Isaiah 22:19

KJV

And I will drive thee from thy station, and from thy state shall he pull thee down.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will drive {H1920} thee from thy station {H4673}, and from thy state {H4612} shall he pull thee down {H2040}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I will remove you from your office, I will snatch you from your post.

Berean Standard Bible

I will remove you from office, and you will be ousted from your position.

American Standard Version

And I will thrust thee from thine office; and from thy station shalt thou be pulled down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 22:19 delivers a potent divine decree of judgment against Shebna, a high-ranking official in King Hezekiah's court in Judah. This verse, spoken directly by God through the prophet Isaiah, announces a definitive and forceful removal of Shebna from his esteemed position and authority, signifying the end of his influence and public standing due to his pride and self-serving actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 22:19 is part of a larger oracle of judgment against Shebna, beginning in [Isaiah 22:15](/isaiah/22-15 "Isaiah 22:15 - Oracle Against Shebna"). The preceding verses detail Shebna's arrogance and self-aggrandizement, particularly his construction of an elaborate tomb for himself while the nation faced a severe crisis, likely the impending Assyrian invasion under Sennacherib (as described in [Isaiah 36](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36 - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah")). Shebna held the powerful office of "steward" or "over the house," essentially the chief administrator or treasurer, making his self-serving actions a profound betrayal of his public trust. The verses immediately following, [Isaiah 22:20-25](/isaiah/22-20 "Isaiah 22:20-25 - Eliakim's Appointment"), introduce Eliakim as Shebna's divinely appointed successor, highlighting God's sovereign control over leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy is set during the reign of King Hezekiah (715-686 BC), a period marked by significant geopolitical tension. The rising power of the Assyrian Empire posed an existential threat to Judah, culminating in Sennacherib's invasion around 701 BC. In this context, the role of "steward" (Hebrew: `asher al-habayit`) was one of immense responsibility, second only to the king. Such an official was expected to manage the royal household, treasury, and affairs of state, especially during times of national peril. Shebna's actions—focusing on personal legacy (building a grand tomb) rather than national defense or spiritual reliance on God—were a stark contrast to the expected conduct of a faithful servant and a direct affront to God's authority and the needs of His people.
* **Key Themes:** The judgment against Shebna in this verse contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, particularly for those in positions of power. God actively intervenes in human affairs, holding leaders responsible for their stewardship and punishing those who abuse their authority for personal gain, as seen in the broader prophetic warnings against unjust rulers throughout books like [Amos](/amos/1 "Amos 1 - Oracles Against Nations") and [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/22 "Jeremiah 22 - Prophecies Against Judah's Kings"). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Pride and Self-Interest**. Shebna's downfall serves as a powerful illustration of the biblical principle that "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")). His focus on his own glory rather than God's glory or the welfare of his people directly leads to his ignominious removal. Lastly, the verse powerfully demonstrates **God's Sovereignty Over Positions and Nations**. The explicit "I will drive thee" and "shall he pull thee down" emphasize that Shebna's demotion is not a political coup but a divine decree, reinforcing God's ultimate authority to "bring low and lift up" ([1 Samuel 2:7](/1_samuel/2-7 "1 Samuel 2:7 - Hannah's Prayer of Sovereignty")), removing the unfaithful and installing His chosen instruments, as He does with Eliakim in [Isaiah 22:20-21](/isaiah/22-20 "Isaiah 22:20-21 - Eliakim's Appointment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **drive (Hebrew, _hâdaph'_):** A primitive root meaning "to push away or down." This word conveys a forceful, decisive expulsion. It's not a gentle dismissal but a violent thrusting out, emphasizing the divine power behind Shebna's removal and the complete loss of his footing.
* **station (Hebrew, _matstsâb'_):** From the root `nātsab` (to stand), this refers to a "fixed spot," "office," or "military post." In this context, it signifies Shebna's established position of authority and influence within the royal court. The word implies a place of standing, stability, and recognized status, all of which are now to be violently removed.
* **state (Hebrew, _maʻămâd'_):** Derived from `ʻâmad` (to stand), this word figuratively denotes a "position," "attendance," "office," or "place." Similar to "station," it emphasizes Shebna's standing, status, or official capacity. Its use alongside "station" creates a powerful parallelism, underscoring the comprehensive nature of his demotion – not just his physical post but his entire standing and public persona.
* **pull thee down (Hebrew, _hâraç'_):** A primitive root meaning "to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy." This is a strong verb indicating ruin and utter destruction. It suggests a complete dismantling of Shebna's authority and status, much like tearing down a building. It signifies not merely a demotion but a catastrophic collapse of his career and public life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will drive thee from thy station":** This clause declares God's direct and active role in Shebna's downfall. The "I" refers to the Lord, emphasizing divine agency. "Drive thee" implies a forceful, involuntary expulsion, like pushing someone out of a place they occupy. "Thy station" refers to Shebna's specific, established office or post, highlighting that he will be removed from the very place where he exercised his power and influence.
* **"and from thy state shall he pull thee down":** This second clause reinforces the first through synonymous parallelism, adding intensity and completeness to the judgment. While the KJV uses "he," the Hebrew context implies God as the agent (or an agent of God's judgment). "Thy state" refers to his standing, status, or position of authority, encompassing his entire public persona and elevated rank. "Pull thee down" signifies a complete demolition or ruin, not just a removal but a dismantling of his entire professional and social edifice.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey the severity of God's judgment. **Parallelism** is prominent, with the two clauses ("I will drive thee from thy station" and "from thy state shall he pull thee down") echoing and intensifying each other. This repetition emphasizes the certainty and totality of Shebna's demotion. The use of strong, active verbs like "drive" (`hâdaph`) and "pull down" (`hâraç`) creates a vivid image of forceful, decisive action, highlighting **Divine Agency** as God Himself is the one orchestrating this downfall. The terms "station" and "state" function as **Metonymy**, where the physical place or abstract concept stands in for the entire office, authority, and public standing of Shebna. The language is direct and declarative, characteristic of prophetic pronouncements of judgment, leaving no doubt about the outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 22:19 profoundly illustrates God's active sovereignty over human leadership and His unwavering commitment to justice. It serves as a stark reminder that all authority ultimately derives from God, and those entrusted with power are accountable to Him. Shebna's pride and self-serving ambition, manifested in his misuse of public office for personal gain rather than national welfare, directly provoked divine intervention. This judgment underscores the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, demonstrating that positions of influence are not for personal aggrandizement but for faithful stewardship.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine judgment against Shebna in Isaiah 22:19 carries enduring lessons for all believers, particularly those in positions of leadership, whether in the church, workplace, or family. It challenges us to examine our motivations: are we serving God and others, or are we seeking personal glory, security, or recognition? Shebna's downfall reminds us that our "stations" and "states"—our roles, talents, and influence—are not our own to exploit but are divine trusts for which we will give an account. True security and lasting legacy are found not in self-aggrandizement or material possessions, but in humble, faithful service to God and His purposes. We are called to steward our gifts with integrity, humility, and a focus on God's kingdom, recognizing that our ultimate standing is before Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to use my "station" or "state" for personal gain or recognition rather than for God's glory and the good of others?**
* **How does Shebna's story challenge my understanding of true leadership and accountability?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate humility and a servant's heart in my current roles and responsibilities?**

### FAQ
**What was Shebna's specific sin that led to this judgment?**

Answer: Shebna's primary sin was pride, self-aggrandizement, and a blatant misuse of his high office for personal gain and legacy-building, rather than faithfully serving the nation during a time of grave crisis. [Isaiah 22:16-18](/isaiah/22-16 "Isaiah 22:16-18 - Shebna's Arrogance") explicitly condemns him for hewing out a tomb for himself in a prominent place, indicating a preoccupation with his own glory and security while Jerusalem faced the existential threat of the Assyrian invasion. This self-interest and lack of trust in God's provision were direct affronts to his responsibilities as the king's steward.

**Does God still remove leaders from their positions today?**

Answer: Yes, the principle of God's sovereignty over human authority remains constant. While not always as dramatically or explicitly declared as in Shebna's case, the Bible teaches that "the Most High rules the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom he will" ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). God can and does remove leaders, whether through political upheaval, natural consequences of their actions, or divine intervention, when they are unfaithful, corrupt, or obstruct His purposes. This serves as a continuous reminder for all in authority to lead with humility, integrity, and a recognition of their ultimate accountability to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 22:19, with its declaration of God's judgment against the unfaithful steward Shebna and the subsequent promise of a new, faithful steward in Eliakim (Isaiah 22:20-25), powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine judgment and the establishment of God's perfect steward, Jesus Christ. Shebna's removal highlights the unreliability and self-serving nature of human leadership, a stark contrast to the perfect and selfless leadership of Christ. Just as Shebna was "driven from his station" and "pulled down" for his pride, so too does God's judgment fall upon all who reject His authority and pursue their own glory. However, the greater fulfillment lies in Jesus, who is the true and faithful "steward" of God's house, the one upon whom "the key of the house of David" rests ([Isaiah 22:22](/isaiah/22-22 "Isaiah 22:22 - The Key of David")). Unlike Shebna, who built a tomb for himself, Jesus laid down His life, conquering death and providing eternal life for His people ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). He is the one who perfectly fulfills the role of the faithful servant, not seeking His own glory but always doing the will of the Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")), establishing a kingdom that will never be pulled down, and serving as the ultimate, righteous leader who faithfully cares for His people, unlike the self-serving Shebna.

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

Ezekiel 17:24

And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it].

Luke 1:52

He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.

Job 40:11

Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one [that is] proud, and abase him.

Job 40:12

Look on every one [that is] proud, [and] bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.

Psalms 75:6

¶ For promotion [cometh] neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

Psalms 75:7

But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.