Isaiah prophesies Jerusalem’s retribution and Shebna’s replacement.
Jerusalem’s Retribution, vv. 1-14
A. The Revelation, vv. 1-7
1. The Valley of Vision is Jerusalem, in the midst of three valleys.
2. In times of distress or joy, the people went to their housetops and cried to heaven.
3. “Is this the sound of tumult or joy?” asked Isaiah.
4. “Thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle.” This refers to the two-year Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. The soldiers died of famine or pestilence.
B. The Reason, vv. 8-14
1. Jerusalem fortified their walls and prepared water for a siege.
2. They did not look to their Maker, the Lord, so He removed their protection.
3. They committed the sin of ignoring God.
Shebna’s Replacement, vv. 15-25
A. His Removal, vv. 15-19, 25
1. Shebna was a palace administration of King Hezekiah, 2 Kings 18:18, Isaiah 37:2.
2. In his position of honor and authority, Shebna enriched himself and made himself a fancy tomb.
3. God promised that Shebna would die in exile, not be buried in his fancy tomb.
B. His Replacement, vv. 20-24
1. Eliakim was also an assistant to King Hezekiah.
2. God calls him, “My servant.” Eliakim’s heart was toward the Lord.
3. Since Shebna was unfaithful, He will replace him and give his authority to Eliakim.
4. Shebna had the Key of the House of David, but God deposed him and gave Eliakim the Key.
5. This is a prophecy of Jesus the Messiah, Revelation 3:7.
6. The “nail in a sure place”:
a. Eliakim is likened to a secure nail on which Eliakim spiritually supports the house. This is a picture of Jesus.
b. They will hang on Eliakim the glory of his father’s house, Hezekiah.
c. The nail removed and cut down is Shebna.