In Isaiah, chapter twenty-two, verses fifteen through twenty-five, beginning with the first two verses, “Thus saith the Lord God of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer, even unto Shebna, which is over the house, and say, What hast thou here? and whom hast thou here, that thou hast hewed thee out a sepulchre here, as he that heweth him out a sepulchre on high, and that graveth an habitation for himself in a rock?” God pronounces a corrupt government official named Shebna, who was to be replaced by Eliakim, a godly ruler.
This message to Shebna is a reproof of his pride, vanity, and security. 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 God for grace to enable them to do their duty. Eliakim’s advancement is described.
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 them, and it will soon drop from him. When a leader acknowledges God and is set to do good, that soul cannot perish, or fall to the ground, which is by faith, dependent upon Christ. God 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 a salvation will find that when he shutteth none can open, whether it be shutting out from heaven, or shutting up in hell for ever.