Isaiah 22:18

He will surely violently turn and toss thee [like] a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory [shall be] the shame of thy lord's house.

He will surely {H6801} violently turn {H6801} and toss {H6802} thee like a ball {H1754} into a large {H7342}{H3027} country {H776}: there shalt thou die {H4191}, and there the chariots {H4818} of thy glory {H3519} shall be the shame {H7036} of thy lord's {H113} house {H1004}.

roll you up, and toss you around like a ball in the open country. There you will die, with your fancy chariots, you disgrace to your master's palace!

roll you into a ball, and sling you into a wide land. There you will die, and there your glorious chariots will remain—a disgrace to the house of your master.

He will surely wind thee round and round, and toss thee like a ball into a large country; there shalt thou die, and there shall be the chariots of thy glory, thou shame of thy lord’s house.

Commentary

Context of Isaiah 22:18

Isaiah 22:18 is part of a prophetic oracle specifically condemning Shebna, the palace steward or treasurer during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. This chapter, often called the "Oracle concerning the Valley of Vision," critiques the people of Jerusalem for their misplaced confidence and lack of repentance in the face of an impending Assyrian invasion. Shebna, in particular, is singled out for his arrogance, self-promotion, and abuse of power, focusing on building an elaborate tomb for himself while the nation faced existential threats. His actions demonstrate a profound disregard for his duties and the welfare of his people, leading to God's severe judgment against him and the promise of his replacement, as seen later in Isaiah 22:20-21.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment on Pride: The verse vividly illustrates God's swift and forceful judgment against those who exalt themselves. Shebna's high position is no defense against divine wrath, reinforcing the biblical principle that pride goes before destruction.
  • Humiliation and Exile: The imagery of being "tossed like a ball" signifies a violent, uncontrolled expulsion from his homeland and position of power, leading to death in a foreign land. This is a complete reversal of his self-proclaimed glory.
  • Reversal of Fortune: Shebna's "chariots of thy glory"—symbols of his status, wealth, and influence—will become a source of "shame," underscoring the futility of seeking self-glorification apart from God.
  • God's Sovereignty: This prophecy highlights God's absolute control over human affairs, including the rise and fall of individuals and nations. He orchestrates events to humble the proud and exalt the humble, as also taught in James 4:6.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "violently turn and toss thee [like] a ball" uses powerful Hebrew imagery. The word translated "toss" (צָנַף, tsanaph) can mean to wrap, bind, or hurl, suggesting a forceful, involuntary expulsion, much like a ball being thrown with great intensity across a vast field. This emphasizes the suddenness and lack of control Shebna would experience in his downfall. His "chariots of thy glory" (כְּבוֹדֶךָ, kěḇōwḏeḵā) refers to his pomp, prestige, and the outward display of his privileged status, which God declares will be transformed into public disgrace, bringing shame upon the very house he served.

Practical Application

Isaiah 22:18 serves as a potent warning against the dangers of pride, self-serving ambition, and the misuse of positions of authority. It reminds us that true honor comes not from personal aggrandizement but from faithful stewardship and humility in serving God and others. For believers today, this verse encourages a life of humility, recognizing that all our abilities and positions are gifts from God and should be used for His glory, not our own. It underscores the biblical truth that God sees beyond outward appearances and motives, and He will ultimately bring justice to those who abuse their power or live in arrogance.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 17:13 (5 votes)

    The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but [God] shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

  • Amos 7:17 (2 votes)

    Therefore thus saith the LORD; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.