Isaiah 22:24

KJV

And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall hang {H8518} upon him all the glory {H3519} of his father's {H1} house {H1004}, the offspring {H6631} and the issue {H6849}, all vessels {H3627} of small {H6996} quantity, from the vessels {H3627} of cups {H101}, even to all the vessels {H3627} of flagons {H5035}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will hang on him all the weight of his clan, descendants and offspring, as well as all the vessels of small capacity, from pitchers to cups.

Berean Standard Bible

So they will hang on him all the glory of his father’s house: the descendants and the offshoots—all the lesser vessels, from bowls to every kind of jar.

American Standard Version

And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father’s house, the offspring and the issue, every small vessel, from the cups even to all the flagons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 22:24 vividly portrays the comprehensive authority and indispensable role of Eliakim, who is divinely appointed to replace the corrupt steward Shebna. Through the powerful imagery of a "nail in a sure place," the verse illustrates that every aspect of the royal household, from its most esteemed members and valuable possessions to its humblest individuals and common items, will depend entirely upon Eliakim for support, stability, and provision, signifying a complete transfer of administrative and protective responsibility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a prophetic oracle in [Isaiah 22:15-25](/isaiah/22 "Isaiah 22 - The Oracle Concerning the Valley of Vision"), which details God's judgment against Shebna, the unfaithful palace steward, and His subsequent elevation of Eliakim, son of Hilkiah. The preceding verses establish Eliakim's new position: [Isaiah 22:21](/isaiah/22-21 "Isaiah 22:21 - Eliakim Clothed with Authority") describes him being clothed with Shebna's robes and authority, becoming "a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah." Most significantly, [Isaiah 22:22](/isaiah/22-22 "Isaiah 22:22 - The Key of the House of David") declares that the "key of the house of David" will be placed on his shoulder, symbolizing supreme administrative power over the royal household and, by extension, the kingdom. [Isaiah 22:23](/isaiah/22-23 "Isaiah 22:23 - Eliakim as a Sure Nail") further solidifies his role, likening him to "a nail fastened in a sure place," emphasizing his stability, reliability, and the secure foundation he provides. Verse 24 expands on this "nail" imagery, illustrating the profound and all-encompassing dependency of the entire household upon him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah, likely in the late 8th century BCE. The "house of David" refers to the royal palace and the ruling dynasty of Judah. In ancient Near Eastern households, a "steward" or "master of the household" (often translated as "prime minister" in a governmental context) held immense power, managing all affairs, finances, and personnel. The imagery of "hanging" items on a strong peg or nail was a common practice in ancient homes, where valuable and everyday items alike were suspended from sturdy fixtures for storage and display. This practice underscores the absolute reliance on the integrity and strength of the peg; if it failed, everything hung upon it would fall. The contrast between "vessels of cups" (small, common containers) and "vessels of flagons" (larger, perhaps more valuable or ceremonial vessels) highlights a comprehensive range, from the most humble to the most significant, all depending on a single source of support.

* **Key Themes:** The passage strongly emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, as God orchestrates the downfall of the corrupt Shebna and the rise of Eliakim, demonstrating His active involvement in the leadership of His people. Another crucial theme is **Comprehensive Authority and Stewardship**, as Eliakim is granted unparalleled power and responsibility over the entire royal household, signifying his role as a reliable provider and protector. This authority is not merely human but divinely ordained, making Eliakim a trusted instrument in God's plan. Finally, the theme of **Absolute Dependency** is paramount, illustrated by the imagery of every member and possession of the household "hanging upon him." This highlights that all aspects of life and administration within the kingdom will find their stability and provision solely through Eliakim's office, reinforcing the idea that true security comes from reliance on God's chosen instrument.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hang (Hebrew, _tâlâh'_):** This primitive root (H8518) means "to suspend," often implying to "gibbet" or "hang up." In this context, it powerfully conveys the idea of complete and utter dependency. Just as physical objects are suspended from a nail, the entire "glory of his father's house" will be entirely reliant on Eliakim for its support and stability. The imagery suggests a foundational and indispensable role.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "weight," this word (H3519) figuratively denotes splendor, copiousness, honor, or reputation. "All the glory of his father's house" encompasses the honor, wealth, prestige, and collective well-being of the royal dynasty. It signifies not just the people but the entire essence and reputation of the household, indicating that Eliakim's stewardship will uphold and sustain everything that gives the house its weight and significance.
* **vessels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_)::** This term (H3627) is broad, referring to "something prepared," encompassing any apparatus, implement, utensil, or vessel. Its repeated use here, especially in conjunction with "cups" and "flagons," emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the dependency. It represents all the material possessions and, by extension, all the people within the household, from the least to the greatest, the common to the valuable, all relying on Eliakim's stability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house":** This opening clause establishes the central metaphor. "They" refers to the people and possessions of the royal household. "Hang upon him" signifies complete reliance and dependence on Eliakim. "All the glory of his father's house" encompasses the entire honor, wealth, reputation, and well-being of the Davidic dynasty and all associated with it. This indicates that Eliakim's role is not peripheral but foundational to the very existence and prestige of the royal line.
* **"the offspring and the issue":** This phrase further clarifies who is included in "all the glory." "Offspring" (H6631, _tseʼĕtsâʼ_) refers to direct descendants or progeny, while "issue" (H6849, _tsᵉphiʻâh_) can denote that which comes forth, often referring to an outcast or a broader sense of those connected to the household, perhaps even servants or dependents. Together, these terms ensure that no one, from the highest-born to the humblest dependent, is excluded from this comprehensive reliance on Eliakim.
* **"all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons":** This final clause uses a powerful merism to illustrate the full scope of Eliakim's responsibility and the household's dependence. "Vessels of small quantity" refers to smaller, perhaps less valuable or common items, exemplified by "vessels of cups." "Vessels of flagons" refers to larger, possibly more significant or valuable containers. The progression from "cups" to "flagons" signifies the entire spectrum of household items and, by extension, all individuals, regardless of their status or perceived importance. Everything, without exception, is sustained by Eliakim.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 22:24 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. Eliakim himself is a **type** or **symbol** of a reliable and authoritative figure, specifically foreshadowing Christ. The "nail in a sure place" (from the preceding verse) is a powerful **metaphor** for stability and security, upon which the entire "glory of his father's house" is metaphorically "hung." The act of "hanging" itself is a **symbol** of absolute dependence and comprehensive provision. Furthermore, the phrase "from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons" employs a **Merism**, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. This effectively communicates that every single item and person, from the smallest and most common to the largest and most valuable, is included in this all-encompassing dependency on Eliakim.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 22:24 profoundly illustrates the principle of comprehensive divine provision and the nature of delegated authority. Eliakim's appointment is not merely a political maneuver but a divine act, highlighting God's meticulous care for His people and His sovereign choice of instruments. The imagery of total reliance on Eliakim underscores that God's chosen leader becomes the single, indispensable source of stability and sustenance for the entire community. This foreshadows a deeper theological truth: just as the household depended on Eliakim, humanity is called to place its complete trust and reliance on God's ultimate chosen one, the Messiah, for all spiritual and temporal needs.

* [Revelation 3:7](/revelation/3-7 "Revelation 3:7 - Christ with the Key of David"): "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;"
* [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together"): "And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."
* [Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22 - Christ as Head of the Church"): "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The powerful imagery of Isaiah 22:24 invites profound spiritual reflection on the nature of our own dependencies. In a world that often promotes self-sufficiency and reliance on fleeting sources of security, this verse calls us to consider where our true stability lies. Just as every facet of the ancient household was hung upon Eliakim, so too are we, as individuals and as the collective body of Christ, called to place our entire weight—our hopes, fears, needs, and aspirations—upon the Lord. This means recognizing that Christ's provision is not partial but comprehensive, extending to every "vessel" of our lives, from the seemingly insignificant "cup" to the more substantial "flagon." It encourages us to surrender our anxieties and trust in His steadfastness, knowing that He is the "sure nail" upon whom all things truly consist. This reliance fosters a deep sense of peace and security, knowing that our ultimate foundation is unshakeable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of your life are you still trying to support on your own strength, rather than "hanging" them upon Christ?**
* **How does the imagery of "all vessels, from cups to flagons" challenge your perception of who Christ cares for and how comprehensively He provides?**
* **In what practical ways can you demonstrate greater daily dependence on Jesus Christ for your spiritual, emotional, and physical needs?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "key of the house of David" mentioned in relation to Eliakim?**

Answer: The "key of the house of David" (mentioned in [Isaiah 22:22](/isaiah/22-22 "Isaiah 22:22 - The Key of the House of David")) is a powerful symbol of supreme administrative authority and stewardship. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, possessing the key to a house or city signified control over its access, resources, and inhabitants. For Eliakim, it meant he was appointed as the chief steward or prime minister of the royal household, holding the power to open and shut, to admit or exclude, and to manage all affairs of the king's court and, by extension, the kingdom of Judah. This position made him indispensable, as highlighted by Isaiah 22:24, where all aspects of the household depend on him.

**How does Eliakim's role as a "nail in a sure place" relate to the imagery of Isaiah 22:24?**

Answer: Eliakim's description as "a nail fastened in a sure place" in [Isaiah 22:23](/isaiah/22-23 "Isaiah 22:23 - Eliakim as a Sure Nail") directly sets the stage for the imagery in Isaiah 22:24. In ancient homes, sturdy nails or pegs were essential for hanging valuable items, clothing, and household utensils. A "sure place" implied a strong, reliable fixture that would not break or pull out. Isaiah 22:24 then elaborates on this by stating that "all the glory of his father's house"—meaning all its people, possessions, and honor—would "hang upon him." This connection emphasizes that Eliakim's stability and reliability, divinely ordained, are the very foundation upon which the entire household's well-being and security depend, from the most significant to the most humble.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 22:24, while immediately referring to Eliakim's indispensable role in the Davidic kingdom, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Eliakim serves as a **type** or **foreshadowing** of the Messiah, the true and eternal "nail fastened in a sure place" (cf. [Isaiah 22:23](/isaiah/22-23 "Isaiah 22:23 - Eliakim as a Sure Nail")). Just as Eliakim was given "the key of the house of David" (cf. [Isaiah 22:22](/isaiah/22-22 "Isaiah 22:22 - The Key of the House of David")), so too is Christ the one who holds "the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one will open" ([Revelation 3:7](/revelation/3-7 "Revelation 3:7 - Christ with the Key of David")). Upon Him, all the "glory of His Father's house"—the entire spiritual household of God, the Church—is hung. Every believer, from the "vessels of cups" (the humble and seemingly insignificant) to the "vessels of flagons" (those with greater gifts or prominence), finds their complete identity, sustenance, and security in Him. Christ is the one "in whom all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")), the Head over all things for the Church, which is His body ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). Our entire spiritual existence, our provision, our hope, and our eternal destiny are utterly dependent upon Him, the steadfast and unshakeable foundation of God's redemptive plan.

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

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

2 Timothy 2:20

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

2 Timothy 2:21

If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.

John 5:22

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

John 5:27

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

Daniel 6:1

¶ It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

Daniel 6:3

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit [was] in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.