards”

Isaiah 22:7 · KJV

Context

5

For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.

6

And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield. uncovered: Heb. made naked

7

And it shall come to pass, that thy choicest valleys shall be full of chariots, and the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate. thy: Heb. the choice of thy valleys at: or, towards

8

And he discovered the covering of Judah, and thou didst look in that day to the armour of the house of the forest.

9

Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool.

Read Isaiah 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it shall come to pass, that thy choicest valleys shall be full of chariots—the Hebrew בְּחִירַיִךְ (bechirayikh, "your choice valleys") refers to Jerusalem's best, most fertile valleys around the city. Invading chariots (רֶכֶב, rekhev) fill these valleys, transforming productive agricultural land into military staging areas for siege.

And the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate (וְהַפָּרָשִׁים שֹׁת יָשֹׁתוּ הַשָּׁעְרָה, vehaparashim shot yashotu hasha'arah)—cavalry position themselves strategically at the gates, the city's vulnerable entry points. "Set in array" (שׁוּת, shut) means to set, place deliberately—a calculated military positioning for siege or assault.

This verse describes the final stage before siege: enemy forces have surrounded the city, filled the valleys with chariots, and positioned horsemen at every gate. Jerusalem is completely encircled, trapped. All their defensive preparations (vv.8-11) are about to be tested—and will prove insufficient without divine help.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This accurately describes Assyrian siege tactics under Sennacherib (701 BC), depicted in Assyrian palace reliefs showing chariot and cavalry deployments around besieged cities. It also foreshadows Babylon's siege (586 BC) when Nebuchadnezzar's armies surrounded Jerusalem, cut off escape routes, and starved the city into submission (2 Kings 25:1-4). Ancient siege warfare involved cutting off supplies, preventing escape, and psychological warfare through visible military might arrayed at the gates.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the image of enemy forces filling 'your choicest valleys' illustrate how sin's consequences often strike at our best, most valued areas?
  2. What does the systematic positioning of horsemen 'at the gate' teach about how spiritual enemies methodically attack vulnerable entry points in our lives?
  3. Why do human defensive preparations (fortifications, weapons, alliances) fail when spiritual foundations are compromised?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיְהִ֥י1 of 9
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִבְחַר2 of 9

“And it shall come to pass that thy choicest”

H4005

select, i.e., best

עֲמָקַ֖יִךְ3 of 9

“valleys”

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)

מָ֣לְאוּ4 of 9

“shall be full”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

רָ֑כֶב5 of 9

“of chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וְהַפָּ֣רָשִׁ֔ים6 of 9

“and the horsemen”

H6571

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

שָׁ֥תוּ7 of 9

“shall set”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

שָׁ֥תוּ8 of 9

“shall set”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

הַשָּֽׁעְרָה׃9 of 9

“at the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 22:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 22:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 10:28-32Isaiah 8:7-8Jeremiah 39:1-3Isaiah 37:34

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