Isaiah 22:18

KJV

He will surely violently turn and toss thee [like] a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory [shall be] the shame of thy lord's house.

KJV (with Strong's)

He will surely {H6801} violently turn {H6801} and toss {H6802} thee like a ball {H1754} into a large {H7342}{H3027} country {H776}: there shalt thou die {H4191}, and there the chariots {H4818} of thy glory {H3519} shall be the shame {H7036} of thy lord's {H113} house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

roll you up, and toss you around like a ball in the open country. There you will die, with your fancy chariots, you disgrace to your master's palace!

Berean Standard Bible

roll you into a ball, and sling you into a wide land. There you will die, and there your glorious chariots will remain—a disgrace to the house of your master.

American Standard Version

He will surely wind thee round and round, and toss thee like a ball into a large country; there shalt thou die, and there shall be the chariots of thy glory, thou shame of thy lord’s house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 22:18 delivers a stark prophetic judgment against Shebna, the palace steward of King Hezekiah, foretelling his violent and ignominious expulsion from his position and homeland. The verse vividly portrays his forceful removal, likened to a ball being violently tossed into a vast, foreign land where he will die. Furthermore, it declares that the symbols of his self-glory—his chariots—will become a source of profound shame, bringing disgrace upon the very house of the lord he was meant to serve, highlighting the severe consequences of pride and abuse of power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the "Oracle concerning the Valley of Vision" (Isaiah 22), a specific prophecy directed at Jerusalem (the "Valley of Vision") and its leaders. The chapter opens with a lament over Jerusalem's revelry and misplaced confidence in human strength rather than divine protection during an impending siege, likely by the Assyrians (cf. [Isaiah 22:1-14](/isaiah/22-1 "Isaiah 22:1-14 - Jerusalem's Folly")). Following this general condemnation, the prophecy narrows its focus to Shebna, a prominent figure in Hezekiah's administration, likely the palace steward or treasurer (cf. [Isaiah 22:15](/isaiah/22-15 "Isaiah 22:15 - Prophecy Against Shebna")). The preceding verses (e.g., [Isaiah 22:16-17](/isaiah/22-16 "Isaiah 22:16-17 - Shebna's Arrogance and Imminent Fall")) describe Shebna's arrogance, his self-serving ambition in carving out an elaborate tomb for himself, and the Lord's determination to hurl him away. Verse 18 intensifies this judgment, detailing the manner of his forceful removal and the ultimate disgrace that will befall him and his symbols of glory, setting the stage for the prophecy of Eliakim's faithful stewardship in [Isaiah 22:20-25](/isaiah/22-20 "Isaiah 22:20-25 - Eliakim's Appointment and Fall")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy against Shebna is set during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah (late 8th century BCE), a period marked by the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire. Assyria was the dominant superpower, and its expansionist policies frequently led to the conquest and deportation of nations, including Israel (the Northern Kingdom) in 722 BCE. Judah, though spared for a time, faced immense pressure and multiple Assyrian invasions, notably Sennacherib's campaign in 701 BCE. In this volatile environment, national leaders like Shebna held immense power and responsibility. The practice of building elaborate tombs, especially "hewing out a tomb on the height" (cf. [Isaiah 22:16](/isaiah/22-16 "Isaiah 22:16 - Shebna's Self-Glorification")), was a sign of great wealth, status, and a desire for lasting legacy, often reserved for royalty. Shebna's self-aggrandizement amidst national crisis represented a profound spiritual and civic failure, demonstrating a focus on personal glory rather than faithful service to God and his people. His "chariots of glory" would have been a visible sign of his status and wealth, perhaps even used in official processions, making their transformation into "shame" a public humiliation.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 22:18 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment on Pride and Arrogance**. Shebna's self-exaltation and abuse of authority are met with God's swift and violent judgment, illustrating the principle that "everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD" ([Proverbs 16:5](/proverbs/16-5 "Proverbs 16:5 - Pride is an Abomination")). Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty over Human Affairs**, demonstrating His absolute control over the rise and fall of individuals and nations, even powerful officials like Shebna. God orchestrates events to humble the proud and exalt the humble, as seen in the subsequent elevation of Eliakim (cf. [Isaiah 22:20-21](/isaiah/22-20 "Isaiah 22:20-21 - Eliakim's Prophetic Appointment")). Thirdly, the verse speaks to the **Reversal of Fortune**, where symbols of human glory and status are transformed into instruments of shame and disgrace when they are not aligned with God's will. Shebna's chariots, once tokens of his honor, become marks of his humiliation, emphasizing the futility of worldly glory pursued apart from God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turn (Hebrew, _tsânaph'_ H6801):** This primitive root means "to wrap, i.e., roll or dress," but in this context, it carries the strong connotation of a violent, forceful action—"to turn violently," "to hurl." The repetition "surely violently turn and toss" emphasizes the absolute certainty and the aggressive nature of God's action in removing Shebna. It is not a gentle dismissal but a forceful expulsion, stripping him of all agency and control.
* **ball (Hebrew, _dûwr'_ H1754):** Derived from a root meaning "to circle," this word refers to a "circle, ball or pile." Here, it vividly depicts Shebna as a mere object, utterly devoid of self-direction or resistance, subject entirely to the will of the one tossing him. The imagery of a ball suggests an uncontrolled, erratic trajectory, emphasizing the lack of dignity and purpose in his expulsion.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_ H3519):** This word, from a root meaning "weight," figuratively denotes "splendor or copiousness; glorious, honor." In this verse, "chariots of thy glory" refers to Shebna's pomp, prestige, wealth, and the outward display of his privileged status. It represents everything he built up for himself to gain honor and recognition. The prophecy's declaration that these symbols of his self-proclaimed glory will become his "shame" highlights the stark reversal of his fortunes and the divine judgment against his misplaced pride.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He will surely violently turn and toss thee [like] a ball into a large country:"** This clause vividly describes the Lord's decisive and forceful judgment against Shebna. The "He" refers to God, the sovereign judge. The double emphasis on "surely violently turn and toss" underscores the certainty and the aggressive nature of Shebna's removal. He is depicted as utterly passive, like a "ball," an object with no control over its own destiny, hurled by a powerful hand. The destination, "a large country," implies a vast, foreign land, far from his homeland and the place of his power, signifying exile, isolation, and a complete loss of influence.
* **"there shalt thou die,"** This brief, grim statement confirms Shebna's ultimate fate: death in exile. It signifies the finality of his judgment and the complete destruction of his earthly ambitions. His elaborate tomb in Jerusalem (cf. [Isaiah 22:16](/isaiah/22-16 "Isaiah 22:16 - Shebna's Self-Glorification")) will remain empty, a testament to his futile self-aggrandizement, as he will find his end in a distant land, stripped of honor and legacy.
* **"and there the chariots of thy glory [shall be] the shame of thy lord's house."** This final clause delivers the ultimate humiliation. Shebna's "chariots of glory"—symbols of his status, wealth, and power—will not accompany him to a glorious resting place. Instead, they will become a source of "shame" and disgrace. This shame will not only attach to Shebna but also to "thy lord's house," referring to the royal house of Judah or even the house of God (the Temple), which Shebna was supposed to serve faithfully. His personal dishonor will reflect poorly on the institution he represented, highlighting the profound betrayal of his stewardship and the public nature of his downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 22:18 is rich with **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, painting a powerful picture of divine judgment. The central **Metaphor** of Shebna being "tossed like a ball" vividly conveys his utter powerlessness and the violent, uncontrolled nature of his expulsion. This image contrasts sharply with his self-perceived importance and control, emphasizing his reduction to a mere plaything in God's hands. The phrase "chariots of thy glory" employs **Synecdoche**, where the chariots represent the entirety of Shebna's wealth, status, and pomp. The prophecy then employs a stark **Antithesis** or **Juxtaposition** by stating that these "chariots of glory" will become "the shame," creating a powerful reversal of fortune. This literary technique underscores the futility of human pride and the certainty of divine retribution, where what was once a source of honor becomes a symbol of disgrace. The repetition of "there" ("there shalt thou die, and there the chariots...") serves as a rhetorical device, emphasizing the specific place of his humiliation and death, far from the place of his former power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in human affairs, particularly in judging pride and upholding justice. It illustrates that no human position, wealth, or self-made glory can withstand the divine will. God's judgment is not merely punitive but also restorative, clearing the way for faithful leadership, as seen in Eliakim's subsequent appointment. The passage reinforces the biblical truth that true honor and lasting legacy come from humble service to God and others, not from self-aggrandizement. It reminds us that all authority is ultimately derived from God, and its misuse will incur His severe displeasure, leading to a reversal of fortune where earthly glory turns to eternal shame.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")
* [Luke 1:52](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52 - The Mighty Humbled")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 22:18 offers a timeless and sobering warning against the insidious nature of pride, self-serving ambition, and the misuse of authority. Shebna's downfall reminds us that positions of power are trusts from God, meant for faithful stewardship and service to others, not for personal aggrandizement or the pursuit of fleeting glory. In a world that often celebrates self-promotion and material success, this verse calls believers to a radical humility, recognizing that all our talents, resources, and influence are gifts from God to be used for His purposes. It challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we building our own kingdoms, or are we faithfully contributing to God's? Do we seek the praise of people or the approval of God? Ultimately, it encourages us to live lives marked by integrity, humility, and genuine service, understanding that true honor and lasting legacy are found only in Christ, not in the fleeting symbols of worldly success.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to seek personal glory or recognition rather than serving God and others humbly?**
* **How does the imagery of being "tossed like a ball" challenge my sense of control and self-sufficiency?**
* **What "chariots of glory"—symbols of status, wealth, or achievement—do I perhaps cling to, and how might God be calling me to re-evaluate their true worth?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of faithful stewardship in my current roles and responsibilities, whether in my family, church, or workplace?**

### FAQ

**Who was Shebna, and why was he singled out for such a harsh prophecy?**

Answer: Shebna was a prominent official in the court of King Hezekiah of Judah, serving as the palace steward (or treasurer). He was singled out for a harsh prophecy due to his arrogance, self-serving ambition, and abuse of his high office. Instead of focusing on the nation's welfare during a time of crisis (the looming Assyrian threat), he was preoccupied with building an elaborate tomb for himself and accumulating symbols of personal glory, like his "chariots of glory." His actions demonstrated a profound lack of faith, humility, and responsible stewardship, leading to God's severe judgment against him, as detailed in [Isaiah 22:15-18](/isaiah/22-15 "Isaiah 22:15-18 - Prophecy Against Shebna").

**What is the significance of being "tossed like a ball into a large country"?**

Answer: The imagery of being "tossed like a ball" signifies a violent, uncontrolled, and undignified expulsion. It emphasizes Shebna's utter powerlessness and the divine force behind his removal. He is reduced from a powerful official to a mere object, hurled without agency. Being thrown "into a large country" implies exile to a vast, foreign land, far from his homeland and the place of his power. This signifies a complete reversal of his fortunes, a loss of all status, and ultimately, death in disgrace, away from the elaborate tomb he had prepared for himself in Jerusalem (cf. [Isaiah 22:16](/isaiah/22-16 "Isaiah 22:16 - Shebna's Tomb")). This fate was a common consequence for defeated officials and populations in the ancient Near East, especially under the Assyrians.

**How does this prophecy relate to God's character?**

Answer: This prophecy powerfully reveals several aspects of God's character. Firstly, it demonstrates His **justice** and **righteousness**, as He does not tolerate pride, self-aggrandizement, or the abuse of power, especially by those entrusted with leadership. Secondly, it highlights His **sovereignty** over all human affairs, including the rise and fall of individuals and nations. God is actively involved in history, humbling the proud and exalting the humble. Thirdly, it underscores His **holiness**, as He demands faithful stewardship and a heart devoted to His will, not to personal glory. The judgment on Shebna serves as a warning that God sees beyond outward appearances and will hold all accountable for their actions and motives, ultimately bringing shame to those who seek glory apart from Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 22:18, while a specific judgment against Shebna, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in its broader theological themes. Shebna's pride, self-exaltation, and ultimate humiliation stand in stark contrast to the perfect humility and faithful stewardship of Jesus Christ. Where Shebna sought personal glory and built a tomb for himself, Christ, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). He did not seek earthly chariots of glory but rode on a humble donkey into Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating a kingdom not of this world ([Matthew 21:5](/matthew/21-5 "Matthew 21:5 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry")).

Shebna's "chariots of glory" became his shame, but Christ's ultimate "shame"— His crucifixion—became the very means of His glory and our salvation ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith")). He was "tossed" not by divine wrath for His own sin, but by human rejection and divine plan, into the "large country" of death, only to conquer it and rise again, establishing His eternal dominion ([Acts 2:23-24](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23-24 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")). Unlike Shebna, who died in a foreign land in disgrace, Christ's death was a redemptive act that brought honor to the "Lord's house"—God's eternal kingdom. Furthermore, the faithful steward Eliakim, who replaced Shebna (cf. [Isaiah 22:20-24](/isaiah/22-20 "Isaiah 22:20-24 - Eliakim's Prophetic Appointment")), is often seen as a prophetic type of Christ, the ultimate and true "key-bearer" of the house of David ([Revelation 3:7](/revelation/3-7 "Revelation 3:7 - The Key of David")). Thus, Shebna's judgment serves as a powerful backdrop, illuminating the unparalleled humility, perfect obedience, and ultimate triumph of Christ, who alone is worthy of all glory and honor.

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

Isaiah 17:13

The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but [God] shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

Amos 7:17

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.