Isaiah 22:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Israelites presumed that they could conquer their adversaries through mere human effort. They counted the city's houses and measured the stored water, finding it plentiful, and from the ancient reservoir, they drew water into the city through canals, believing it would suffice, no matter the siege's duration. Furthermore, he notes that, in the process of demolishing the homes in the city, they focused on reinforcing the walls. And you shall not regard the one who established it initially, nor shall you see the craftsman behind it. For it was wise, he asserts, to rely not on their own might or fortune, but rather to turn to Him who has consistently been a protector of the holy city; for the mountains surround it, as the Lord surrounds His people (Psalms 124:2). This was also proclaimed to him through the prophet, saying: and I will be to it, saith the Lord, a wall of fire round about, and in glory will I be in the midst of it (Zechariah 2:5). Yet you, he states, have ignored this completely and have scorned what you could have received from God. As though you had no need of greater assistance, you foolishly placed your faith in stone structures. Instead, it would be far more prudent to call upon the invincible right hand for aid, striving to receive what is offered through God's mercy and compassion, addressing Him as Savior and Redeemer, and shedding tears of repentance with a contrite heart.

A cistern was established between the walls, and the ancient pool was revitalized to conserve water; however, the most important aspect—the reliance on God, the true Creator of the city and owner of the pool—was overlooked. It implies that you placed greater trust in humans rather than in God, who is the Creator of humanity.

In a mystical interpretation, some perceive the ancient pool as a representation of the law. They suggest that between the two walls—symbolizing the old and new covenants, as well as traditions and commandments—the pool of the Pharisees was constructed, which ultimately cannot retain water. They did not turn their gaze towards the Son of God and lacked faith in His promised coming. This happened because they had consistently been unfaithful to the commandments of the Lord.

Addressing the situation, you, who observe breaches in the city of David—representative of the Church—see the many divisions in the world. You have gathered the water of your own doctrines, not from the divine source above, but from the lower reservoir, and have either marked or destroyed the houses of Jerusalem to uphold your wall. You have failed to dig wells filled with living and eternal water but settled for unreliable pools that cannot sustain water. You established these between the old and new covenants while neglecting the waters of the ancient covenant and disregarding the Lawgiver, God, who created all.

Moreover, the heretics believed in their own multitude and, relying on their numbers, severed ties with the doctrine of the old covenant, dismantling the houses of Jerusalem to erect wicked councils. They rejected the old covenant without adhering to the new, even though the new covenant is validated by the testimonies found in the old. Thus, between the old and new walls, they constructed for themselves new waters, which they consider to possess inner mysteries beyond those revealed in the Old Testament. Yet they did not look upon God, the Creator of the Old Testament, nor did they desire to discern the Creator from afar.