Isaiah 22:21

And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.

And I will clothe {H3847} him with thy robe {H3801}, and strengthen {H2388} him with thy girdle {H73}, and I will commit {H5414} thy government {H4475} into his hand {H3027}: and he shall be a father {H1} to the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}, and to the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063}.

I will dress him in your robe, gird him with your sash of office, and invest him with your authority. He will be a father to the people living in Yerushalayim and to the house of Y'hudah.

I will clothe him with your robe and tie your sash around him. I will put your authority in his hand, and he will be a father to the dwellers of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah.

and I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand; and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.

Commentary

Context of Isaiah 22:21

This verse is part of a prophetic oracle in the book of Isaiah, specifically detailing a significant administrative change within the royal household of King Hezekiah of Judah. The preceding verses (Isaiah 22:15-20) announce the disgrace and removal of Shebna, the current palace steward or treasurer, due to his pride and self-aggrandizement (e.g., building a prominent tomb for himself). In his place, the Lord declares He will raise up Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, to assume this crucial position of authority. Verse 21 describes the specific elements of this divine appointment and the nature of Eliakim's new role.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Appointment and Authority: The passage emphasizes that this transfer of power is not a political maneuver but a direct act of God ("I will clothe him... strengthen him... commit thy government"). This highlights God's sovereignty over human affairs and leadership.
  • Stewardship and Responsibility: Eliakim is given significant authority, symbolized by the "robe" and "girdle" (insignia of office and strength) and the "government" (memshalah, meaning rule or dominion). This implies a heavy responsibility to manage the affairs of the kingdom justly and wisely.
  • Fatherly Care: A crucial aspect of Eliakim's new role is that he "shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah." This portrays a leader who is not merely an administrator but one who provides protective, nurturing, and compassionate care for his people, much like a good father. This theme of a caring leader echoes throughout scripture.
  • Replacement and Restoration: The removal of an unworthy leader (Shebna) and the installation of a divinely chosen, righteous one (Eliakim) signals a pattern of God's judgment and His provision for His people.

Linguistic Insights

  • The "robe" (Hebrew: kuttoneth) and "girdle" (Hebrew: abnet) were significant garments. The robe symbolized official status and dignity, while the girdle represented strength and readiness for service, holding the robe in place. Together, they signify the endowment of office and power.
  • The term "government" (Hebrew: memshalah) denotes rule, dominion, or authority, underscoring the weight of the administrative power being transferred to Eliakim.
  • To be a "father" (Hebrew: ’av) to the people is a profound metaphor for leadership. It implies a relationship of care, protection, provision, and guidance, rather than mere bureaucratic control.

Related Scriptures

The elevation of Eliakim is often seen as a type or foreshadowing of Christ. The description of Eliakim receiving the "key of the house of David" in the following verse (Isaiah 22:22) is particularly significant. This imagery is directly applied to Jesus Christ in Revelation 3:7, where He is described as the one who "hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth." This connects Eliakim's earthly stewardship to Christ's ultimate and eternal authority over God's spiritual house.

Furthermore, the idea of a leader being a "father" to his people resonates with prophetic descriptions of the Messiah, who is called the "Everlasting Father" in Isaiah 9:6, emphasizing His eternal care and benevolent rule.

Practical Application

Isaiah 22:21 offers valuable lessons for both leaders and those under authority:

  • For Leaders: True authority comes from God. Leadership is a divine trust, not merely a position of power. It calls for integrity, strength, and especially a fatherly care for the well-being of those being led. Leaders are accountable to God for how they exercise their stewardship.
  • For Individuals: This passage reminds us of God's active involvement in history and His sovereign hand in raising up and bringing down leaders. It encourages us to trust in His plan, even when earthly leadership seems flawed, and to seek God's guidance for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2).
  • Ultimate Hope: Ultimately, this verse points to the perfect and everlasting leadership of Jesus Christ, who truly embodies the "Everlasting Father" and holds all authority in heaven and on earth.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 45:8 (4 votes)

    So now [it was] not you [that] sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

  • Esther 8:2 (2 votes)

    And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

  • Esther 8:15 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.

  • Genesis 41:42 (2 votes)

    And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

  • Genesis 41:43 (2 votes)

    And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him [ruler] over all the land of Egypt.

  • 1 Samuel 18:4 (2 votes)

    And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that [was] upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.

  • Isaiah 9:6 (2 votes)

    For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.