Isaiah 22:17

KJV

Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the LORD {H3068} will carry thee away {H2904} with a mighty {H1397} captivity {H2925}, and will surely {H5844} cover {H5844} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look, strong man! ADONAI is about to throw you out! He will grab you,

Berean Standard Bible

Look, O mighty man! The LORD is about to shake you violently. He will take hold of you,

American Standard Version

Behold, Jehovah, like a strong man, will hurl thee away violently; yea, he will wrap thee up closely.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 22:17 presents a severe prophetic oracle against Shebna, the self-serving palace steward of Jerusalem. It declares the LORD's direct and forceful intervention to remove him from his esteemed position and homeland, condemning him to a humiliating and inescapable "mighty captivity" and utter disgrace. This divine decree powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, His unwavering judgment against pride and abuse of power, and His capacity to humble even the most influential individuals.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 22:17 is situated within "The Burden of the Valley of Vision" (Isaiah 22), a significant prophetic oracle primarily directed at Jerusalem. This chapter portrays a city preoccupied with revelry and self-sufficiency, even as divine judgment looms. The immediate literary context for verse 17 commences with a direct and scathing condemnation of Shebna, the royal steward, beginning in [Isaiah 22:15](/isaiah/22-15 "Isaiah 22:15 - Prophecy Against Shebna"). Shebna is rebuked for his arrogance, particularly for constructing an elaborate tomb for himself while neglecting his official duties and the impending national crisis. The subsequent verses, [Isaiah 22:18-19](/isaiah/22-18-19 "Isaiah 22:18-19 - Shebna's Humiliating Expulsion"), further detail his violent expulsion and the stripping of his authority. The narrative then shifts to the promotion of Eliakim as Shebna's replacement in [Isaiah 22:20-25](/isaiah/22-20-25 "Isaiah 22:20-25 - Eliakim's Promotion and Significance"), establishing a profound contrast between the unfaithful, self-serving steward and the faithful, God-appointed servant. This entire oracle serves as a poignant warning against pride and a powerful demonstration of God's sovereign control over leadership.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is generally dated to the reign of King Hezekiah (circa 715-686 BC), a period marked by significant political instability and spiritual compromise in Judah. Jerusalem, often referred to as the "Valley of Vision," was a strategically vital city, frequently threatened by powerful empires, notably Assyria. The "palace steward" or "master of the household" was an extraordinarily influential position within the kingdom, second only to the king, holding the "key of the house of David" (cf. [Isaiah 22:22](/isaiah/22-22 "Isaiah 22:22 - Eliakim to Hold the Key")). Shebna's transgression was not merely personal pride but a profound misuse of his public office for private aggrandizement and legacy-building, epitomized by his extravagant tomb construction. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, one's burial place profoundly reflected status and honor. Thus, the prophecy of being "carried away" and "covered" without a proper, honorable burial was a devastating curse, signifying utter disgrace, the obliteration of his legacy, and the complete reversal of his self-exaltation. This context illuminates the gravity of God's judgment on those who betray trust and abuse positions of power.

* **Key Themes:** The divine judgment against Shebna in [Isaiah 22:17](/isaiah/22-17 "Isaiah 22:17 - The Lord's Judgment on Shebna") profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, affirming that God is the ultimate authority who actively intervenes in human affairs, bringing down the proud and exalting the humble. Shebna's dramatic fate is not a random misfortune but a direct, certain decree from the LORD. Secondly, the verse underscores the severe **Consequences of Pride and Self-Reliance**. Shebna's arrogance, his focus on personal glory and security rather than faithful stewardship, directly precipitates his downfall, serving as a potent warning against the dangers of self-exaltation, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")). Finally, the vivid imagery of being "carried away" and "covered" speaks directly to **Humiliation and Disgrace**. It signifies a public, inescapable stripping away of dignity, status, and legacy, emphasizing that those who seek glory for themselves will ultimately find shame and dishonor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **carry thee away (Language, _ṭûwl'_):** From H2904, a primitive root meaning "to pitch over or reel; hence (transitively) to cast down or out; carry away, (utterly) cast (down, forth, out), send out." This verb conveys a sense of violent, forceful, and sudden expulsion. It is not a gentle leading or a voluntary departure, but an aggressive, divinely orchestrated removal, emphasizing the irresistible power behind Shebna's displacement and the abruptness of his downfall.
* **captivity (Language, _ṭalṭêlâh'_):** From H2925, a noun derived from H2904 (`ṭûwl`), meaning "overthrow or rejection; captivity." This word describes the resultant state or condition of being "carried away." When combined with the adjective "mighty" (H1397, _geber_, meaning "valiant man" or "mighty," here serving as an intensifier), "mighty captivity" signifies an overwhelmingly powerful and inescapable state of being cast out, rejected, and exiled. It denotes a complete and irreversible loss of freedom, status, and homeland.
* **cover (Language, _ʻâṭâh'_):** From H5844, a primitive root meaning "to wrap, i.e. cover, veil, cloth, or roll; array self, be clad, (put a) cover (-ing, self), fill, put on, [idiom] surely, turn aside." In this context, it implies being enveloped or enshrouded, akin to a corpse or a prisoner. The KJV's "surely cover thee" captures the idiomatic force of the root, emphasizing the certainty and completeness of this covering, which denotes profound shame, disgrace, and perhaps even a symbolic, dishonorable burial or concealment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the LORD will carry thee away":** This opening declaration, introduced by the emphatic interjection "Behold!" (or "Look!"), immediately commands attention to a divine, certain, and imminent action. The subject, "the LORD" (Yahweh, H3068), underscores His absolute sovereignty and direct involvement in Shebna's fate. The phrase "carry thee away" (from `ṭûwl`) signifies a forceful, violent, and irreversible expulsion, indicating that Shebna's removal from power and his homeland will be an act of divine judgment, not merely a political shift or misfortune.
* **"with a mighty captivity,":** This clause specifies the nature and intensity of Shebna's removal. The "captivity" (from `ṭalṭêlâh`) denotes a state of being overthrown, rejected, and exiled. The adjective "mighty" (from `geber`) intensifies this, indicating that the captivity will be overwhelming, inescapable, and executed with immense divine power, leaving no room for resistance or escape. It speaks to the utter finality and irresistibility of his downfall, a complete loss of all he held dear.
* **"and will surely cover thee.":** This concluding phrase describes the ultimate consequence and profound humiliation awaiting Shebna. To be "covered" (from `ʻâṭâh`) suggests being wrapped up or enshrouded, implying a state of profound shame, disgrace, and perhaps even a metaphorical burial shroud. The adverb "surely" emphasizes the certainty and completeness of this disgrace, signifying that Shebna will be stripped of all dignity and honor, his self-aggrandizing plans for an elaborate tomb rendered utterly futile and replaced by a divinely imposed covering of shame.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 22:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment with dramatic force. The entire passage functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a direct and authoritative divine pronouncement delivered through the prophet, emphasizing its inescapable nature and certainty. The phrase "mighty captivity" utilizes vivid **Imagery** and a degree of **Hyperbole** to underscore the overwhelming force and inescapable nature of God's judgment, painting a picture of Shebna being violently and irresistibly swept away from his position and homeland. The concluding phrase, "and will surely cover thee," is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The act of being "covered" metaphorically represents profound shame, disgrace, and the stripping away of all honor and status, akin to being wrapped for a dishonorable burial or concealed in ignominy. This stands in stark **Irony** to Shebna's earlier self-aggrandizing efforts to build an elaborate and honorable tomb; his desire for a grand resting place is divinely thwarted and replaced by a divinely orchestrated "covering" of shame. This serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the ultimate fate of those who defy God's will through pride and self-exaltation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 22:17 serves as a profound theological statement on God's active sovereignty and righteous justice within human history. It unequivocally declares that no human power, position, or self-exaltation can ultimately withstand or circumvent the divine will. Shebna's dramatic downfall illustrates that God is not merely an observer but the ultimate arbiter of destinies, capable of bringing the proud low and exalting the humble. This truth calls believers to a posture of profound humility and absolute dependence, recognizing that all authority ultimately derives from God and is subject to His righteous judgment. The verse warns against the spiritual dangers of pride, self-reliance, and the misuse of power, reminding us that true security, lasting honor, and genuine legacy are found in faithful, humble service to God, not in worldly achievements or self-glorification.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") - "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud") - "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
* [1 Peter 5:5-6](/1_peter/5-5-6 "1 Peter 5:5-6 - Humility Under God's Mighty Hand") - "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark judgment pronounced upon Shebna in Isaiah 22:17 offers timeless and potent lessons for all believers. It challenges us to deeply examine our own hearts for any subtle seeds of pride, self-aggrandizement, or a tendency to seek our own glory and security rather than humbly serving God and others. In a world that often celebrates self-made success, personal ambition, and the accumulation of power, this verse serves as a sobering reminder that true authority, lasting honor, and enduring significance come from God alone. It calls us to exercise any influence, position, or talent we possess with profound humility, unwavering integrity, and a deep sense of accountability to our Creator. Furthermore, Shebna's fate underscores the undeniable reality of divine justice; God sees and judges not only outward actions but also the hidden motives and intentions of the heart. This truth should inspire both a healthy, reverent fear of the Lord and a profound trust in His righteous governance over all things, encouraging us to live lives consistently marked by faithful service, humble submission to His will, and a steadfast pursuit of His glory above our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to seek personal glory or security, rather than humbly serving God and others?**
* **How does recognizing God's absolute sovereignty and His willingness to humble the proud, as demonstrated in Shebna's downfall, impact my perspective on my own plans and ambitions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of genuine humility and consistently resist the subtle allure of pride in my daily interactions and responsibilities?**

### FAQ
**Who was Shebna and why was he judged so severely?**

Answer: Shebna was a high-ranking official, specifically the palace steward or master of the household, during the reign of King Hezekiah in Judah. This was a position of immense power and trust, second only to the king himself. He was judged severely because he abused his authority for personal gain and self-aggrandizement, particularly by building an extravagant tomb for himself while Jerusalem faced an impending crisis and the nation was in peril. His pride, self-serving ambition, and neglect of his duties were an affront to God and a betrayal of the trust placed in him, leading to God's decree of his humiliating removal and "mighty captivity" as detailed in [Isaiah 22:15-19](/isaiah/22-15-19 "Isaiah 22:15-19 - Shebna's Condemnation and Downfall").

**What does "mighty captivity" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "mighty captivity" refers to a powerful, overwhelming, and inescapable state of being carried away, overthrown, and rejected. The Hebrew word for "captivity" (`ṭalṭêlâh`) is directly related to the word for "carry away" (`ṭûwl`), which implies a forceful, violent expulsion. Combined with the adjective "mighty," it signifies that Shebna's removal would not be a gentle leading but a sudden, irresistible, and divinely orchestrated act of judgment that would strip him of his position, freedom, and homeland. It emphasizes the complete and undeniable nature of his downfall, leaving no room for resistance or escape, as prophesied in [Isaiah 22:17](/isaiah/22-17 "Isaiah 22:17 - The Lord's Judgment on Shebna").

**What does "and will surely cover thee" imply about Shebna's fate?**

Answer: The phrase "and will surely cover thee" carries a profound sense of humiliation, disgrace, and the stripping away of all honor. The Hebrew word for "cover" (`ʻâṭâh`) means to wrap, veil, or enshroud. In this context, it suggests being enveloped in shame, stripped of dignity, and perhaps even being wrapped like a corpse for an ignominious, dishonorable burial or removal. This imagery stands in stark contrast to Shebna's prideful act of building a grand tomb for himself; it indicates that his desire for an honorable legacy would be utterly thwarted by God's judgment, leaving him covered in shame rather than glory. This phrase underscores the completeness of his disgrace and the finality of his removal from public life and honor, as prophesied in [Isaiah 22:17](/isaiah/22-17 "Isaiah 22:17 - The Lord's Judgment on Shebna").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 22:17 is a specific prophecy of judgment against a historical figure, its underlying themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment and contrast. Shebna's pride, self-exaltation, and eventual humiliating downfall stand in stark opposition to the perfect humility, selfless service, and ultimate exaltation of Jesus Christ. Where Shebna sought personal glory and an elaborate tomb for himself, Christ "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). He humbled Himself even to the point of death on a cross, enduring the ultimate shame and being "covered" not with personal disgrace, but with the sins of the world, becoming sin for us "that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The "mighty captivity" prophesied for Shebna highlights God's sovereign power to judge and remove the arrogant; this same divine power is supremely revealed in Christ's triumph over sin, death, and the devil, delivering humanity from the ultimate spiritual "captivity" of darkness and transferring us "into the kingdom of his dear Son" ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Jesus, the true and faithful Steward of God's household, unlike Shebna, perfectly fulfilled His mission through humble obedience, ultimately being "highly exalted" by God and given "a name which is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")), thus demonstrating that true honor and lasting glory come through humble obedience and self-sacrificial love, not through worldly ambition.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 14:3

And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, [and] found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads.

Esther 7:8

Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther [was]. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.

Job 9:24

The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, [and] who [is] he?