I will commit thy government into his hand … and the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder … and I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place … they shall hang upon him all the glory. Isaiah 22:21-24 KJV

I will entrust him with your authority … then I will set the key of the house of David on his shoulder … I will drive him like a peg in a firm place… So they will hang on him all the glory… Isaiah 22:21-24 NASB

In Isaiah 22, God is speaking to Shebna, the treasurer, and rebuking him for his desire for prominence and security amidst the looming danger of the Chaldean invasion. He stood closest to the King as a ruler over his house, as did Joseph in Egypt. He is told that he will be replaced by Eliakim and that the place of prominence he desired would not be his. Sadly, Eliakim would also one day, be removed (v.25). But since the Spirit of God employs verse 22 in the description of the Lord Jesus, we can rightly consider part of this prophecy to be a reminder of Him.

In His Hand the Government

Shebna was marked by self-seeking. He was concerned with luxury and prominence. He was not fit to rule in the house of Hezekiah. He was unfit for government. But God has found One who is selfless in every way; in His earthly path, He had no comforts, nor did He seek them. He had nowhere to lay His head (Luke 9:58). In His deep concern for others, He went to a cross-death (Phil 2:5-8), demonstrating the measure of His personal “others” mindedness. The Man Who cared so deeply for others is fit to rule for God over others.

On His Shoulder the Key

He not only is worthy and fit for Dominion, but He is able to open the Door. The “opening of doors” would perhaps be linked with His decision-making. He will wield the authority for the House of David, with unilateral decision-making which will be binding on the entire globe. The One Who bowed to the decision-making of Pilate and the nation, “committing Himself to Him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:23), will, in a coming day, have the authority to make all decisions for an entire universe. Authority, wedded to wisdom, will result in the well-being of the entire globe.

All the Glory upon Him

And, “They shall hang upon Him all the glory of his father’s house” (v 24). The imagery employed here is that of a nail fastened on the center pole of a warrior’s tent. Upon it were hung the trophies of his victories. Lifted high on the center pole, it represented a place of security and prominence. It was a visible display to all who entered of the honors of the warrior.

But in regard to the Lord Jesus Christ, He Himself is the glory and upon Him God will place all the glory a Father can place on His Son. He is the fit man Whom God has found able to handle the dominion, to open the door, and to receive the universal doxologies of praise and adoration.

He is a “nail in a sure place.” Exalted and enthroned, He alone is able to maintain righteous rule, to further the divine program, and to bear the glory without it tainting His character. He will eternally be the changeless Servant of Jehovah.

Consider

Can you see a difference between the government being upon His shoulder (Isa 9) and in His hand (Isa 22)?

Look at the nail mentioned in Colossians 2:14 and think of what it has secured for us.

 

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