King James Version

What Does Isaiah 22:21 Mean?

“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.”

Isaiah 22:21 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

23

And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house.

Read Isaiah 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle—The investiture ceremony uses symbolic garments: the kuttōneṯ (כֻּתָּנֶת, 'robe') representing official authority, and ʾaḇnēṭ (אַבְנֵט, 'girdle/sash'), symbolizing strength and readiness for service (cf. Exodus 28:4,39 for priestly garments). These weren't merely Shebna's personal clothes but the regalia of office—transferring authority from unfaithful steward to faithful servant.

And I will commit thy government into his hand—The term memšālâ (מֶמְשָׁלָה, 'government/dominion') indicates delegated royal authority. God commits (הִפְקַדְתִּי, hip̄qaḏtî, 'entrust/deposit') this power to Eliakim's hand. And he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah—The paternal metaphor (אָב, ʾāḇ, 'father') describes covenant leadership: protective, providing, guiding (cf. Genesis 45:8, where Joseph is 'father to Pharaoh'). Eliakim would shepherd God's people, not exploit them. This father-imagery foreshadows Christ, the ultimate faithful steward, called 'Everlasting Father' (Isaiah 9:6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The steward's role 'over the house' combined prime minister functions with household management—controlling access to the king, managing finances, executing policy. The father-metaphor indicates Eliakim would exercise authority with covenant faithfulness, protecting Jerusalem and Judah's interests. His leadership during Sennacherib's siege (Isaiah 36-37) exemplified this: he carried Hezekiah's appeal to Isaiah, facilitated communication during crisis, and helped shepherd Judah through existential threat. Unlike Shebna's self-aggrandizement, Eliakim's service-oriented leadership preserved the nation. This established the biblical leadership model: authority exists for service, not self-promotion (Mark 10:42-45).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the transfer of robe and girdle teach about how authority belongs to the office, not the person, and must be exercised faithfully?
  2. How does Eliakim's role as 'father' to Jerusalem and Judah contrast with modern leadership models focused on power rather than service?
  3. In what ways does Eliakim's faithful stewardship prefigure Christ as the ultimate servant-leader who perfectly represents the Father?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְהִלְבַּשְׁתִּ֣יו1 of 13

“And I will clothe”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

כֻּתָּנְתֶּ֗ךָ2 of 13

“him with thy robe”

H3801

a shirt

וְאַבְנֵֽטְךָ֙3 of 13

“him with thy girdle”

H73

a belt

אֲחַזְּקֶ֔נּוּ4 of 13

“and strengthen”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וּמֶֽמְשֶׁלְתְּךָ֖5 of 13

“thy government”

H4475

rule; also (concretely in plural) a realm or a ruler

אֶתֵּ֣ן6 of 13

“and I will commit”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיָד֑וֹ7 of 13

“into his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְהָיָ֥ה8 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְאָ֛ב9 of 13

“and he shall be a father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לְיוֹשֵׁ֥ב10 of 13

“to the inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם11 of 13

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וּלְבֵ֥ית12 of 13

“and to the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוּדָֽה׃13 of 13

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

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 22:21 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 22:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 45:8Genesis 41:42-43Esther 8:15Esther 8:21 Samuel 18:4Isaiah 9:6-7

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