22:15,16
Isaiah is now told to go to a named official, Shebna. The prophecies are both wide ranging, global and very personal. An individual is singled out here for attention. He was digging a grave for himself. Now this seems to us a rather odd thing to be doing, but what it signified was a belief that he would be in Jerusalem for the rest of his days. It implies a degree of security and settledness that was utterly un justified.
22:17-19
The steward Shebna apparently had a high opinion of himself, considering himself to be strong and important. The Lord would take hold of him as if he was nothing at all and cast him away into a far flung country, and he would die in that country. This was a particular ignominy for such a man. He would be ousted from his position of privilege and power.
22:20-25
Now Shebna is told who will replace him, Eliakim. Both Shebna and Eliakim are mentioned in Isaiah 36 and 37. It seems as if Eliakim just operated out of self-interest, whereas Shebna would genuinely care for the people of Jerusalem.Eliakim seems to be given a very favoured and secure place in Jerusalem. His position is described as being like a tent peg driven firmly into the ground. However, he will not be as secure as was thought. For a day is coming when the peg will be sheared off, and those depending upon the tent peg will suffer as well. We must trust only in the Lord, not even in those who seem to be faithful servants. This does not mean we should not honour and respect faithful and godly servants, but we must not idolise them.
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