Isaiah 22:23

And I will fasten him [as] a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house.

And I will fasten {H8628} him as a nail {H3489} in a sure {H539} place {H4725}; and he shall be for a glorious {H3519} throne {H3678} to his father's {H1} house {H1004}.

"I will fasten him firmly in place like a peg, so that he will become a seat of honor for his clan.

I will drive him like a peg into a firm place, and he will be a throne of glory for the house of his father.

And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a throne of glory to his father’s house.

Isaiah 22:23 is a powerful verse that speaks to divine appointment, stability, and lasting authority. It is part of a prophetic declaration concerning the future of the royal household and stewardship in Judah, specifically highlighting the rise of Eliakim.

Context

This verse is found within the "Burden of the Valley of Vision" (Isaiah 22:1-25), a prophecy primarily directed at Jerusalem. In this chapter, God pronounces judgment upon Shebna, the unfaithful steward of King Hezekiah's house, for his pride and self-glorification. Following Shebna's disgrace, God declares His intention to raise up Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, to a position of immense authority and trust. Verses 20-23 describe Eliakim's elevation, portraying him as a figure who will bring stability and honor. The imagery used here, particularly the "nail in a sure place" and the "glorious throne," emphasizes the permanence and significance of his appointed role. This divine intervention underscores God's sovereignty over leadership and national affairs in ancient Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Stability: The phrase "I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place" signifies God's direct and unwavering hand in establishing Eliakim's position. A "nail" (Hebrew: yated) in this context refers to a sturdy peg, often used in tents or walls to hang important and heavy items, indicating reliability and support. God Himself ensures the stability and permanence of Eliakim's office, making him a trustworthy anchor for his people.
  • Authority and Glory: Eliakim is destined to be "a glorious throne to his father's house." This means he will bring honor, dignity, and significant authority not only to himself but to his entire family line. His leadership will be a source of pride and a stable center for the community.
  • Messianic Foreshadowing: Many commentators see Eliakim as a type or shadow of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The preceding verse, Isaiah 22:22, which speaks of giving Eliakim "the key of the house of David," is directly quoted in the New Testament when describing Christ's authority over the church and His kingdom (see Revelation 3:7). Just as Eliakim was a reliable steward, Christ is the ultimate and eternal "nail in a sure place," providing the only truly secure foundation for salvation and eternal life (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "nail" is yated (יָתֵד), which refers to a tent peg or a large, strong nail driven into a wall to hang things. The imagery is of something firmly fixed and reliable, capable of bearing weight. The "sure place" (מָקוֹם נֶאֱמָן, maqom ne'eman) emphasizes a trusted, faithful, and stable location, underscoring the permanence and security of Eliakim's appointment by God.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement regarding God's providence and faithfulness. It reminds us that God is actively involved in appointing leaders and establishing order, even in challenging times. For believers, the ultimate fulfillment of this promise is found in Jesus Christ, who is the true and eternal "nail in a sure place." He offers unwavering stability, security, and hope. We can trust in His authority and His kingdom, knowing that He is the reliable foundation upon which all things rest. Our ultimate allegiance and hope should be placed in Him, as He alone provides lasting glory and a sure place in God's eternal house.

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.

  • Job 36:7

    He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings [are they] on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.

  • Ezra 9:8

    And now for a little space grace hath been [shewed] from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.

  • Zechariah 10:4

    Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.

  • 1 Samuel 2:8

    He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:11

    The words of the wise [are] as goads, and as nails fastened [by] the masters of assemblies, [which] are given from one shepherd.

  • Luke 22:29

    And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

  • Luke 22:30

    That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

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