These two chapters are describing specific historical prophecies of the downfall of Jerusalem and of Tyre. These chapters seem fairly self-and-minimal-footnotes-explanatory, and frankly I not quite sure what else to say about them unless I intend to summarise, which is tedious.
Instead of insisting on tedium, may I introduce a theory by Dante that he gleaned from reading the Bible and trying to piece together the popular idea of "The Ages of Man". In Isaiah, there are several references to events in the time of Christ's life; in today's readings it is a reference to the lifespan of a king (70 years, according to 23:15). There was a clearer reference, before--about how the chosen one of God would not live to the fulness of his years; something about a bloom that would wither before its time? I can't believe I can't find it, now, but anyway: the maturity of life Dante counted as 35 years old, and the fact that Christ died in his 33rd year signified to him that this passage of Isaiah was a Messianic prophecy.
(Now, if you weren't impressed with those acrobatics, wait till you see me breathe fire . . .)
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22:9-11 reminds me of psalm 127, "Unless the Lord build the house, the labor in vain who build it. Unless the Lord guard the city, in vain does the guard keep vigil." In short, if you've strayed from God, don't bother! The complement this warning comes in Isaiah 26:1 where Judah sings happily that they are a strong city because the Lord set up their walls and ramparts.
By the way, I love that part in the theory by Dante where it's understood be all that you aren't mature until 25 and should be kept from doing some things lawfully. Maybe we should go back to that... I'm feeling a bit young myself :)
Dante and I do have our quarrels, but I find a lit of what he has to say quite thought-provoking, if not absolutely amusing:)
a lot* drat it, a LOT*
Lit is ingrained in you. I wouldn't wonder if it came out in place of every L-word. :)
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