Shebna the scribe, mentioned in the history of Hezekiah, chap. 36., seems to have been a different person from this Shebna, the treasurer or steward of the household, to whom this prophecy relates. The Eliakim here mentioned was probably the person who, at the time of Sennacherib's invasion, was actually treasurer, the son of Hilkiah. If so, this prophecy was delivered, as the preceding, (which makes the former part of the chapter,) plainly was, some time before the invasion of Sennacherib. As to the rest, history affords us no information.

"And say unto him"] Here are two words lost out of the text, which are supplied by two of Dr. Kennicott's MSS., one ancient, which read wyla trmaw veamarta elaiv, and thou shalt say unto him; by the Septuagint, kai eipon autw, and in the same manner by all the ancient versions. It is to be observed that this passage is merely historical, and does not admit of that sort of ellipsis by which in the poetical parts a person is frequently introduced speaking, without the usual notice, that what follows was delivered by him.

Is. 22:1-7 Why is Jerusalem in such terror? Her slain men are not slai with the sword, but with famine; or, slain with fear, disheartened Their rulers fled, but were overtaken. The servants of God, who forese and warn sinners of coming miseries, are affected by the prospect. But all the horrors of a city taken by storm, faintly shadow forth the terrors of the day of wrath.

Is. 22:8-14 The weakness of Judah now appeared more than ever. Now als they discovered their carnal confidence and their carnal security. The looked to the fortifications. They made sure of water for the city. But they were regardless of God in all these preparations. They did no care for his glory in what they did. They did not depend upon him for blessing on their endeavours. For every creature is to us what God makes it to be; and we must bless him for it, and use it for him. Ther was great contempt of God's wrath and justice, in contending with them God's design was to humble them, and bring them to repentance. The walked contrary to this. Actual disbelief of another life after this is at the bottom of the carnal security and brutish sensuality, whic are the sin, the shame, and ruin of so great a part of mankind. God wa displeased at this. It is a sin against the remedy, and it is no likely they should ever repent of it. Whether this unbelief works by presumption or despair, it produces the same contempt of God, and is token that a man will perish wilfully.

Is. 22:15-25 This message to Shebna is a reproof of his pride, vanity and security; what vanity is all earthly grandeur, which death will s soon end! What will it avail, whether we are laid in a magnificen tomb, or covered with the green sod? Those who, when in power, turn an toss others, will be justly turned and tossed themselves. Eliaki should be put into Shebna's place. Those called to places of trust an power, should seek to God for grace to enable them to do their duty Eliakim's advancement is described. Our Lord Jesus describes his ow power as Mediator, Rev. 3:7, that he has the key of David. His power in the kingdom of heaven, and in ordering all the affairs of that kingdom is absolute. Rulers should be fathers to those under their government and the honour men bring unto their families, by their piety an usefulness, is more to be valued than what they derive from them by their names and titles. The glory of this world gives a man no rea worth or excellence; it is but hung upon him, and it will soon dro from him. Eliakim was compared to a nail in a sure place; all his family are said to depend upon him. In eastern houses, rows of larg spikes were built up in the walls. Upon these the moveables an utensils were hung. Our Lord Jesus is as a nail in a sure place. Tha soul cannot perish, nor that concern fall to the ground, which is by faith hung upon Christ. He will set before the believer an open door which no man can shut, and bring both body and soul to eternal glory But those who neglect so great salvation will find, that when he shutteth none can open, whether it be shutting out from heaven, or shutting up in hell for ever __________________________________________________________________

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