Isaiah 22:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 22:13
13 And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 22 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, sacrifice, discipleship. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 22:13
13 And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.
Analysis
'And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.' This verse captures hedonistic response to crisis: since judgment comes, pursue pleasure. The phrase 'let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die' is quoted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:32 regarding resurrection denial—if no afterlife, pursue present pleasure. Yet here it represents faithless response—instead of repentance when facing judgment, they harden hearts in defiant hedonism. This demonstrates a common response to crisis: either repentance or hardening. Some turn to God under pressure; others turn away toward pleasure or despair. The passage condemns this response as rebellion against God's disciplinary purposes. Reformed theology emphasizes divine chastisement's purpose is repentance and restoration, but human hearts can resist even under judgment.
Historical Context
This likely describes Jerusalem during siege preparations—knowing judgment approaches, people feast defiantly. Belshazzar's feast in Daniel 5 exemplifies this pattern—feasting while judgment arrives. Modern equivalent appears when people facing death embrace hedonism ('live it up'), substance abuse, or nihilistic pleasure-seeking rather than repentance. The Epicurean philosophy ('eat, drink, be merry') that Paul references represents this worldview systematized—if no afterlife or judgment, pleasure maximization is rational. Christianity confronts this with resurrection reality and coming judgment, demonstrating that present choices have eternal consequences. The passage warns against hardened hearts that respond to divine discipline with defiance rather than repentance. History shows civilizations in decline often embrace hedonism and nihilism rather than reform—Rome's decline included such characteristics.
Reflection
- What does defiant hedonism in face of judgment reveal about hardened hearts?
- How does resurrection belief counter 'eat, drink for tomorrow we die' philosophy?
- Why do some respond to crisis with repentance while others harden in pleasure-seeking?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 56:12, 1 Corinthians 15:32, James 5:5