In this message, Isaiah particularly addressed Shebna by name. Who is Shebna? Where did he hail from? Not much is known of this man. It is believed that he was an Assyrian of some influence and position. He was probably appointed to the position of a steward by King Ahaz, the father of Hezekiah. Hence, he was a steward of the royal household during Hezekiah’s reign. No reason was given why Sheba was appointed to that position. But we surmise from these verses that he was a person of power and authority. And he was not only wicked but also proud and deceitful. Shebna was so audacious and thought himself so highly that he proudly hewed a tomb for himself in the rock. He probably meant it to be a monument to his greatness.
Here Isaiah was sent by God with a message of judgment for him that
announced his downfall. He would be taken down and his position taken by Eliakim,
the son of Hilkiah. God had high regard for Eliakim whom he would send to replace
Shebna to take charge of the royal household. His power and authority would come
from God. We can safely conclude that this Eliakim was loyal to the Lord and
was faithful and trustworthy. In his humility, he would be raised to be a great
officer of King Hezekiah’s court.
Shebna probably thought that he was
in control. But we know better. Nobody can be in a position if God has not
allowed it. People are placed in positions to fulfill God’s ultimate plan. If
anyone thinks that he or she is rooted in an unmovable position, that person
is sorely mistaken. God is the one who determines the outcome. Hence when we
are in a position and no matter how much control we have, be sure to grasp it gently.
Be sure to act in accordance with the direction of God. No one is indispensable
in the program of God. He would put in key positions people who have a heart
for Him. Ultimately, one’s rise or fall is controlled by the Lord God Almighty.
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