Isa 22:15-24 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Isa 22:15-25: 22:15-25 Shebna and Eliakim were two royal officials in King Hezekiah’s court (see 2 Kgs 18:18 ; 19:2 ). Apparently assuming that death at the hands of the Assyrians was inevitable, Shebna planned for an ostentatious burial place (Isa 22:16 ). Although the rebuke of Shebna preceded Assyria’s siege of Jerusalem in 701 BC (see 22:19-21 ; 36:3 ), it connects well with the admonitions of 22:1-13 regarding the ensuing Babylonian siege. 22:15 The actions of Shebna represent among the populace a lack of confidence in God’s ability to rescue Jerusalem from the Assyrian attack. • A palace administrator held the highest possible position in the royal court (see 22:21-22 ).

Summary for Isa 22:15-25: 22:15-25 ^a Shebna and Eliakim were two royal officials in King Hezekiah’s court (see 2 Kgs 18:18 ^b; 19:2 ^c). Apparently assuming that death at the hands of the Assyrians was inevitable, Shebna planned for an ostentatious burial place (Isa 22:16 ^d). Although the rebuke of Shebna preceded Assyria’s siege of Jerusalem in 701 BC (see 22:19-21 ^e; 36:3 ^f), it connects well with the admonitions of 22:1-13 ^g regarding the ensuing Babylonian siege. 22:15 ^h The actions of Shebna represent among the populace a lack of confidence in God’s ability to rescue Jerusalem from the Assyrian attack.

• A palace administrator held the highest possible position in the royal court (see 22:21-22 ⁱ).
22:16 ^j Shebna was building a beautiful tomb ... a monument. This lavish burial place was intended to last for centuries.
22:18 ^k toss you away into a distant, barren land: Shebna would not find a resting place or have a memorial (cp. 14:11-20 ^l).

• your glorious chariots: In his high position, Shebna had lived in luxury.
Summary for Isa 22:19-20: 22:19-20 ^m drive you out of office: Shebna (22:15 ⁿ) was demoted to court secretary by the time of Jerusalem’s siege, when Eliakim (22:20 ^o) was the palace administrator (36:3 ^p). Eliakim was a true servant of the Lord.
22:21 ^q A leader is like a father to the people when he truly cares for them and addresses their needs. In contrast, Shebna was concerned only for himself.
22:22 ^r The key to the house of David represents a high position of honor in the royal court (see also Rev 3:7 ^s).

• When he opens doors ... when he closes doors: The officer with the highest position has sole authority in giving access to the king (cp. Matt 16:19 ^t).