only whose riches and glory are out of the reach of invaders; all other prosperity will speedily pass
away.
Chapter 22
The siege and taking of Jerusalem. (Is. 22:1-7) The wicked conduct of its inhabitants. (Is.
22:8-14) The displacing of Shebna, and the promotion of Eliakim, applied to the Messiah. (Is.
22:15-25)
Is. 22:1-7 Why is Jerusalem in such terror? Her slain men are not slain with the sword, but with
famine; or, slain with fear, disheartened. Their rulers fled, but were overtaken. The servants of God,
who foresee 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 also they discovered
their carnal confidence and their carnal security. They looked to the fortifications. They made sure
of water for the city. But they were regardless of God in all these preparations. They did not care
for his glory in what they did. They did not depend upon him for a 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. There 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. They walked contrary to this. Actual disbelief
of another life after this, is at the bottom of the carnal security and brutish sensuality, which are
the sin, the shame, and ruin of so great a part of mankind. God was displeased at this. It is a sin
against the remedy, and it is not likely they should ever repent of it. Whether this unbelief works
by presumption or despair, it produces the same contempt of God, and is a 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 so soon end! What will it avail, whether we are laid in a
magnificent tomb, or covered with the green sod? Those who, when in power, turn and toss others,
will be justly turned and tossed themselves. Eliakim should be put into Shebna's place. Those called
to places of trust and power, should seek to God for grace to enable them to do their duty. Eliakim's
advancement is described. Our Lord Jesus describes his own 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 and 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 real worth or
excellence; it is but hung upon him, and it will soon drop 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 large
spikes were built up in the walls. Upon these the moveables and utensils were hung. Our Lord Jesus
is as a nail in a sure place. That soul cannot perish, nor that concern fall to the ground, which is by