


Isaiah 22:19
Bible Versions
And I will drive thee from thy station, and from thy state shall he pull thee down.
"I will remove you from your office, I will snatch you from your post.
I will remove you from office, and you will be ousted from your position.
And I will thrust thee from thine office; and from thy station shalt thou be pulled down.
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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.
Isaiah 22:19 delivers a powerful divine pronouncement of judgment against Shebna, a prominent official in Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. This verse, spoken directly by God through the prophet Isaiah, declares a decisive end to Shebna's elevated position and authority.
Context
To understand Isaiah 22:19, it's crucial to look at the preceding verses (Isaiah 22:15-18). Shebna held a high office, likely that of "steward" or "over the house" (a chief administrator or treasurer), a position of significant power and influence in the kingdom of Judah. However, instead of faithfully serving the nation during a time of crisis (likely referring to the Assyrian threat), Shebna was characterized by pride, self-aggrandizement, and a focus on his own legacy. He was building an elaborate tomb for himself while the people faced imminent danger. God's judgment here is a direct response to his misuse of power, arrogance, and lack of true devotion to his responsibilities and to God.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV uses "thy station" and "thy state." The Hebrew word for "station" is makom (מָקוֹם), which literally means "place" but in this context refers to his specific position or office. "State" comes from ma'amad (מַעֲמָד), denoting his standing, status, or position of authority. The repetition of these concepts emphasizes the completeness and certainty of his demotion and removal from public life.
Practical Application
This verse offers timeless lessons for all, especially those in positions of leadership or influence: