Isaiah 22:9 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →People survey the damage to Jerusalem's walls and rush to secure water supplies for a prolonged siege.
The Context of Isaiah 22:9
Jerusalemites take practical steps to prepare for siege, but without relying on God.
What Does Isaiah 22:9 Mean?
'Breaches of the city of David' refers to damage in Jerusalem's walls—cracks, weak points, or perhaps literal breaks from earlier attacks. 'That they are many' shows the extent of disrepair, suggesting the city's defenses were already compromised before this crisis. The people have observed this deterioration.
'Gathered together the waters of the lower pool' shows the population acting on survival instinct: securing water supplies before the siege tightens completely. Water was crucial in prolonged sieges, so digging or collecting water sources was practical defense. Yet this human industry cannot substitute for the faith they have abandoned.
Isaiah 22:9 in the Original Language
paretz (פָּרַץ), 'breaches'—broken places, ruptures in walls or defenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 22:9
What does Isaiah 22:9 mean?
People survey the damage to Jerusalem's walls and rush to secure water supplies for a prolonged siege.
What is the context of Isaiah 22:9?
Jerusalemites take practical steps to prepare for siege, but without relying on God.