This passage shows that trusting in human means while ignoring God leads to a false sense of security.
“You made a reservoir between the two walls For the waters of the old pool. But you did not depend on Him who made it, Nor did you take into consideration Him who planned it long ago.” (v.11)
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah admonishes Jerusalem’s inhabitants for focusing on their own ingenuity instead of trusting the LORD. They built physical fortifications and constructed a reservoir between the two walls to ensure their water supply, likely drawing from the old pool near the city. Historical evidence suggests that King Hezekiah (ruling from about 715-686 BC) built impressive waterworks, including an underground conduit and tunnel to secure Jerusalem’s water should the Assyrians attack, a feat still praised in 2 Chronicles 32:30. Nevertheless, Isaiah warns them that by relying on their man-made defenses and failing to look to Him who planned it long ago, they missed the fundamental need to depend on the One who truly secures them. Isaiah had previously referred to the city as the “Valley of Vision” (Isaiah 22:1), indicating both Jerusalem’s special place in God’s plan and the people’s spiritual shortsightedness.The phrase But you did not depend on Him who made it suggests that while these mortals carefully planned for imminent threats, they neglected the eternal reality of God’s sovereign provision and protection. Isaiah’s ministry spanned roughly 740-681 BC, a tumultuous era for Judah. Military invasions and political intrigue continually loomed, and these pressures often tempted the people to seek sham alliances or trust in purely human innovation. Yet the prophet consistently reminded them that all human efforts—no matter how resourceful—are ultimately futile without reverence for the LORD of history. Jerusalem’s defenses may have been skillfully crafted, but they were never meant to supplant their faith in the Creator of both land and water.Isaiah’s reproof remains timeless: faithfulness to God is paramount, and forgetting His hand in every blessing leads to spiritual ruin. Just as Jerusalem’s leaders tried to fortify themselves without turning to the Master Planner, people today often discount the Source of their gifts, relying only on material strength. Isaiah unmasked this disobedience, calling everyone to recognize that God’s plans stand from long ago and carry on into the future.
Set to dark mode
Isaiah 22:11 meaning
“You made a reservoir between the two walls For the waters of the old pool. But you did not depend on Him who made it, Nor did you take into consideration Him who planned it long ago.” (v.11)
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah admonishes Jerusalem’s inhabitants for focusing on their own ingenuity instead of trusting the LORD. They built physical fortifications and constructed a reservoir between the two walls to ensure their water supply, likely drawing from the old pool near the city. Historical evidence suggests that King Hezekiah (ruling from about 715-686 BC) built impressive waterworks, including an underground conduit and tunnel to secure Jerusalem’s water should the Assyrians attack, a feat still praised in 2 Chronicles 32:30. Nevertheless, Isaiah warns them that by relying on their man-made defenses and failing to look to Him who planned it long ago, they missed the fundamental need to depend on the One who truly secures them. Isaiah had previously referred to the city as the “Valley of Vision” (Isaiah 22:1), indicating both Jerusalem’s special place in God’s plan and the people’s spiritual shortsightedness.The phrase But you did not depend on Him who made it suggests that while these mortals carefully planned for imminent threats, they neglected the eternal reality of God’s sovereign provision and protection. Isaiah’s ministry spanned roughly 740-681 BC, a tumultuous era for Judah. Military invasions and political intrigue continually loomed, and these pressures often tempted the people to seek sham alliances or trust in purely human innovation. Yet the prophet consistently reminded them that all human efforts—no matter how resourceful—are ultimately futile without reverence for the LORD of history. Jerusalem’s defenses may have been skillfully crafted, but they were never meant to supplant their faith in the Creator of both land and water.Isaiah’s reproof remains timeless: faithfulness to God is paramount, and forgetting His hand in every blessing leads to spiritual ruin. Just as Jerusalem’s leaders tried to fortify themselves without turning to the Master Planner, people today often discount the Source of their gifts, relying only on material strength. Isaiah unmasked this disobedience, calling everyone to recognize that God’s plans stand from long ago and carry on into the future.