Isaiah 22:25

In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that [was] upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

In that day {H3117}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, shall the nail {H3489} that is fastened {H8628} in the sure {H539} place {H4725} be removed {H4185}, and be cut down {H1438}, and fall {H5307}; and the burden {H4853} that was upon it shall be cut off {H3772}: for the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696} it.

When that day comes, the peg fastened firmly in place will give way; it will be cut down and fall, and the weight that was on it will be cut off." For ADONAI has said it.

In that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, the peg driven into a firm place will give way; it will be sheared off and fall, and the load upon it will be cut down.” Indeed, the LORD has spoken.

In that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, shall the nail that was fastened in a sure place give way; and it shall be hewn down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off; for Jehovah hath spoken it.

Isaiah 22:25 concludes a specific prophecy within a larger oracle concerning Jerusalem. This verse speaks of the removal and downfall of someone previously established in a position of authority, symbolized by a "nail fastened in a sure place."

Context

Chapter 22 of Isaiah focuses on the "burden of the Valley of Vision," which is Jerusalem. The prophecy details the city's impending judgment but also includes specific pronouncements against individuals. Verses 15-19 condemn Shebna, a high official (likely the steward or treasurer), for his pride and self-aggrandizement. Verses 20-24 describe the elevation of Eliakim son of Hilkiah to Shebna's position, describing him as a "nail fastened in a sure place" upon whom all the glory and dependency of his family would hang. Verse 25 then delivers a stark contrast, stating that *this* nail (referring back to the concept of a secure position, perhaps specifically hinting at Shebna's ultimate fate despite Eliakim's elevation, or perhaps a principle applicable even to Eliakim if unfaithful) will be removed, and whatever hung upon it will fall.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The verse emphasizes that this removal is the direct action of "the LORD of hosts," declared by His word ("for the LORD hath spoken it"). This highlights God's ultimate control over human affairs and positions of power.
  • Instability of Ungodly or Unfaithful Authority: While a position may seem secure ("fastened in the sure place"), if the person holding it is unfaithful or under God's judgment, that security is temporary. The removal of the "nail" signifies the complete loss of position and influence.
  • Consequences of Downfall: The "burden that was upon it shall be cut off." This refers to everything that depended on this official – responsibilities, people supported, honors, wealth. When the leader falls, those who relied upon them suffer the consequences.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "nail" (יתד, yathed) refers to a peg, pin, or tent stake, something used for support or fastening. Being "fastened in the sure place" (מקום נאמן, maqom ne'eman) implies a position of trust, stability, and reliability. The word "burden" (משא, massa) can mean a physical load, a responsibility, or even a prophetic oracle (as in the "burden" of a nation). Here, it signifies the weight of dependency placed upon the official, which is removed upon his downfall.

Reflection

Isaiah 22:25 serves as a powerful reminder that earthly positions of power and influence, even those seemingly secure, are ultimately under God's authority. It speaks to the principle that faithfulness is key to maintaining a position of trust. Leaders and individuals alike should understand that relying on their own strength or political maneuvering is fleeting. True stability comes from being found faithful in the eyes of the Lord, who alone can establish and remove. This verse contrasts sharply with the eternal and stable government of the Messiah, upon whom the true "burden" (of authority and care for His people) rests securely forever.

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.

  • Isaiah 46:11

    Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken [it], I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed [it], I will also do it.

  • 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.

  • Esther 9:24

    Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that [is], the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;

  • Esther 9:25

    But when [Esther] came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

  • Psalms 146:3

    Put not your trust in princes, [nor] in the son of man, in whom [there is] no help.

  • Jeremiah 17:5

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 17:6

    For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, [in] a salt land and not inhabited.
← Back