Those that are in high places will have many hanging upon them as favorites whom they are proud of and trust to, but they are burdens upon them, and perhaps with their weight break the nail, and both fall together, and by deceiving ruin one another-the common fate of great men and their flatterers, who expect more from each other than either performs. Isaiah saw an army with quivers full of arrows riding in chariots. With its swift and deadly striking ability, the enemy caused panic in the cities. From their housetop views, the residents of Jerusalem, some with advance notice, ran in fear. The chariots down upon Jerusalem in the valley of vision. Those who could run did. But those who were unable to run remained in the city. From there, they awaited capture or death. Quite possibly the best book I've read all year. These prayers are amazing. In Mudhouse Sabbath, Lauren Winner talks about the benefit of a formal prayer book. She notes that her free-form prayers often devolve into narcissism (this has definitely been my experience), but that the formal, written prayers refocus her on God. This book is a great example of the benefit of written prayers. My own free-form prayers often send me down a rabbit hole of my own personal worries and burdens--worries and burdens that I am right to share with God. But I think every one of the prayers in this book contains the Gospel, and when I read them, I am preaching the Gospel to myself. Instead of bringing my problems to God for Him to change, I find my focus shifting to my own sin, God's grace, Christ's sacrifice, and my own undeserved salvation. He will surely turn violently and toss you like a ball into a large country; there you shall die, and there your glorious chariots shall be the shame of your master’s house. So I will drive you out of your office, and from your position, he will pull you down.'” This gorgeous edition is their goatskin version, and it’s built with incredible attention to detail. For starters, it’s Smyth Sewn so it’s going to last your life time and probably your children’s children’s lifetime. It’s supple goatskin, but still firm in the hands. It has two ribbon markers, perimeter stitching, gold gilding.

Eliakim was not yet promoted in Isaiah’s vision, ( I will fasten him as a peg, Isaiah 22:23), Shebna is the peg that was fastened at the moment but was about to be removed, not only from power but from the country. He will be removed and cut down and fall. Probably he carried a golden key upon his shoulder as a badge of his office or had one embroidered upon his cloak or robe, to which this alludes. Being over the house, and having the key delivered to him, as the seals are to the lord-keeper, he shall open and none shall shut, shut and none shall open. This next passage serves as a wonderful reminder of why we should never base our assurance of salvation on our feelings: Your slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle. All your rulers have fled together, they are captured by the archers. During the summer of 2013, my son-in law died from a violent, self-inflicted injury. I spent 6 weeks at his bedside … over 1500 miles away from home. During those days, I often experienced a rather daunting emotional roller coaster ride. I struggled with the reality of death. I struggled with right-to-life issues. Often, I struggled with others, who shared this difficult path together with me. After three weeks, the Lord graciously provided still another home-away from home. Under the coffee table in that home, I discovered a copy of “The Valley of Vision.” It brought me life and peace and comfort. It challenged my heart and my attitude. I bless the Lord for the men whose hearts were on display for me in this book … whose prayers helped me to look upon my own heart and challenged me to lift my eyes up to heart of God. I only wish I had discovered this book over thirty years ago, when I began my full-time ministry. Along with the Scriptures, it will be my companion for the remainder of my earthly journey.The Valley of Vision is a collection of prayers, 195 in all, compiled by Arthur Bennett from various men from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, including John Bunyan, Thomas Watson, David Brainerd, Isaac Watts, Augustus Toplady, Philip Doddridge, and Charles Spurgeon, as well as others. These short, devotional, poetic prayers are a wonderful way to start and/or end each day. They would serve well for private, personal devotions and meditation, or for family worship.

Then it shall be in that day, that I will call My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, I will clothe him with your robe And strengthen him with your belt. I will commit your responsibility into his hand. The prophet noted something ominous that made their efforts worthless. He removed the protection of Judah. God was their protection, but he would no longer be their protector. They had fatal flaws that God would not overlook. The prophet saw it in his vision But you did not look to its Maker, nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago. I have been using the Valley of Vision (bonded leather) for about 9 years (since my early 20’s). I had really run it into the ground from daily use and it was time for an upgrade. My wife recognized this and for Christmas (2020) she bought me the recent Goatskin edition and it is a great upgrade to the bonded leather. The content is identical but the cover is upgraded as well as two ribbon markers are included instead of one. My hope is to see this one last another decade and then some. The city of Jerusalem is on top of a hill. And there are valleys to the East, West, and South. The city does look down upon some surrounding areas but it sits lower than a large mountainous region to the east. Between the Jerusalem mount and the taller mountains to the east, a long deep valley runs south and ends at the Dead Sea region. As many historical leaders have done, Shebna set out to build himself a lasting memorial. When he died he wanted his memory to live on for centuries. He built himself a great tomb. Like the Pharaohs of old, this vain leader wanted people to remember him. Shebna’s vanity was a reflection of the people he led. In the Valley of Vision, a people called by God to excel in humble service to Him were an embarrassment.To this v. 25 refers. “The nail that is now fastened in the sure place (that is, Shebna, who thinks himself immovably fixed in his office) shall be removed, and cut down, and fall.’ The burden against the Valley of Vision. What ails you now, that you have all gone up to the housetops, you who are full of noise, a tumultuous city, a joyous city?