Two Symbolic Pegs

Finally, Jehovah uses symbolic language to describe the transfer of power from Shebna to Eliakim.  He states:  " 'I will drive him [Eliakim]  in as a peg in a  lasting place, and he must become as a throne of glory to the house of his father.  And they must hang upon him all the glory of the house of his father, the descendants and the offshoots, all the vessels of the small sort, the vessels of the bowl sort as well as all the vessels of the large jars.  In that day,' is the utterance of Jehovah of armies, 'the peg [Shebna] that is driven in a lasting place will be removed, and it must be hewn down and fall, and the load that is upon it must be cut off, for Jehovah himself  has spoken it.' " -Isaiah 22:23-25.

In these verses the first peg is Eliakim. He will become  "a throne of glory" to the house of his father, Hilkiah.  Unlike Shebna, he will not disgrace his father's house or reputation.  Eliakim will be  a lasting support to household vessels, that is, to others in the king's service.  (2 Timothy 2:20, 21)  In contrast, the second pegs refers to Shebna.  Though he may seem secure, he will be removed. Any who continue to look to him will fall.

Shebna's experience reminds us that among those who claim to worship God, those who accept privileges of service should use them to serve others and to bring praise to Jehovah.  They should not abuse their position in order to enrich themselves or gain personal prominence.  For example, Christendom has long promoted herself as an appointed steward, the earthly representative of Jesus Christ. However, just as Shebna brought dishonor  on his father by seeking his own glory, Christendom's leaders  have brought dishonor on the Creator by amassing riches and power for themselves.  Hence, when the time of judgment "to start with the house of God" came in 1918, Jehovah removed Christendom. Another steward was identified -"the faithful steward, the discreet one"-and appointed over Jesus' earthly household.  (1 Peter 4:17; Luke 12:42-44) this composite class has shown itself worthy  of shouldering the royal "key" of the house of David.  Like a trustworthy "peg," it has proved  to be a reliable support for all the different "vessels," anointed  Christians with different responsibilities who look to it for spiritual sustenance.  The "other sheep" too, like 'the alien resident within the gates' of ancient Jerusalem, depend on this "peg" the modern-day Eliakim. -John 10:16; Deuteronomy 5:14. 

Eliakim replaced Shebna when Sennacherib and his hordes were threatening Jerusalem.  Similarly,  "the faithful  steward, the discreet one," has been appointed to serve during the time of the end, which will come to a conclusion when Satan and his forces move for a final attack on "the Israel of God" and their sheep companions.  (Galatians 6:16)  as in Hezekiah's day, that attack will end in destruction for  the enemies of righteousness.  Those who support themselves on the "peg in a lasting place.," the faithful steward, will survive, just as faithful inhabitants of Jerusalem survived the Assyrian invasion of Judah.  How wise, then, not to cling to the discredited "peg" of Christendom!

What happens to Shebna?  We have no record of how the prophecy about him, recorded at Isaiah 22:18, was fulfilled.  When he exalts himself and is then disgraced, he resembles Christendom, but he may have learned from the discipline.  In this, he is very different from Christendom.  When the Assyrian Rabshakeh demands Jerusalem's surrender, Hezekiah's  new steward Eliakim, leads the delegation that goes out to meet him.  However, Shebna is at his side as secretary to the king. Evidently, Shebna is still in the king's service.  (Isaiah 36:2, 22) What a fine lesson for those who lose positions of service in God's organization! Rather than being bitter and resentful, they are wise to continue serving Jehovah in whatever capacity he allows.  (Hebrews 12:6)  By so doing, they will avoid the disaster that will befall Christendom.  They will enjoy God's favor and blessing throughout eternity.

Next time: Jehovah Profanes the Pride of Tyre, Chapter Nineteen

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000