King James Version
What Does Isaiah 22:19 Mean?
“And I will drive thee from thy station, and from thy state shall he pull thee down.”
Isaiah 22:19 · KJV
Context
17
Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee. will carry: or, the Lord who covered thee with an excellent covering, and clothed thee gorgeously, v.18.shall surely, etc a mighty: Heb. the captivity of a man
18
He will surely violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country: there shalt thou die, and there the chariots of thy glory shall be the shame of thy lord's house. large: Heb. large of spaces
19
And I will drive thee from thy station, and from thy state shall he pull thee down.
20
And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah:
21
And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd I will drive thee from thy station, and from thy state shall he pull thee down—The terminology is precise: maṣṣāḇ (מַצָּב, 'station') refers to Shebna's official post as royal steward, while maʿămāḏ (מַעֲמָד, 'state/standing') indicates his prestigious position in society. God will forcibly remove him (הֲדַפְתִּיךָ, hăḏap̄tîḵā, 'thrust you out') and tear him down (יֶהֶרְסֶךָ, yeherseḵā, 'demolish you')—the same verb used for destroying buildings or altars.
The shift from first person ('I will drive') to third person ('he shall pull') is significant: God initiates the judgment, but executes it through human agency (probably Hezekiah himself removing Shebna from office). This pattern appears throughout Scripture—God's sovereignty works through historical events and human decisions. Shebna's removal fulfilled literally when he appears demoted to 'scribe' in Isaiah 36:3, while Eliakim holds the position 'over the house.'
The shift from first person ('I will drive') to third person ('he shall pull') is significant: God initiates the judgment, but executes it through human agency (probably Hezekiah himself removing Shebna from office). This pattern appears throughout Scripture—God's sovereignty works through historical events and human decisions. Shebna's removal fulfilled literally when he appears demoted to 'scribe' in Isaiah 36:3, while Eliakim holds the position 'over the house.'
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Royal officials served at the king's pleasure and could be dismissed for policy failures or disloyalty. Hezekiah's religious reforms (2 Kings 18:1-8) required trusted officials who supported his policies. If Shebna advocated the pro-Egyptian foreign policy that Isaiah consistently opposed, his removal became necessary when that policy failed disastrously. The timing of Shebna's demotion (before 701 BC, when Isaiah 36-37 shows him as scribe) suggests Hezekiah heeded Isaiah's prophecy and removed him before the Assyrian crisis peaked. This demonstrates the value of prophetic counsel in political affairs and a godly king's willingness to discipline even his highest officials.
Reflection Questions
- What does Shebna's removal from office teach about the temporary nature of all earthly positions and authority?
- How does this judgment reveal that God holds leaders accountable not just for moral failures but for policy decisions contrary to His will?
- Why is it significant that God announces judgment ('I will') but executes it through human agency ('he shall')?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 4 wordsמִמַּצָּבֶ֑ךָ2 of 4
“thee from thy station”
H4673a fixed spot; figuratively, an office, a military post
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Isaiah 22:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Isaiah 22:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge