King James Version
What Does Isaiah 22:8 Mean?
“And he discovered the covering of Judah, and thou didst look in that day to the armour of the house of the forest.”
Isaiah 22:8 · KJV
Context
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.
10
And ye have numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd he discovered the covering of Judah (וַיְגַל אֵת מָסַךְ יְהוּדָה, vayegal et masakh Yehudah)—"discovered" (גָּלָה, galah) means uncovered, revealed, exposed. The "covering" (מָסַךְ, masakh) could refer to protective defense or the veil of false security. God removes Judah's defenses, exposing their vulnerability.
And thou didst look in that day to the armour of the house of the forest—when danger came, Judah looked to the house of the forest (בֵּית־יַעַר, beit-ya'ar), Solomon's armory built with Lebanon cedar (1 Kings 7:2, 10:17), which stored weapons and shields. The verb "didst look" (נָבַט, nabat) means to regard, consider, trust in.
The indictment: when God removed protection, they looked to weapons stockpiles instead of looking to God. This begins a series of human efforts (vv.9-11): inspecting breaches, gathering water, numbering houses, breaking down buildings to fortify walls—all pragmatic military preparations, but missing the essential element: seeking God. Good strategy without repentance is futile.
And thou didst look in that day to the armour of the house of the forest—when danger came, Judah looked to the house of the forest (בֵּית־יַעַר, beit-ya'ar), Solomon's armory built with Lebanon cedar (1 Kings 7:2, 10:17), which stored weapons and shields. The verb "didst look" (נָבַט, nabat) means to regard, consider, trust in.
The indictment: when God removed protection, they looked to weapons stockpiles instead of looking to God. This begins a series of human efforts (vv.9-11): inspecting breaches, gathering water, numbering houses, breaking down buildings to fortify walls—all pragmatic military preparations, but missing the essential element: seeking God. Good strategy without repentance is futile.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The 'house of the forest of Lebanon' was Solomon's impressive armory (1 Kings 7:2-5), named for its cedar pillars. It stored 500 shields and various weapons. When threatened by Sennacherib's invasion (701 BC), Hezekiah did exactly this—prepared defenses, fortified walls, secured water supply (2 Chronicles 32:2-5). These were wise military measures, but Isaiah condemns trusting these instead of repenting and seeking God (vv.12-14). Later, Babylon emptied this very armory (2 Kings 25:13-17).
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean that God 'discovered the covering of Judah'—removing their sense of security to expose their true vulnerability?
- How do we similarly 'look to the armour' of human resources, strategies, or preparations instead of first looking to God in crisis?
- Why are good strategic preparations insufficient when spiritual repentance and dependence on God are absent?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsוַיְגַ֕ל1 of 11
“And he discovered”
H1540to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
אֵ֖ת2 of 11
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוּדָ֑ה4 of 11
“of Judah”
H3063jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וַתַּבֵּט֙5 of 11
“and thou didst look”
H5027to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
בַּיּ֣וֹם6 of 11
“in that day”
H3117a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֔וּא7 of 11
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
נֶ֖שֶׁק9 of 11
“to the armour”
H5402military equipment, i.e., (collectively) arms (offensive or defensive), or (concretely) an arsenal
בֵּ֥ית10 of 11
“of the house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הַיָּֽעַר׃11 of 11
“of the forest”
H3293a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
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 22:8 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 22:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge