10. What development bodes ill for the city?

¹⁰ Isaiah describes the developing situation: “It will occur that the choicest of your low plains must become full of war chariots, and the very steeds must without fail set themselves in position at the gate, and one will remove the screen of Judah.” (Isaiah 22:7, 8a) Chariots and horses crowd the plains outside the city of Jerusalem and position themselves to attack the gates of the city. What is “the screen of Judah” that is removed? Likely, it is a gate of the city, the capture of which bodes ill for the defenders.* When this defensive screen is removed, the city is open to its attackers.

11, 12. What defensive measures do the inhabitants of Jerusalem take?

¹¹ Isaiah now focuses on the attempts by the people to defend themselves. Their first thought​—weapons! “You will look in that day toward the armory of the house of the forest, and you people will certainly see the very breaches of the City of David, for they will actually be many. And you will collect the waters of the lower pool.” (Isaiah 22:8b, 9) Weapons are stored in the armory of the house of the forest. This armory was built by Solomon. Since it was constructed of cedars from Lebanon, it became known as “the House of the Forest of Lebanon.” (1 Kings 7:2-5) Breaches in the wall are examined. Water is collected​—an important measure of defense. The people need water to live. Without it, a city cannot stand. Notice, though, that nothing is said of their looking to Jehovah for deliverance. Rather, they rely on their own resources. May we never make that mistake!​—Psalm 127:1.