Isaiah 22:10 Meaning and Explanation
“And ye have numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In desperation, people count available buildings and demolish houses to use the rubble and stone to reinforce city walls.
The Context of Isaiah 22:10
Jerusalem's residents undertake emergency fortifications by demolishing private structures.
What Does Isaiah 22:10 Mean?
'Numbered the houses' means inventoried available structures—a sign of wartime resource accounting. The grim implication is that buildings are assessed not for their inhabitants' comfort but as raw material for war. 'Broken down' refers to deliberate demolition.
This drastic measure—tearing down houses to strengthen walls—shows both ingenuity and despair. It reveals that the people understand the siege threat is existential; they will sacrifice private property and homes for a chance at corporate survival. Yet this frantic engineering effort, lacking divine trust, remains spiritually hollow and ultimately futile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 22:10
What does Isaiah 22:10 mean?
In desperation, people count available buildings and demolish houses to use the rubble and stone to reinforce city walls.
What is the context of Isaiah 22:10?
Jerusalem's residents undertake emergency fortifications by demolishing private structures.