And Elam bore the quiver with chariots and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights specific military units: archers from Elam and shield-bearers from Kir. This detail isn't just about naming nations; it emphasizes the diverse and specialized nature of ancient warfare, showing how different peoples contributed unique skills to an invading force. It's a snapshot of a complex military machine preparing for a siege.
And Elam bore the quiver with chariots and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse describes the mobilization of foreign troops in the Assyrian army invading Judah. Elam, known for its archers, brings its quiver and horsemen, while Kir, likely a Median region, prepares its shields. These nations, subject to Assyria at the time, are depicted as essential components of the invading force, highlighting the widespread threat facing Jerusalem.
Why does Isaiah list specific foreign nations in this description of conflict? It's more than just military might; it's about God's control over all nations.
In Isaiah 22:6, the prophet names Elam and Kir as key components of the invading army. These are not random mentions.
A World Stage for God's Plan
These nations, often subjects or allies of larger empires like Assyria, are brought onto the stage of history to fulfill God's purposes. Even the military strength of these foreign powers is ultimately under His sovereign hand, serving as instruments of His judgment against disobedient Judah.
What do the 'quiver' and 'shield' represent in this context? They're not just weapons; they're potent symbols of the battle about to descend.
The specific military equipment mentioned in Isaiah 22:6 carries significant symbolic weight, pointing to the imminent and overwhelming nature of the invasion.
Preparing for Devastation
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Together, these images paint a stark picture. The enemy is not only equipped for a long-range assault but is now fully prepared for close combat. The 'uncovered shield' suggests the finality of the assault – the defense is exposed, the attack is imminent, and the battle is unavoidable.
Understand the original words
‘Êlām · Hebrew Proper Noun
A powerful ancient nation located east of the Tigris River, often associated with skilled archers and military prowess in biblical history.
’ašpâ · Hebrew Noun
A case or container used for carrying arrows, often symbolic in the Bible of military readiness or the preparation for divine judgment.
merkābâ · Hebrew Noun
A wheeled vehicle used in ancient warfare, often representing military might, human trust in physical power, and the terrifying speed of advancing armies.
Qîr · Hebrew Proper Noun
Refers to the ancient region or people group often associated with military service, sometimes linked to the Arameans, who acted as mercenaries or agents of judgment.
māgēn · Hebrew Noun
A defensive piece of armor; metaphorically, it often represents God's protection of His people or the human reliance on defensive strategies rather than trusting in the Lord.
This verse depicts specific auxiliary forces – Elamite archers and Kir's warriors – as part of the besieging army against Jerusalem. Their inclusion highlights the diverse and formidable coalition assembled by Assyria during Sennacherib's invasion, emphasizing the immense military pressure Judah faced.
c. 705 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, besieging many fortified cities. This event is a direct backdrop for Isaiah's prophecies concerning Jerusalem's impending judgment and the Assyrian threat.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, exiling its population. This event served as a stark warning to the southern Kingdom of Judah about the consequences of disobedience.
c. 8th Century BC
Assyrian Expansion and Dominance
The Neo-Assyrian Empire under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III and Shalmaneser V aggressively expanded its territories, subjugating numerous kingdoms in the Near East.
c. 745 BC
Tiglath-Pileser III's Reforms and Conquests
Tiglath-Pileser III ascended the throne, revitalizing the Assyrian military and initiating a new era of expansion that directly impacted the region around Judah.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation of Judah
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon begins deporting Judean elites to Babylon, marking the start of the Babylonian exile. While later than Isaiah, this event underscores the broader theme of national judgment for Judah.
This passage also mentions the 'bow of Elam,' highlighting their historical skill as archers, reinforcing the description in Isaiah of their military contribution.
2 Kings 16:9This verse names Kir as a region from which Tiglath-Pileser carried away captives, showing its connection to the broader geopolitical landscape of the Assyrian empire, similar to its mention in Isaiah.
Ezekiel 32:24This passage lists Elam among powerful nations who have gone down to Sheol, recognizing them as a significant military force, which aligns with their portrayal in Isaiah as part of an invading army.
Isaiah 21:7This earlier passage in Isaiah also describes a 'chariot with a pair of horsemen' in a military context, suggesting a continuity in the imagery of warfare used by the prophet.
cambridgeIsaiah 22:6: "And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield."
6 . Elam (see on Isaiah 21:2 ) and Kir (not identified: 2 Kings 16:9 ; Amos 1:5 ; Amos 9:7 ) are mentioned as furnishing auxiliaries to the Assyrian army. There is force in Cheyne’s argument that some words may have fallen out before this verse, since it is difficult to understand the prominence given to these mercenary troops in the description of the siege. The “bow of Elam” is mentioned i…
barnesIsaiah 22:6: "And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield."
And Elam - The southern part of Persia, perhaps used here to denote Persia in general (see the note at Isaiah 21:2 ). Elam, or Persia, was at this time subject to Assyria, and their forces were united doubtless in the invasion of Judea. Bare the quiver - A 'quiver' is a case in which arrows are carried. This was usually hung upon the shoulders, and thus "borne" by the soldier when he entered…
The verse highlights specific military units: archers from Elam and shield-bearers from Kir. This detail isn't just about naming nations; it emphasizes the diverse and specialized nature of ancient warfare, showing how different peoples contributed unique skills to an invading force. It's a snapshot of a complex military machine preparing for a siege.
This verse describes the mobilization of foreign troops in the Assyrian army invading Judah. Elam, known for its archers, brings its quiver and horsemen, while Kir, likely a Median region, prepares its shields. These nations, subject to Assyria at the time, are depicted as essential components of the invading force, highlighting the widespread threat facing Jerusalem.
This verse describes the mobilization of foreign troops in the Assyrian army invading Judah. Elam, known for its archers, brings its quiver and horsemen, while Kir, likely a Median region, prepares its shields. These nations, subject to Assyria at the time, are depicted as essential components of the invading force, highlighting the widespread threat facing Jerusalem.
"And Elam bore the quiver with chariots and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield." — The verse highlights specific military units: archers from Elam and shield-bearers from Kir. This detail isn't just about naming nations; it emphasizes the diverse and specialized nature of ancient w…
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Last reviewed October 2026