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siege the conference between the two parties took place. But it was probably not long
after the arrival of the besieging army. For, although the Rabh-Shakeh refers to the
horrors of a protracted siege (2 Kings 18:27), his coarse language sounds rather like a
threat of future than an indication of present straits. Besides, Jerusalem may have been
shut up for some time before the actual siege, while in any case that free communication
with the country must have been interrupted which was necessary for the supply of
provisions to the capital. On the other hand, it was of the utmost importance to the
Assyrians to gain possession of Jerusalem without delay, and so to set the besieging army
free to operate against Egypt. Of two among the three representatives of Hezekiah - no
doubt mentioned in the order of their rank (2 Kings 18:18) - we have some characteristic
notices in Isaiah 22:15-22. From these we are led to conjecture that Shebna, "the scribe,"
or secretary - probably the chief private adviser of the king,* and who may possibly have
been of Syrian descent** -was a man actuated by ambition and selfish motives, to whom
the mistaken policy of Hezekiah's anti-Assyrian alliance may have been due.
- The absence of any mention of his father seems to point to a low origin. On the office
comp. 1 Kings 4:5. He seems to have combined it with that of major domo, or steward of
the palace (Isaiah 22:15, with which comp. 2 Chronicles 26:21; Isaiah 36:3; 37:2).
** Comp. Cheyne, u.s. 1., p. 130.
On the other hand, we derive a correspondingly high impression concerning the first and
chief representative of the king, Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah. He seems to have succeeded
Shebna (comp. Isaiah 22:20, 21) in the office of major domo, which may be compared to
that of the modern chef du cabinet, and as such probably stood nearest to the king.
Possibly this transference of office may have been consequent on a change of political
and religious views. Of Joab, the son of Asaph, the recorder or analyst, we know not
anything farther, nor does he appear afterwards among them whom Hezekiah sent to the
prophet Isaiah (2 Kings 19:1; Isaiah 37:2). His attendance on the present occasion was
probably in his capacity of secretary of state.
Such were the representatives on the one side and the other, who on that eventful day met
to set it clearly before Israel and before all men with whom was the might: whether with
the arm of flesh, or with Jehovah; and whether or not the people had been right in resting
themselves upon the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah (2 Chronicles 32:8).
(^)