Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 22:24
And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father’s house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons.
24. An under-current of satire seems unmistakeable.
all the glory ] perhaps: the whole weight (see “burden” in next verse).
the offspring and the issue ] the scions and the offshoots (Cheyne). The second expression is decidedly contemptuous, and so (more or less) are all that follow. It cannot be to Eliakim’s credit that the bulk of his relations are likened to the meanest kitchen utensils.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
24, 25. If Isa 22:24 stood alone it might be barely possible to interpret it in a sense favourable to Eliakim. But taken in connexion with Isa 22:25 it seems to convey an imputation of the unworthy exercise of patronage on his part, a filling of important offices with worthless relatives and dependents. Many commentators, it is true, hold that Isa 22:25 refers back to the fall of Shebna, but this is quite arbitrary. Shebna is not likened to a “nail in a sure place” and it is clearly implied that he had no “father’s house” in Jerusalem ( Isa 22:16). It is hardly credible that Isaiah should have uttered such a threat along with the promises in Isa 22:20-23; but the last two verses may be an appendix written later, when abuses of trust in Eliakim’s family had begun to display themselves.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And they shall hang upon him – This figure is a continuation of that commenced in the previous verse; and is derived from the custom of hanging clothes or ornaments on the spikes that were fixed in the walls; and, perhaps, more particularly from the custom of suspending shields, swords, suits of armor, etc., taken in battle, around the walls of a temple. A great portion of the wealth of the ancients consisted in gold and silver vessels, and in changes of raiment. These would be hung around a house in no inconsiderable degree for ostentation and parade. Solomons drinking vessels were of gold; and all the vessels of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver 1Ki 10:21. The vessels in the house of the forest of Lebanon were two hundred targets and three hundred shields of beaten gold 1Ki 10:16-17. That these were hung on spikes or pins around the house is apparent from Son 4:4 : Thy neck is like the tower of David, builded for an armory, whereon there bans a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men. Eliakim is considered as a principal support like this, whereon would be suspended all the glory of his fathers family, and all the honor of his house; that is, he would be the principal support of the whole civil and ecclesiastical polity.
The offspring and the issue – All that proceeded from the family; all that were connected with it. Kimchi and Aben Ezra render it, Sons and daughters. The Septuagint: From the least to the greatest. The Chaldee, Sons and grandsons, youth and children. The idea is, that all the prosperity, near and remote, would depend on him; and that his character would sustain and give dignity to them all. The word which is rendered issue ( hatsepiot), according to Vitringa and Rosenmuller, denotes those that were of humble condition; and the passage means that honor would be conferred even on these by the virtues of Eliakim.
From the vessels of cups – literally, goblets, or bowls ( ‘aganot). The idea probably is, simply that of vessels of small capacity, whatever was the material of which they were composed; and hence, the reference here is to those of the family of Eliakim who were of humble rank, or who were poor.
To all the vessels of flagons – Margin, Instruments of viols. Hebrew, nebaliym. This word is often applied to instruments of musica the nebel, viol (see it described in the notes at Isa 5:12; Isa 14:11); but it properly denotes a bottle made of skin for holding wine, and which, being made of the whole skin of a goat or sheep, indicated the vessels of large dimensions. Here it refers to the members of the family of Eliakim who were more wealthy and influential than those denoted by the small vessels. The glory of the whole family would depend on him. His virtues, wisdom, integrity, and valor in defending and saving the Hebrew commonwealth, would diffuse honor over the whole family connection, and render the name illustrious.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Isa 22:24
And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his fathers house
Eliakims family
The vessels, large and small, are figures of the various members of Eliakims family.
As vessels of every kind are suspended upon a nail, so will Eliakims connections, rich and poor alike, support themselves upon his new dignity. (Prof. S. R. Driver, D. D.)
Oriental display of wealth
A large part of the wealth of the ancients consisted of gold and silver vessels, and in changes of showy raiment, of which they made an ostentatious display, by hanging them on the spikes along the walls. It was also common to suspend in houses and temples, suits of armour, swords, shields, and helmets; the spoils of war, or the heirlooms of honoured ancestors (Son 4:4). (J. N. Norton.)
Christ the sole Manager of the Church
I. THE CHURCH IS THE HOUSE OF GOD (Isa 2:2-3; Heb 3:6; 1Pe 2:5).
1. He is the Founder of the house.
2. The Purchaser.
3. The sole Proprietor.
4. Here He hath His abode.
Hence, it must be a very glorious structure. The plan of it was laid by infinite wisdom from all eternity (Pro 9:1).
(1) The foundation of the house is glorious.
(2) The form.
(3) The door (Joh 10:9).
(4) The pillars (Pro 9:1). These are the perfections of the Divine nature as they are manifested in Christ.
(5) The ordinances.
II. CHRIST IS CONSTITUTED THE GREAT MANAGER OF HIS FATHERS HOUSE.
1. In the council of peace, from eternity, He was chosen to be the Builder of the house (Zec 6:12-13).
2. He is the everlasting Father of the family (Isa 9:6).
3. The great Oracle and Counsellor (Isa 9:6).
4. The great Priest (Heb 10:21).
5. The great Lord-Treasurer, yea, the treasury (Col 1:19; Joh 1:16).
6. The great Lord-Steward or Dispenser.
7. The Lawgiver.
III. CHRIST IS FIXED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HOUSE OF GOD, as a nail in a sure place.
1. There is an irreversible decree passed in heaven that He should be the sole Manager and Governor of the house (Psa 2:6-7).
2. He is fixed in the administration of the house with the solemnity of a covenant transaction (Psa 89:3).
3. With the solemnity of an oath taken by the great Jehovah.
4. In His oath He pledges the most dazzling perfection of His nature. He will as soon cease to be a holy God, as suffer His Sons authority in His house to be overturned.
5. He is fixed in the management by a solemn call and investiture.
6. By an actual possession of the throne (Php 2:9-11).
7. By a complete victory over all His and His Churchs enemies, so that none of them are capable to give Him the least disturbance.
IV. THE WHOLE HOUSE, WITH ALL ITS APPURTENANCES, HANGS OR DEPENDS UPON THIS BLESSED NAIL THAT IS FASTENED IN A SURE PLACE.
1. All the glory of the house hangs upon our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1) Gods presence in a Church makes her glorious. It is owing to Christ that the tabernacle of God is with men.
(2) The revelation of the mind and will of God in the Scriptures of truth, is the glory of the Church. Christ is the Alpha and Omega of the whole Scriptures.
(3) A faithful ministry is the glory of a Church. (See Eph 4:11-13.)
(4) The ordinances of the Gospel, dispensed in purity by faithful ministers of Christ, are the glory of a Church. Well, all hang upon the great Manager, such as word and sacrament, prayer and praise.
(5) The judicatories of a Church, higher and lower, constituted in His name, and moulded according to His appointment for the government and for the exercise of the keys of discipline, are the glory of a Church. All this glory hangs upon the nail fastened in a sure place, for He it is that gives the keys of the kingdom of heaven unto His office bearers, and promises that what they bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and what they loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven; and where they assemble in courts for discipline, He will be in the midst of them.
(6) The covenants of a Church are her glory; Gods covenant of grace and promise, and their covenants of duty and gratitude. The covenant, and an the blessings and promises of it, hang upon this blessed nail; they are all in Him, and in Him yea and amen. Our covenants for duty, obedience, and gratitude, hang upon this blessed nail. When men engage to duty in a legal way, they do only make to themselves ropes of sand. All our funds of grace lie in Him.
(7) The multitude of real converts is the glory of a Church. Of His own will He begets us by the word of grace.
(8) The purity, holiness, and faithfulness of Church members are the glory of a Church. This glory hangs upon this blessed nail; for it is by virtue of their union with Him, that they derive sanctifying influence from Him.
2. The offspring and issue of the house are also said to hang upon Christ. By the offspring and issue I understand all true believers.
(1) Their very being, as they are new creatures, hangs upon Him Eph 2:10).
(2) Hence, their life hangs upon Christ. The second Adam is a quickening Spirit.
(3) Have the offspring and issue of the house anything of the light of saving knowledge of God? This hangs upon Christ; for He is the true Sun of Righteousness.
(4) The offspring and issue of the house of God enjoy a glorious liberty. This hangs upon Christ; for if the Son makes us free, then are we free indeed.
(5) They have all the best robe put upon them, when they return from the far country to their Father. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.
(6) Have they anything of the beauty of holiness! Christ is made unto them sanctification.
(7) Have they strength for work or warfare! They are strong in the Lord.
(8) Am they heirs of God and of glory! They are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ.
8. The vessels of the house hang upon this nail fastened in a sure place, from vessels of cups to vessels of flagons.
(1) By the vessels of the house we are to understand believers (2Ti 2:20-21; Act 9:15).
(2) These vessels are of different sizes. In Gods family there are saints of different stature.
V. REASONS OF THE DOCTRINE. Why is Christ constituted sole Manager of His Fathers house? why doth He hang the offspring and issue, and all the vessels, upon Him, as upon a nail fastened in a sure place?
1. He only had ability for bearing such a weight.
2. Christ voluntarily undertook it.
3. Hereby a new revenue of glory is brought in to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Hereby all men are brought to honour the Son, as they honour the Father.
5. This was for the safety and comfort of the saints and children of God.
VI. THE APPLICATION OF THE DOCTRINE. (E. Erskine.)
Vessels of cups
A word to weak believers who are designated vessels of cups.
1. It is a high privilege to occupy the least room in the house of our God.
2. God has service for the least vessel of His house, as well as for the largest.
3. The least vessel is Gods property, and He will not disown, but maintain His property, and own it before men and angels, saying, They are Mine, in the day when He makes up His jewels.
4. The bands, by which you hang upon the nail fastened in a sure place, are as strong as those by which the vessels of flagons are secured; for He has said as to both, They shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of My hand.
5. The weakest measure of grace is a pledge of more; for to him that hath be given.
6. Although you are not to envy or grudge at Gods bounty liberality to others, in making them vessels of flagons, yet you may and ought earnestly to covet more grace than you have yet received. (E. Erskine.)
The vessels of flagons,
The vessels of flagons, i.e., believers of a higher stature.
1. Be not proud of grace received, but walk humbly with your God. What hast thou that thou hast not received?
2. Instead of despising others that are not come your length, study to be helpful and serviceable unto them. The vessels of cups are ordinarily filled out of the flagons; so study to impart and communicate of your grace, of your faith, love, hope, knowledge, and other graces, unto those that are weak ingrate. The strong children in a family are helpful to the young and weak.
3. Whatever grace you have received, be not confident therein, like Peter; but be strong in the that is in Christ Jesus, sad let the life you live be by faith in the Son of God. (E. Erskine.)
Christ the glory of His Fathers house
By Christs Fathers house is meant His Church.
I. ON CHRIST JESUS HANGS ALL THE GLORY OF THE REDEMPTION OF HIS FATHERS HOUSE.
II. ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HANGS ALL THE GLORY OF THE INSTRUCTION OF HIS FATHERS HOUSE. There is a two gold light which the Lord Jesus imparts to the members of His Fathers house. There is the light of His Word, those Scriptures which testify of Him as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The Scriptures, however, are not, of themselves, sufficient for spiritual illumination. The light of the Spirit must accompany the truth revealed in the Word, that it may become effectual for salvation. The Holy Spirit is the fruit of the Redeemers purchase. It is His glorious office to take of the things of Christ and show these to the soul. It is in the light of the Divine Word and Spirit that we discern aright the way of acceptance and the path of duty.
III. ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HANGS ALL THE GLORY OF THE RENOVATION OF HIS FATHERS HOUSE. When He ascended on high, He received gifts for men; even the seven Spirits before the throne–the Holy Ghost, in His quickening, renewing, and sanctifying grace. These gifts are bestowed, let it be carefully noted, in virtue of the believers union with the Lord Jesus Christ, through the instrumentality of living faith.
IV. ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HANGS ALL THE GLORY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF HIS FATHERS HOUSE. They are under law to Christ as the sole Ruler of the house. We must take order from Him; for One is our Master, even Christ.
V. ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HANGS ALL THE GLORY OF THE VICTORIES OF HIS FATHERS HOUSE. The Christian Church, both collectively and in its individual members, is in an enemys country on this side heaven. It is the Christians solace to be assured that he has not been sent a warfare on his own charges. Apart from the clear and full revelations of Scripture, no subject of human contemplation is so saddening as death. He, on whom hangs all the glory of His Fathers house, is Himself the Resurrection and the Life. Conclusion–Let us seriously inquire whether we are members of that house. Mere external relationship to it will avail us nothing. We must be united in the bonds of faith and love to the Lord Jesus. (J. Smyth, D. D.)
The glory of the Mediator
The idea in the text seems to embrace this statement: That every attribute belonging to God is concentrated in the Saviour, as God manifest in the flesh, and that the Father is most glorified when we give in our services all the glory to His Son.
I. UPON HIM HANGS ALL THE GLORY OF HIS FATHERS HOUSE OF CREATION. By Him were all things made, and without Him was not anything made that was made.
II. UPON HIM HANGS ALL THE GLORY OF HIS FATHERS HOUSE OF PROVIDENCE. And what is providence but creation continued, in upholding, governing, and guiding all things to accomplish their predestined end? Jesus Christ is on the throne; every painful feeling is anticipated, every tear is bottled, every anxiety alleviated, every distress sanctified. He is our Saviour, our Friend, our Refuge and Strength.
III. UPON HIM HANGS ALL THE GLORY OF HIS FATHERS HOUSE OF GRACE. Christs kingdom is a spiritual one, set up within the believers soul.
IV. UPON HIM HANGS ALL THE GLORY OF HIS FATHERS HOUSE OF HEAVEN. I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing; and thus the ransomed and renewed universe will hang upon Him all the glory of His Fathers house. (F. Newman, D. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 24. All the glory] One considerable part of the magnificence of the eastern princes consisted in the great quantity of gold and silver vessels which they had for various uses. “Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver; it was nothing accounted of in Solomon’s days;” 1Kg 10:21. “The vessels in the house of the forest of Lebanon,” the armoury of Jerusalem so called, “were two hundred targets, and three hundred shields of beaten gold.” Ibid. 1Kg 10:16-17. These were ranged in order upon the walls of the armoury, (see So 4:4,) upon pins worked into the walls on purpose, as above mentioned. Eliakim is considered as a principal stake of this sort, immovably fastened in the wall for the support of all vessels destined for common or sacred uses; that is, as the principal support of the whole civil and ecclesiastical polity. And the consequence of his continued power will be the promotion and flourishing condition of his family and dependents, from the highest to the lowest.
Vessels of flagons – “Meaner vessels”] nebalim seems to mean earthen vessels of common use, brittle, and of little value, (see La 4:2; Jer 48:12,) in opposition to aganoth, goblets of gold and silver used in the sacrifices. Ex 24:6.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Of his fathers house; of his own kindred and family, who shall all depend upon him, and receive glory from him; of the house of David, which is called
his fathers house, either because kings are called the fathers of all their subjects, both in Scripture, as 1Sa 24:11; 2Ki 5:13; 16:7, and in other authors; or, as Calvin ingeniously conjectures, because he was of the blood royal. Otherwise this had been no great commendation to him, that he studied so much the advancement of his own private family. And this seems more probable, because this character is opposed to that of Shebna, who was the shame of his lords, to wit, the kings, house or family, Isa 22:18. The offspring and the issue; great and small, the children and grandchildren of his fathers house.
All vessels of small quantity; the meanest of them shall receive a lustre and advantage from their relation to him.
From the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons; all sorts of vessels, great or small, mean or precious, may be hanged upon him, without any fear of falling; whereas ordinary nails or pins, if they be oppressed with too great weight, are easily broken down, and the vessels fall with them.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
24. Same image as in Isa22:23. It was customary to “hang” the valuables of ahouse on nails (1Ki 10:16;1Ki 10:17; 1Ki 10:21;Son 4:4).
offspring and theissuerather, “the offshoots of the family, high and low”[VITRINGA]. Eliakim wouldreflect honor even on the latter.
vessels of cupsofsmall capacity: answering to the low and humble offshoots.
vessels of flagonslargervessels: answering to the high offshoots.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father’s house,…. Which shows the reason of his being compared to a nail; not to one that fastens pieces of timber together, or to a nail or stake drove in the ground, to which the cords of tents are fastened, but to a nail in a wall, on which things are hung: and the meaning is, that all of his father’s family would be dependent upon him, be supported by him, and receive honour and glory from him: and which also is true of Christ the antitype; the glory of building his Father’s house, the church, and of saving it, and of making of it glorious, belongs to him, and is given to him; it is put upon him, and it is visible on him, and it is weighty, and will continue:
the offspring and the issue; all the descendants of his father’s family, sons and daughters, children and grandchildren; so the Targum,
“and all the glorious or noble ones of his father’s house shall lean upon him, children, and children’s children:”
so all the children of God, and who are also Christ’s spiritual seed and offspring, these depend upon him for grace, and all the supplies of it; they boast in him for righteousness and strength, and rely upon him for life and salvation:
all vessels of small quantity; from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons; meaning those of his family, that were some of lesser, others of greater capacities, for whom he provided places and posts under him, suitable thereunto; none were forgotten or neglected by him: this simile, of vessels of various sorts and sizes, is made use of, in perfect agreement with Eliakim’s being compared to a nail, on which vessels in a house are hung by their handles. The Targum is,
“from young men to little ones; from the priests clothed with the ephod, to the Levites that held the psalteries.”
In the typical sense, it is to be understood of the vessels of mercy; some of which are larger, and others lesser; some capable of receiving more grace and larger gifts, and others less; to whom Christ communicates, and whom he fills, according to their capacities; all whose wants he supplies, and whose persons he supports; he fills them with his grace, and he fits them for glory; see Ro 9:23.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
24. And they shall hang upon him. It is as if he had said that Eliakim would be fully qualified for discharging his duties, and would not be indolent in his office. Hence we infer that God does not exalt princes to honor, in order that they may live in indolence or gratify their own passions. The office of a prince is very labourious, if he discharges it properly, and if he do not copy the unmeaning countenances of those who imagine that they have been raised to that honor, that they may live in splendor and may freely indulge in every kind of luxury. If a prince wish to discharge his office in a proper manner, he must endure much toil. It must not be thought that the comparison of a nail is inapplicable to princely government, since it denotes an office full of activity and cares; and we know that metaphors do not apply at all points, but we ought to observe the purpose for which they are introduced.
All the glory of his father’s house, (95) the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. (96) The expression, “his father’s house,” leaves no room to doubt that Eliakim was of royal blood; and therefore by his successors I understand not only those who were nearly related to him, but the whole family of David. He will have the charge of all that shall be in the king’s house. By adding grandchildren, he likewise shews that this princely government will be of long duration, that it will not only last during the life of one individual, but will also extend to his successors. (97) For good princes are useful not only to their own age, but also to posterity, to whom they leave good laws, salutary regulations, and the traces of good government; so that their successors, even though they be wicked men, are ashamed to give themselves up all at once to abandoned wickedness, and, even against their will, are compelled through shame to retain something that is good. He shews that this will be the case with Eliakim, whose government will be so righteous that even posterity shall reap advantage from it.
The smaller vessels. (98) Metaphorically it denotes that there will be uniform justice, or equal laws, as the phrase is; and it is as if he had said, “He will not only support the nobles, but will likewise attend to the interests of the lowest rank.” The more rarely this is found in a prince, so much higher praise does he deserve than if he favored none but the rich and powerful; for these can guard and protect themselves, but the poor and feeble lie open as a prey to the attacks of others, and there is hardly any one that pleads their cause.
To all vessels of music. (99) By vessels the Hebrew writers denote instruments of all kinds, and the meaning is very extensive. When he speaks of musical (100) vessels, he follows out what he had said in a single word; for it serves to explain the word קטן, ( kātān,) little; as if he had said that there would be nothing so small, or minute, or insignificant, that he would not take charge of it.
(95) Bogus footnote
(96) Bogus footnote
(97) Bogus footnote
(98) Bogus footnote
(99) Bogus footnote
(100) Bogus footnote
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
THE GLORY OF THE MESSIAH
Isa. 22:24. And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his fathers house
As on the nails or spikes fixed in the walls of the ancient temples and palaces it was customary to hang suits of armour, shields, helmets, swords, &c., that had been taken in war as spoils of victory, or that had been used by illustrious ancestors. The declaration is made concerning Eliakim, and the meaning of it is, that all his relatives would connect with him all they deemed illustrious, and would rest upon him as their common support. Some of the expressions used concerning him are appropriated by our Redeemer to Himself (comp. Isa. 22:22 and Rev. 3:7); and, without adopting the view that Eliakim was a type of Christ, we may say that, true as this declaration was concerning Eliakim, it is still more eminently true of Him to whom the key of David belongs by right. Upon Him they shall hang all the glory of His Fathers house.
I. THE GLORY THAT IS PLACED UPON CHRIST. Applying the text to Christ, the phrase His fathers house acquires a new and more glorious significance, even that of the Church of the living God, the one family in heaven and on earth. All the glory of that spiritual and eternal house depends upon and is justly ascribed to Christ.
1. All the glory of purchasing the Church. All the persons of whom it is composed were in circumstances of bondage and misery, yea, under sentence of death, from which He ransomed them at inconceivable cost (1Pe. 1:18-19).
2. All the glory of redeeming the Church. This is not a mere repetition of what has just been said. We are the subjects of a twofold redemptiona redemption of price and a redemption of power. From the penalties of sin Christ redeemed us by His blood; from the power of sin, by His Spirit. A supremely difficult and an eternally glorious task is that which He thus undertook and has accomplished.
3. All the glory of preserving the Church. What a marvellous history of dangers and deliverances it has had!
4. All the glory of perfecting the Church. It shall be complete in number, complete and resplendent with every spiritual grace. Remember what marvellous symbols are employed to set forth the beauty and the preciousness of its component parts, what treasures of spiritual wisdom and grace are already included in it. Hereafter, when it shall stand in all its radiance, the wonder and the admiration of all heavenly intelligences, all the glory of it shall hang upon Christ.
II. THE PERSONS WHO UNITE IN PLACING THIS GLORY ON CHRIST. They shall hang, &c. The penitent sinner hangs upon Christ all the glory of his hope of acceptance with God.
2. The justified believer hangs upon Him all the glory of the favoured position in which he stands.
3. The spiritual veteran hangs upon Him all the glory of His triumphs.
4. The dying Christian hangs upon Him all the glory of the calmness and courage with which he advances to the final victory.
5. The glorified Church hangs upon Him all the glory of its perfected salvation.
6. Angels and archangels, though they were not the subjects of redemption, join in the song of salvation (Rev. 5:11-13), and ascribe to Him all the splendour in which they shine.
7. GOD exalted Him to the right hand of power, and gave Him a Name above every name (Php. 2:9-11).
Oh that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall,
Join in the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all!
George Smith, D.D.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
(24) And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his fathers house . . .The metaphor of the nail is resumed. Not without a touch of irony, as the sequel shows, the prophet paints the extent to which those who belong to Eliakim will hang upon his support. There will be the glory or the weight (the Hebrew word has both meanings) of his next-of-kin. Besides these there will be the remoter off-shoots and side-shoots of his family. But the number will increase, and upon that single nail, or peg, would hang the vessels of small quantity, cups such as were used by the priests for the blood of the victims in sacrificing (Exo. 24:6), or for wine in common use (Song Son. 7:2), flagons, or earthen pitchers, as in Isa. 30:14; Lam. 4:2, i.e., the whole crowd of the retainers of a great official. The prophet obviously paints the picture as a warning. There was the danger even for Eliakim, upright and religious as he was, as there has been for others like him, of giving way to nepotism, and the fault would not remain unpunished.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
24. I will fasten as a nail As a peg or spike fastened in the wall in Oriental houses, on which family ornaments were suspended. The sense is, all that is valuable to the nation rests on him.
Glorious throne to his father’s house It seems idle to suppose, with Delitzsch, that here begins an intimation of Eliakim’s gradual fall from his integrity to the government by observing nepotism in appointing his relatives only to offices. The expression rather indicates fidelity. He is to the government as the tentpin in a strong setting, or nail firmly fixed in the wall. He is the faithful prefect of the house, the palace; the seat whence issue all government advices.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
DISCOURSE: 889
ELIAKIM A TYPE OF CHRIST
Isa 22:24. They shall hang upon him all the glory of his Fathers house.
IN the various changes that take place in human governments, or in the persons who are to be entrusted with the supreme authority, the hand of God ought to be continually acknowledged: whoever be the instruments, or whatever be the means, of effecting those changes, we must look through the second causes to God, as the first great Cause, who ordereth all things after the counsel of his own will, and makes use of men as his agents, to convey blessings to a nation, or to inflict his just judgments upon it. But, in his dispensations towards the Jews, there was often some mystery concealed, where we should have observed nothing but an ordinary occurrence. This was the case with respect to the deposition of Shebna, and the substitution of Eliakim in his place, as first minister of state under Hezekiah. Eliakim seems to have been raised as a type of Christ: the agreement between him and Christ is strongly marked in the passage before us,
I.
In the authority committed to him
[The appointment of both was of God [Note: To put the audience in full possession of the subject, read distinctly from ver. 15. to the end: and observe that ver. 25. refers, not to Eliakim, but to Shebna.]. Shebna was a proud, vain-glorious man, far more intent on aggrandizing himself and his family, than on executing the arduous duties of his station. God therefore moved Hezekiah to dismiss him, and inspired Isaiah, not only to predict his degradation, but to foretel the elevation of Eliakim to his post and office. Thus was our Lord appointed to succeed the governors of the Jewish nation, who, both in the civil and ecclesiastical departments, had abused their trust, and rendered themselves unworthy to be continued in it. Humiliating in the extreme are the descriptions which the prophet gives of the rulers both in church and state [Note: Isa 1:5; Isa 56:10-12.]: and the time was coming, when God would fulfil his word, in raising up in their place a faithful priest, who should do all his will, and another king who should reign over the house of David for ever [Note: 1Sa 2:30; 1Sa 2:35 and Jer 23:2; Jer 23:5.]. With their robe was He to be clothed, and with their girdle was he to be strengthened; and their government was to be committed into his hands [Note: Compare ver. 21. with Rev 1:13. Isa 11:5; Isa 9:6.]; and this too, not only according to the commandment of God, but by the immediate agency of his overruling Providence [Note: As this was marked in the case of Eliakim, (ver. 1921.) so in that of Christ by the raising him from the dead, and utterly destroying the Jewish polity.].]
The authority with which they were invested was supreme
[To mark his office, Eliakim was to have the key of the house of David laid upon his shoulder, and then to exercise the the most unlimited authority: nor was he ever to be removed, like Shebna; (whoso boasted security would soon fail him;) but he was to be a nail fastened in a sure place.
Now our blessed Lord applies to himself the very words here used in reference to Eliakim [Note: Rev 3:7.]; thereby shewing that Eliakim was indeed a type of him; and that what was spoken of Eliakim only in a figure, was really, and in the strictest sense, applicable to himself; the power of both being uncontrollable and unalterable. All power in heaven and in earth is committed unto Christ [Note: Mat 28:18.]: in every thing that relates to the kingdom of nature or of grace, he openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth. None are exalted, or disgraced, either in this world, or the world to come, but agreeably to the orders which he issues: nor can any, even in the smallest degree, resist his will: He doeth according to his will in the armies of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; nor can any stay his hand, or say to him, What doest thou? Nor will the lapse of ages effect any change on him: He is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever [Note: Heb 13:8.]: He is a nail fastened in a sure place. Seated on his holy hill of Zion, He laughs at the impotent combinations of men and devils, and has all his enemies in derision [Note: Psa 2:1-4.]. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed [Note: Dan 7:14.].]
II.
In the benefits resulting from his administration
[A wise and righteous governor is a rich blessing, as well to the prince who appoints him, as to the people whom he governs. Such was Eliakim; who was most probably of the royal seed; since it would not otherwise have been any virtue in him to seek with so much diligence the exaltation of his fathers house.
But in what an infinitely higher degree do the benefits of Christs administration appear!
Was Eliakim a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah? What a blessing is Christ also to the world at large! As, in a state, all are benefited by a wise administration, though many are insensible to the blessings they enjoy; so the world is much indebted to the revelation which Christ has given us, and to his wise government of the universe, though they deny his providence, and despise his grace
Was Eliakim a nail, on which all the vessels of his fathers house hung in safety? What security does Christ afford to his dependants in particular! The various orders and degrees of Christians are elsewhere compared to vessels of various kinds [Note: 2Ti 2:20-21.]; and every one of them, from the greatest to the least, hangs upon him: were He to fall, they would perish; but as long as He stands, they shall be upheld: because He liveth they shall live also [Note: Joh 14:19.]
Was Eliakim a glorious throne to his fathers house? Jesus also, by his righteous administration, advances the glory of his heavenly Father. In ascribing to Jesus the power and dominion over all, we do not derogate from the Fathers honour, but add to it [Note: Php 2:11.]. His mediatorial office he holds from the Father, and improves it, in every instance, for his glory. Whether he open or shut, whether he kill or save alive, every perfection of the Deity receives brighter lustre from the dispensation and gives reason for unbounded thankfulness to God, for having committed all judgment to his Son, and laid our help upon One so Mighty [Note: Psa 89:19.].]
We cannot improve this subject better, than by learning from it,
1.
To renounce all creature-dependence
[Great as the power of Shebna was, both he, and all his dependants, were brought down in Gods appointed time; and the vanities in which he had gloried, became monuments of his shame, and means of perpetuating his disgrace [Note: ver. 18.]. Thus will it be with all who trust in an arm of flesh. God has denounced a curse against them [Note: Jer 17:5.]; and though, through the forbearance of God, it may be awhile delayed, it will surely come at last; and all, wherein we trusted, will turn to our confusion: our wisdom will become folly; our strength, weakness; our righteousness, as filthy rags [Note: 1Co 1:19. Isa 64:6.]. We may dream of being as a nail fastened in a sure place; but if we rely on any thing of our own, our hopes will be disappointed, and our expectations will perish. Let us not then lean to our own understanding, or depend on our own strength, or trust in our own righteousness: we must be empty in ourselves, if we would be filled by God; for it is the hungry alone whom he filleth with good things; the full and the rich he will send empty away: He will resist the proud; and give grace only to the humble [Note: Luk 1:52-53. Jam 4:6.].]
2.
To trust in the Lord with our whole hearts
[Jesus is indeed a nail fastened in a sure place; and able to bear the weight of the whole universe. He is exalted by the hand of God himself on purpose that He may be a Prince and a Saviour unto us. And, if we rely on him, he is able to save us to the uttermost. Only let our trust in him be entire, (exactly like that of a vessel on a nail,) and we may rest assured, that all, who so hang on him, shall be the glory of his Fathers house. As there is no other support for sinful man, so neither is there any fear of disappointment to those who trust in him. Let none then imagine themselves so great as not to need his support; or deem themselves so insignificant, that they shall not obtain it; or think themselves in such perilous circumstances, that He cannot uphold them. Every vessel, from the largest flagon to the smallest cup, must owe its preservation to him alone; and by him shall all be saved, if they do but cleave to him with full purpose of heart.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
Isa 22:24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father’s house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons.
Ver. 24. And they shall hang upon him. ] As upon a nail.
The offspring and the issue.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
the offspring and the issue: i.e. direct and collateral issue, and embraces his entire kindred.
the offspring. Hebrew. hazze’eza’im. Occurs only in Job and Isaiah (Job 5:25; Job 21:8; Job 27:14; Job 31:8, and Isa 34:1; Isa 42:5; Isa 44:3; Isa 48:19; Isa 61:9; Isa 65:23). See App-79.
vessels. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6, for the kindred mentioned above.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
hang: Gen 41:44, Gen 41:45, Gen 47:11-25, Dan 6:1-3, Mat 28:18, Joh 5:22-27, Joh 20:21-23
vessels of small: Eze 15:3, Rom 9:22, Rom 9:23, 2Ti 2:20, 2Ti 2:21
vessels of flagons: or, instruments of viols
Reciprocal: 2Ki 7:15 – vessels Zec 6:13 – bear
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Isa 22:24-25. They shall hang upon him all the glory of his fathers house Of his own kindred and family, who shall all depend upon him, and receive glory from him; the offspring and the issue Great and small, the children and grand-children, of his fathers house. All vessels of small quantity The meanest of them shall receive a lustre and advantage from their relation to him; from the vessels of cups, &c. All sorts of vessels, great or small, mean or precious, may be hanged upon him, without any fear of falling. In that day shall the nail, &c. This must be understood of Shebna, as a repetition and confirmation of the sentence above denounced against him; shall the nail that is fastened That seemed to be so, both in his own eyes, and in the eyes of others; be removed and fall As above described; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off All those wicked officers that were advanced and supported by his power.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
22:24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father’s house, the offspring and the issue, {z} all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons.
(z) Meaning that both small and great who will come from Eliakim, will have praise and glory by his faithful officer.