Isaiah 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],

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} of hosts {H6635}, Go {H3212}, get {H935} thee unto this treasurer {H5532}, even unto Shebna {H7644}, which is over the house {H1004}, and say,

Thus says Adonai ELOHIM-Tzva'ot: "Go and find that steward, Shevna, administrator of the palace, and ask him:

This is what the Lord GOD of Hosts says: “Go, say to Shebna, the steward in charge of the palace:

Thus saith the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer, even unto Shebna, who is over the house, and say,

Context of Isaiah 22:15

Isaiah 22:15 introduces a direct prophetic message from the Lord GOD of hosts delivered through the prophet Isaiah. This specific verse sets the stage for a divine pronouncement against Shebna, a highly influential and powerful official in the kingdom of Judah, likely serving during the reign of King Hezekiah. Shebna held two significant titles: "treasurer" and "over the house." The latter position, 'al habbayit in Hebrew, denoted the chief steward or prime minister, a role of immense authority and responsibility within the royal court, managing the king's household and affairs. The broader context of Isaiah 22 is a prophecy concerning Jerusalem, often referred to as "the valley of vision," which highlights the city's spiritual complacency and its misplaced trust in human defenses rather than in God's protection.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Judgment: The opening declaration, "Thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts," immediately establishes the divine origin and unchallengeable authority of the message. This indicates that the subsequent words are not Isaiah's personal thoughts but a direct command from God, foreshadowing an impending judgment or rebuke against Shebna.
  • Stewardship and Accountability: As "treasurer" and "over the house," Shebna was entrusted with significant resources and power. His role was one of stewardship on behalf of the king and, ultimately, God. The verses immediately following this one (Isaiah 22:16-19) reveal Shebna's abuse of this power for personal gain and pride, which ultimately leads to his downfall. This passage underscores God's scrutiny of those in positions of leadership and their accountability for how they manage their responsibilities.
  • Pride Leading to Humiliation: While not explicitly stated in verse 15, the subsequent verses clearly illustrate that Shebna's pride and self-aggrandizement—such as his lavish tomb-building—were central to his condemnation. God's judgment frequently targets human arrogance, echoing the principle found in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version accurately translates Shebna's titles as "treasurer" and "over the house." The Hebrew term for "treasurer," gizzabar, refers to an overseer of the treasury or financial assets. More significantly, "over the house" translates the Hebrew phrase 'al habbayit. This was a distinct and very powerful title, identifying the highest administrative official in the royal palace, second only to the king himself. This individual would have held the metaphorical "keys" to the king's household, managed his property, and controlled access to him. This highlights the immense magnitude of Shebna's position and the profound gravity of his impending removal, which is detailed in Isaiah 22:20-25, where Eliakim is appointed to succeed him.

Practical Application

Isaiah 22:15 serves as a powerful reminder for all who hold positions of influence or authority, whether in government, business, community, or even within the church. It emphasizes that all leadership is ultimately a form of stewardship under God. We are called to exercise our responsibilities with humility, integrity, and a primary focus on serving others and God's purposes, rather than pursuing personal ambition or worldly gain. The swift and decisive judgment against Shebna illustrates that God holds leaders accountable for their actions and character, and He possesses the sovereign power to remove those who abuse their trust. This verse encourages personal reflection: are we using our talents and positions for His glory or for our own?

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.

  • Isaiah 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.

  • 2 Kings 18:18

    And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.

  • 2 Kings 18:37

    Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with [their] clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

  • 2 Kings 19:2

    And he sent Eliakim, which [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.

  • Isaiah 37:2

    And he sent Eliakim, who [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.

  • 1 Kings 4:6

    And Ahishar [was] over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda [was] over the tribute.

  • Isaiah 36:11

    ¶ Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand [it]: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that [are] on the wall.

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