Isaiah 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.

And they shall hang {H8518} upon him all the glory {H3519} of his father's {H1} house {H1004}, the offspring {H6631} and the issue {H6849}, all vessels {H3627} of small {H6996} quantity, from the vessels {H3627} of cups {H101}, even to all the vessels {H3627} of flagons {H5035}.

They will hang on him all the weight of his clan, descendants and offspring, as well as all the vessels of small capacity, from pitchers to cups.

So they will hang on him all the glory of his father’s house: the descendants and the offshoots—all the lesser vessels, from bowls to every kind of jar.

And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father’s house, the offspring and the issue, every small vessel, from the cups even to all the flagons.

Isaiah 22:24 continues the powerful prophecy regarding Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, who is divinely appointed to replace the corrupt steward Shebna. This verse vividly illustrates the profound extent of Eliakim's authority and the complete dependency of the royal household upon him.

Context

This passage (Isaiah 22:15-25) describes God's judgment on Shebna and His plan to elevate Eliakim to a position of immense power and trust within the kingdom of Judah. In Isaiah 22:22, Eliakim is given "the key of the house of David," signifying supreme administrative authority, akin to a prime minister. The preceding verse (23) describes him as a "nail in a sure place," emphasizing his stability and reliability. Verse 24 elaborates on this, portraying how every aspect and individual within the royal household will rely on his stewardship.

Key Themes

  • Absolute Dependency: The imagery of "hanging upon him" underscores a total reliance. Just as various items were hung on a strong peg in ancient homes, all members and aspects of the household, from the least to the greatest, would depend on Eliakim for sustenance, support, and stability.
  • Comprehensive Provision: "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" indicates that every person and every need within the household, regardless of their social standing or significance, would be provided for through Eliakim's office.
  • Divinely Ordained Authority: Eliakim's appointment is not by human will but by God's decree, highlighting divine sovereignty in establishing leadership and providing for His people.
  • Messianic Foreshadowing: Many theologians view Eliakim as a type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Christ is the ultimate holder of the "key of David" (Revelation 3:7) and the one upon whom all of God's spiritual household (the Church) ultimately depends for life, salvation, and eternal provision. He is the true "sure nail" upon whom the glory of God's kingdom rests.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hang" (talah) literally means to suspend, emphasizing the complete reliance on Eliakim. "Glory" (kabod) encompasses the honor, wealth, and collective well-being of the household. The phrase "offspring and the issue" refers to both direct descendants and all those who belong to or are connected with the household. The analogy of "vessels of cups" (small, common containers) to "vessels of flagons" (larger, perhaps more valuable containers) is a merism, signifying the entire range of household items and, by extension, all people within the household, from the most humble to the most prominent.

Practical Application

This verse carries profound spiritual lessons, especially when understood through its prophetic lens:

  • Complete Trust in Christ: Just as the household depended on Eliakim, believers are called to place their entire trust and reliance on Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate source of spiritual and physical provision, our stability, and our hope.
  • Christ's All-Encompassing Care: The imagery of "all vessels" demonstrates that Christ's care extends to every individual within His Church, regardless of their perceived importance or status. He provides for the needs of all His children.
  • The Steadfastness of God's Promises: Eliakim's role as a "sure nail" points to the unshakeable nature of God's divine plan and His chosen instruments. Similarly, Christ's authority and His role as the Head of the Church are eternally secure, offering believers an unyielding foundation. As Colossians 1:17 affirms, in Him "all things consist."
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 28:18

    And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

  • 2 Timothy 2:20

    But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

  • 2 Timothy 2:21

    If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.

  • John 5:22

    For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

  • John 5:27

    And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

  • Daniel 6:1

    ¶ It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

  • Daniel 6:3

    Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit [was] in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
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