ISAIAH 22
Isaiah’s vision was probably of the Assyrian attack on Jerusalem (chaps. 36–37), and one of the messages of the chapter is this: when a crisis occurs, different people respond in different ways.
The prophet saw events from a spiritual viewpoint and was burdened (vv. 1–4). The city leaders depended on their defenses (vv.
Shebna used his office for personal gain (vv. 15–19), and the crisis brought him only shame. In taking inventory of the city’s resources, somebody uncovered his deceit and exposed him. Instead of enjoying retirement, security, and a fine burial, he experienced captivity, exile, and a lonely death.
The crisis brought out the best in Eliakim (vv. 20–25). He was a servant who was a father to the people, a person who could be trusted with authority (the keys), and a strong peg on which the nation could put their burdens. He is the kind of leader needed today.