Isaiah 22

12–14 The Lord expected the people of Jerusalem to mourn for their sins and to repent, but instead they ignored Him and feasted and drank. As a result of their deliberate defiance of God, they placed themselves beyond His grace; the chance to atone for their sins was lost¹⁰⁴ (verse 14).

15–19 Here the subject of Isaiah’s vision changes abruptly. These verses deal with a high official of King Hezekiah named Shebna. Isaiah predicts that Shebna will be filled with pride, even to the point of preparing for himself a tomb suitable for a king (verse 16). Isaiah says that instead of receiving a royal burial, he will be sent away to die in a foreign land (verses 17–19).

20–25 In that day (verse 20)—the day when God acts in judgment—Shebna will be replaced by Eliakim. All of Shebna’s authority will be transferred to Eliakim—including the key to the house of David¹⁰⁵ (verse 22). Eliakim will be held in great honor, and all his family will benefit as well.¹⁰⁶

But one day, Eliakim’s honor will be taken from him (verse 25). All worldly honor is transitory; only the honor that comes from God is permanent.