Isaiah 22:3

All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in thee are bound together, which haue fled from farre. Isaiah 22:3 (KJV)

Isaiah 22:3 belongs to the oracle titled “The Oracle concerning the Valley of Vision,” which is found in the book of Isaiah, chapter 22. In this verse the prophet paints a vivid picture of distress and chaos in Jerusalem. The opening phrase, “All thy rulers are fled together,” indicates that the city’s leaders have abandoned their posts, leaving the people without guidance or stable authority. The subsequent image, “they are bound by the archers,” can be understood both literally—as captors restraining the rulers—and metaphorically, as external forces rendering the leaders powerless.

Some translations render the verse with additional details: “All thy mighty men are fled, and the counsel of the elders is broken; they that were mighty are gone down to the house of a woman, and the princes are no more.” This wording reinforces the same theme of leadership collapse, describing the broken counsel of the elders and the humiliation of once‑mighty officials.

The phrase “All that are found in thee are bound together, which have fled from far” expands the disaster to include those who sought refuge in Jerusalem from distant places. Their captivity underscores that the city, which should have been a place of safety, has become a site of collective bondage.

Overall, Isaiah 22:3 portrays a scene of upheaval, highlighting the failure of Jerusalem’s leaders and the resulting peril for its inhabitants. The verse serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God’s guidance and underscores the need to rely on Him for true security and stability. As both drafts note, studying a single verse in isolation may limit understanding; examining the surrounding verses and considering the historical and cultural background provides a fuller picture of the prophetic message.