Description of Two Rulers

Isaiah 22:15–25
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

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