Topic: Who is in Control?
Isaiah 22 describes a change in leadership, one that had big consequences for the people of Judah. God removed Shebna from office and replaced him with Eliakim. The Lord always showed care for his covenant people through the men and women He calls to service. This text is an example of that as Eliakim is given a position of leadership in Judah and commanded to govern diligently and faithfully.
These few verses are about a very specific moment in history–a particular situation of concern in the days of Judah. Throughout his prophecies, Isaiah told about “the big picture”, sketching out God’s grand plan of judgment and salvation. He prophesied events that would unfold over the next five hundred years—even spectacular events that won’t take place until the end of time. Let’s zoom in on this passing moment in Judah’s history, a change of leadership that few outside of Israel would’ve noticed, as Shebna is shuffled aside and Eliakim is installed.
Shebna was the steward (management position) for a while in Judah, but he failed to use his position wisely. Shebna was out for his own glory instead of serving for the good of the country (v 15). He spent a lot of money on himself, drove around Jerusalem on his “glorious chariots” (v 18), and thought about how he would be remembered in future generations. He built himself a fine tomb cut out of rock, so people would still be impressed by him even when he was dead.
And so Shebna, just like Judah, was brought down. In verse 19, God says, “I will depose you from your office, and I will pull you down from your station.” Shebna was replaced by a more faithful man for the task, Eliakim.
In the grand sweep of Judah’s history, this change wasn’t a moment that stood out as earth-shattering. But it does show something about God. Every word in Scripture reveals the LORD and his character. This passage reveals a God who is always concerned for his people, a God who leads, cares for and helps us to walk in his ways. Our Father knows we need aid, and He gives it through his human servants. In love for us, God always raises up servants to serve him, and to serve his people. Eliakim was a faithful man sent to assist God’s church. He was devoted to his people. He expressed tender concern like a father. As he carried out his work as steward, he put their interests ahead of his own, and in this way, he served God’s people very well.
In verse 22, God describes the authority of Eliakim, his new steward over Judah: “The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; so he shall open, and no one shall shut; and he shall shut, and no one shall open”. A key is important. If you lose your locker key at school, or you lose your car keys, you have a problem. Keys give access. They represent control.
God gave “the key of the house of David” to Eliakim. It could have been a physical key that opened the main doors of the palace, but more than likely it was symbolic. Similar to “the keys of the kingdom” given to the apostles. Eliakim received power from God. Holding the key, Eliakim made and enforced rules. He rendered decisions and expected them to be carried out. No one but the king could override him.
As we serve God today, we can have great confidence in Christ. In Revelation 3, Jesus introduces himself in verse seven, He is the one “who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.” This is an echo of Isaiah 22. For Eliakim was just a man, a temporary servant who soon faded from history. But he pointed us to Christ, and Christ is eternal.
Christ is seated in the most exalted position in the universe. He’s not just the steward of the house of David. He is the Son of David. He is robed with authority and power, the great Lord who sits in glory. Christ the King holds the keys with all things in the universe under his feet.
What a powerful truth for us today! When we go through life changes and experience uncertainty or conflict in our country, God assures us that Christ is King and Lord of all. Even the most successful enemies of the church are under his command. Christ is Lord even over those who seem to have all the influence today. They’re not running things, He is. They’re not shaping history, He is. What He opens, stays open. What He shuts, will stay shut. None can override him, for Christ holds the keys. He will be forever secure on his throne!
See You Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem