In Isaiah, chapter twenty-two, verse four, “Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.” Isaiah, a true prophet, felt the tragedy of a fallen and apostate people. God’s people were being destroyed, and he grieved for them and his betrayed God. While others were experiencing joy and festivity, as in verses twelve through thirteen, the prophet had to share the sorrow of God.
The tone is that of one who wishes to be alone in his sorrow. It is too deep for visits of consolation. He “refuses to be comforted.” Isaiah bewails the destruction of “the daughter of his people” in much the same strain as that of Jeremiah over a later catastrophe, as in Lamentations three, verse forty-eight.
“Do not look upon me” is an indication of deep grief, for sorrow seeks to be alone, and grief avoids publicity and exposure. “I will weep bitterly,” describes, ‘I will be bitter in weeping.’ Therefore, we speak of “bitter” sorrow, indicating excessive grief. “Labour not,” is the sense, ‘My grief is so great that I cannot be comforted. There are no topics of consolation that can be presented. I must be alone, and allowed to indulge in deep and overwhelming sorrow at the calamities that are coming upon my nation and people.’ “Because of the spoiling,” which is the desolation; the ruin that is coming upon them.
There will be times when believers and unbelievers have family members and others, we deeply care about, making decisions and doing things that are not good and beneficial for themselves. The situation causes us sorrow because of the care and love we have for them. However, believers must turn to God and look for His comfort.