Burden of Jerusalem
Isa 22:1 The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops?
The valley of vision, Jerusalem, the place of the worship of God; a city on a hill in the midst of three valleys. What is wrong with you people, that you are mourning on your housetops?
Psa 125:2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
Isa 22:2 Thou that art full of stirs, a tumultuous city, a joyous city: thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle.
What is this confusion? Is it tumult or are you joyous? Your men have not died in warfare. The men died of famine or of cowardly fear.
Jer 14:18 If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.
Isa 22:3 All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in thee are bound together, which have fled from far.
All the rulers were far away and together, without bow or arrow.
Isa 22:4 Therefore said I, Look away from me: I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.
Isaiah wept for the destruction of the daughters of Jerusalem. The men and rulers would not defend them, but they fled as cowards or died by fear or hunger.
Jerusalem was away from God and would be taken captive by Babylon. What will happen to America, that turns it's back on God?
Day of Trouble
Isa 22:5 For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord GOD of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains.
Isaiah sees the the Babylonians, sent by the LORD, to take Jerusalem captive.
Isa 22:6 And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.
Gen 10:22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
There was no defending Jerusalem.
Elam bore the quiver: "Because Elam, Babylon's neighbor to the east, had strongly supported the Babylonians and the Chaldeans in the struggle against Assyria, the Elamites were probably allies of the Babylonians." (Wolf)
Isa 22:7 And it shall come to pass, that thy choicest valleys shall be full of chariots, and the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate.
Jer 39:1 In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it.
Jer 39:2 And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, the city was broken up.
Jer 39:3 And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.
Jer 39:4 And it came to pass, that when Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them, and all the men of war, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the king's garden, by the gate betwixt the two walls: and he went out the way of the plain.
Jer 39:5 But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment upon him.
Jer 39:6 Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah.
Jer 39:7 Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.
Forget God, Let's party...
Isa 22:8 And he discovered the covering of Judah, and thou didst look in that day to the armour of the house of the forest.
Isa 22:9 Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool.
Isa 22:10 And ye have numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall.
Isa 22:11 Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago.
The enemy uncovered the defenses of Judah. The people of Jerusalem attempt to prepare the city walls by tearing down houses and using the materials to strengthen the walls. They diverted some of the water to make pools so they would have water; but still did not seek God, nor hear him.
Isa 22:12 And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:
The LORD God of hosts called for them to repent and to show works of repentance. To say words is not enough, there must be an outward evidence of their desire to repent and to cry unto God for his protection.
John the Baptist in his day scolded the unrepentant leaders.
Mat 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
Mat 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Mat 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Mat 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Isa 22:13 And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.
Instead of weaping and mourning, they were partying as if by escaping into wild lusts that they would be out of danger. They hid their sorrows in wine and food. They escaped into the pleasures of the world. Their behavior showed that they did not trust in the Lord.
This is the behavior of those who do not trust in God, the behavior of many in this age. Go for the gusto, get all you can, Let's party, forget God!
1 Cor 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
1 Cor 15:32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.
1 Cor 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
1 Cor 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
Paul said if the dead rise not, then eat and drink for tomorrow we die. The dead do rise, we are accountable to God and if they or we act as if it doesn't matter what we do, we are a poor witness to the lost. We do not bring glory to God by ignoring him and seeking only the lusts of this life. Many mock God today, and do just this. To our shame, many are in the church.
Isa 22:14 And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.
Isaiah sees that the Lord of Hosts is aware of their lack of prayer, their lack of belief and their lack of trust in HIM. Their sins wll not be put away.
The LORD spoke through Paul:
1 Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
1 Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1 Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1 Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1 Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1 Th 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
1 Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1 Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Th 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
1 Th 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Unjust Steward
Isa 22:15 Thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer, even unto Shebna, which is over the house, and say,
Isa 22:16 What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?
Shebna was the treasurer and he was the steward of king Hezekiah, being over his house and also a scribe. Hezekiah was a a good king, but those under him were greedy and using their wealth to exalt themselves and to live in pleasure.
2 Ki 18:18 ... and Shebna the scribe, ...
The LORD speaks to the next highest after the king; Shebna, who do you think you are, and what do you think you have?
Gal 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (Apart from the Lord, we are nothing.)
What hast thou here?
Shebna used his position and riches for himself, and the LORD said that he had hewn out a habitation in stone, or he had made himself a grave.
Isa 22:17 Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee.
Isa 22:18 He will surely violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory shall be the shame of thy lord's house.
Isa 22:19 And I will drive thee from thy station, and from thy state shall he pull thee down.
The invading Babylonians were sent from the LORD to punish. Shebna had more power and responsibility, so he was mentioned here in this prophecy. Hard things were coming. I can't help but compare our own country to Judah at this time. Proud, ignorant, indulgent, not seeking God, hoarding treasures and lusting. Hard times are ahead and God will send the invaders, unless we too repent, humble ourselves and seek God's covering and help.
Shebna didn't want to hear this prophecy. He continued to build an elaborate tomb for himself as if it would not be as God had spoken: He will surely violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die...
What is your future?
Luke 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
Luke 12:41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
Luke 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
Luke 12:43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Be faithful and wise in the things of the Lord, for all we have and own, came from him. We are his stewards to serve him and to honor him. We are not to use all of our talents and wealth for our own selfish desires.
The Key
Isa 22:20 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah:
Isa 36:3 Then came forth unto him Eliakim, Hilkiah's son, which was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder.
Both Shebna and Eliakim were servants of Hezekiah. Shebna's heart was directed towards selfish ambition and glory, but Eliakim's heart was turned towards serving the king.
Isa 22:21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.
Shebna is unfaithful, the LORD will remove him from his office, strip him of his authority, and give it to Eliakim. The LORD shall cloth Eliakim with his robe. The robe of God is his righteousness, his covering and protection. The priests were given robes to serve in the temple. The girdle or belt was given to priests or high officials. The LORD was making him as a father, loving and caring for the people of Judah. He was given as a faithful servant, not for his own selfish interests. The LORD sets up powers and removes them.
Isa 22:22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
The righteous Eliakim as the steward of the house of David, was a type of Jesus, as spoken in Revelation 3:7.
Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
A key represents authority. Authority was given to Peter and the apostles and to those who Jesus chooses to have authority. We must be a faithful servant to be given his authority. His authority is his presence.
Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Mat 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Eliakim as the steward of the house of David, was given authority and responsibility. Authority is power. Jesus shared authority and power, in his name, with his disciples.
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to his born again disciples, with power and authority to accomplish his work. If we have no power, we are operating in the flesh, in our own power. We are to submit all to God, to be used of him. Not to manipulate or pretend to be what we are not. Eliakim had proven himself by faithfulness to the king.We are to be faithful stewards to King Jesus.
Nails and Vessels
Isa 22:23 And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house.
Eliakim shall be given the key of king David (vs 22) and the LORD will make him well known before the people, because he was faithful. A metaphor is used, of him fastened as a nail, in a sure place. He was firmly established.
Isa 22:24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons.
He shall bring glory to his father's house and his offspring shall be blessed. the vessels shall hang upon him, from the small vessels, those of humble people and also vessels of flagons, the skin storage bottles, the more honorable vessels. Each held secure by the honorable service of Eliakim. We are held in honor and respect because of our trust in Jesus, the one who was nailed securely to the cross, to atone for our sins. We are vessels for the masters use.
Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
Isa 22:25 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.
This applies to the wicked treasurer, Shebna, in verse 15. The LORD was sending the invader to take him away, rolling him away as a ball.
Isa 22:18 He will surely violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory shall be the shame of thy lord's house.
If Eliakim is a type of Christ, then Shebna could be a type of Judas Iscariot. He was given authority but he used it for self glory; he betrayed his master's trust. The nail of authority, was removed from him. He would be destroyed. We must be faithful and not fall into the temptations of the world, for we have been given the authority of Christ to do his work. We are to nail our selfish ambitions to the cross and put on the robe of righteousness to follow our Lord Jesus in His service. His authority is given to us to do his will.
When my oldest brother was president of a mobile home factory, he gave both of his brothers a key to the gate. I was just a young man working as a laborer in the factory, but the key gave me permission to return at any time to work on personal projects. I used this authority to make things for other people. I paid for the materials but provided the labor free. Jesus paid for the keys of authority; what will you do with the keys that Jesus has given to you?
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