Isaiah 22:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Enemy forces from Elam and Kir—distant military powers—arrive with full weaponry to besiege Jerusalem.
The Context of Isaiah 22:6
Foreign military allies of Assyria marshal forces to besiege Judah's capital.
What Does Isaiah 22:6 Mean?
Elam and Kir were kingdoms east and north of Judah, allied or employed by the dominant Assyrian empire. 'Bare the quiver' means Elam brings arrows and bows; 'chariots of men and horsemen' denote cavalry and chariot forces. 'Kir uncovered the shield' suggests mobilizing armed warriors in full combat readiness.
This verse makes the threat concrete by naming specific military nations on the move. The accumulation of military hardware—quivers, chariots, horsemen, shields—illustrates the overwhelming force arrayed against Jerusalem. These are not distant threats but actively deploying armies.
Isaiah 22:6 in the Original Language
yashaq (יָשַׁק), 'bare'—to expose or bare, here implying to deploy or brandish weaponry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 22:6
What does Isaiah 22:6 mean?
Enemy forces from Elam and Kir—distant military powers—arrive with full weaponry to besiege Jerusalem.
What is the context of Isaiah 22:6?
Foreign military allies of Assyria marshal forces to besiege Judah's capital.