Isaiah 22:21-24 ASV

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:15-24

Shebna and Eliakim: a moral lesson. It is a remark of Bishop Butler's, that the moral government of God, though it may be very imperfectly carried out, is at any rate begun, in this world. Many virtues have natural rewards, and many vices natural punishments, attached to them. Again, though undoubtedly the righteous do suffer a large share of affliction, and the ungodly are often seen in great prosperity, yet, on the other hand, very signal instances from time to time manifest themselves, of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:15-24

Shebna and Eliakim: an allegory. Shebna, set over the house of the king by the king himself, but unfaithful in his office, worldly, carnal, fond of grandeur and display, typifies the old covenant, and the priesthood to which it was committed—a priesthood which looked more to the enrichment of the treasury than to the pure service of God ( Mark 7:11 ), and which was not above the weakness of raising up grand sepulchers for its members in a conspicuous place (1 Macc. 13:27-30). This... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:15-25

Human reckoning and Divine interruption. We have one instance, if not two—according to the application we give to the "nail" of the twenty-fifth verse—of ill-founded security. It is a lesson very necessary to teach, for it seems to be one very hard to learn. I. HUMAN RECKONING . Shebna had carefully and successfully built up his position in the state, and he made sure that he should keep it; he had not only "feathered his nest," but he had made up his mind that he should "die in his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:20-21

The influence of an individual on public policy. Governments always drift into the control of the most energetic, or most gifted, man. They go astray unless ruled by some master-spirit. It is said, with as much truth as satire, that "committees are always committees of one." They are the comfortable agencies by means of which some strong-willed man gets his own way. And it may be urged that at least as much good as evil attends the arrangement. Eliakim is raised up as a master-spirit, in a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:20-25

Installment of Eliakim. I. A SERVANT OF JEHOVAH . So he is characterized. The title may be of personal, spiritual, import, or of official; or both may be blended, as in the case of Isaiah himself ( Isaiah 20:3 ); or there may be a separation of the two. Unhappy for a nation or for a Church if the true servants of the Eternal, the true devotees of right and truth, are excluded from the places of honor and influence; or if the "ministers and stewards" of Divine mysteries are so only... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:20-25

Authority and influence. On the deposition of Shebna, Eliakim was appointed prefect, clothed with the robe and invested with the keys of office; henceforth he should shut and open, should appoint and depose according to his good pleasure. We look at— I. THE EXCELLENCE OF HUMAN AUTHORITY . 1. It satisfies a craving which is both broad and deep. Doubtless his succession to the high office vacated by Shebna brought great gratification to the heart of Elialdm. Men covet... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:21

With thy robe … with thy girdle . The dress of office worn by Shebna would be taken from him, and Eliakim would be invested therewith. The "robe" is the long-sleeved cloak or tunic worn commonly by persons of rank; the "girdle" is probably an ornamental one, like those of the priests ( Exodus 28:39 ), worn over the inner tunic. He shall be a father ; i.e. a protector, counselor, guide (comp. Job 29:16 , "I was a father to the poor : and the cause which I knew not I searched... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:22

The key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder . A key would seem to have been the special badge of the prefect's office, which included the control of the stores ( Isaiah 22:15 ), and the general management of the household. It was, perhaps, a part of the form of investiture, that the key should be first laid on the prefect's shoulder and then delivered into his hand. Among the Greeks the priests of Ceres are said to have borne a key on their shoulder, permanently, as a badge... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:22

The symbol of authority. The "key on the shoulder" is no mere badge of the steward's office; it represents delegated authority. Large wooden locks and keys were used in the East, and these keys were heavy enough to need carrying on the shoulder. But the expression is best regarded as a recognized figure of speech. The figure may receive four illustrations. I. THE KEY OF COURT OFFICE . As in case of Eliakim. II. THE KEY OF RABBIS , AS TEACHERS . Remember the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:23

I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place (comp. Ezra 9:8 ; Zechariah 10:4 ). The idea intended to be expressed is firmness and fixity of tenure. He shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house (compare the next verse). All his relations, even the most remote, shall derive honor from him, and bask in the sunshine of his prosperity. So shall all members of the family of God, made sons of God by adoption in Christ, participate in the final glory of Christ in his eternal... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:15-24

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:15-24

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:15-25

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:20-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:20-25

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:20-25

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:21

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:22

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:22

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 22:23

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