Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Isaiah Ch.22 / 66 Ch.s
ISA:22
* The siege and taking of Jerusalem. (1-7) The wicked conduct of
its inhabitants. (8-14) The displacing of Shebna, and the
promotion of Eliakim, applied to the Messiah. (15-25)
#1-7 Why is Jerusalem in such terror? Her slain men are not
slain with the sword, but with famine; or, slain with fear,
disheartened. Their rulers fled, but were overtaken. The
servants of God, who foresee and warn sinners of coming
miseries, are affected by the prospect. But all the horrors of a
city taken by storm, faintly shadow forth the terrors of the day
of wrath.
#8-14 The weakness of Judah now appeared more than ever. Now
also they discovered their carnal confidence and their carnal
security. They looked to the fortifications. They made sure of
water for the city. But they were regardless of God in all these
preparations. They did not care for his glory in what they did.
They did not depend upon him for a blessing on their endeavours.
For every creature is to us what God makes it to be; and we must
bless him for it, and use it for him. There was great contempt
of God's wrath and justice, in contending with them. God's
design was to humble them, and bring them to repentance. They
walked contrary to this. Actual disbelief of another life after
this, is at the bottom of the carnal security and brutish
sensuality, which are the sin, the shame, and ruin of so great a
part of mankind. God was displeased at this. It is a sin against
the remedy, and it is not likely they should ever repent of it.
Whether this unbelief works by presumption or despair, it
produces the same contempt of God, and is a token that a man
will perish wilfully.
#15-25 This message to Shebna is a reproof of his pride, vanity,
and security; what vanity is all earthly grandeur, which death
will so soon end! What will it avail, whether we are laid in a
magnificent tomb, or covered with the green sod? Those who, when
in power, turn and toss others, will be justly turned and tossed
themselves. Eliakim should be put into Shebna's place. Those
called to places of trust and power, should seek to God for
grace to enable them to do their duty. Eliakim's advancement is
described. Our Lord Jesus describes his own power as Mediator,
#Re 3:7|, that he has the key of David. His power in the kingdom
of heaven, and in ordering all the affairs of that kingdom, is
absolute. Rulers should be fathers to those under their
government; and the honour men bring unto their families, by
their piety and usefulness, is more to be valued than what they
derive from them by their names and titles. The glory of this
world gives a man no real worth or excellence; it is but hung
upon him, and it will soon drop from him. Eliakim was compared
to a nail in a sure place; all his family are said to depend
upon him. In eastern houses, rows of large spikes were built up
in the walls. Upon these the moveables and utensils were hung.
Our Lord Jesus is as a nail in a sure place. That soul cannot
perish, nor that concern fall to the ground, which is by faith
hung upon Christ. He will set before the believer an open door,
which no man can shut, and bring both body and soul to eternal
glory. But those who neglect so great salvation will find, that
when he shutteth none can open, whether it be shutting out from
heaven, or shutting up in hell for ever.