Description of Two Rulers
October 26, 2021
Commentary
In the last part of this chapter Isaiah turns his attention to an internal matter in the affairs of Jerusalem. Shebna, referred to as the treasurer, was apparently second to King Hezekiah in authority (v. 15). He used his authority (and possibly the King’s money) to build himself a monument (v. 16). He will show him who it is that has real power, for God will remove him from his office and into another land (v. 17). Eventually he was thrown “like a ball” (vv. 18-19) into a far country and his chariots will be destroyed. God chose a new man, Eliakin, and called him “my servant“ (v. 20). Instead of exploiting the people, he would be a father to them (v. 21).
“The key to the house of David” refers to his responsibility in protecting the Davidic line (v. 22). The process of opening and shutting refers to his absolute authority in civic affairs. God then promises that he will “fasten him as a nail in a sure place” (v. 23). He would be like a peg hammered into the wall, on which you could hang many burdens and one which would be virtually unremovable (v. 24). The idea was that Eliakin would enjoy the permanence of his position while Shebna would not. Had the leaders been faithful to the Lord and called the people to repentance, there might have been hope; but too many of the leaders were like Shebna, thinking only of themselves. However, even a godly leader like Eliakin could not prevent the ultimate fall of Judah, for one day the whole nation would fall (v. 25). Eliakin is a picture of Jesus Christ (Rev. 3:7), the greatest Servant of all.
Application
Isaiah 22:15– 25 (NET)
15 This is what the Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: “Go visit this administrator, Shebna, who supervises the palace, and tell him:
16 ‘What right do you have to be here? What relatives do you have buried here? Why do you chisel out a tomb for yourself here? He chisels out his burial site in an elevated place, he carves out his tomb on a cliff.
17 Look, the Lord will throw you far away, you mere man! He will wrap you up tightly.
18 He will wind you up tightly into a ball and throw you into a wide, open land. There you will die, and there with you will be your impressive chariots, which bring disgrace to the house of your master.
19 I will remove you from your office; you will be thrown down from your position.
20 “‘At that time I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah. 21 I will put your robe on him, tie your belt around him, and transfer your authority to him. He will become a protector of the residents of Jerusalem and of the people of Judah. 22 I will place the key to the house of David on his shoulder. When he opens the door, no one can close it; when he closes the door, no one can open it. 23 I will fasten him like a peg into a solid place; he will bring honor and respect to his father’s family. 24 His father’s family will gain increasing prominence because of him, including the offspring and the offshoots. All the small containers, including the bowls and all the jars, will hang from this peg.’
25 “At that time,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “the peg fastened into a solid place will come loose. It will be cut off and fall, and the load hanging on it will be cut off.” Indeed, the Lord has spoken.