284. ISA 22:22. CHRIST BEARING THE KEY OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID

Isa_22:22. Christ Bearing the Key of the House of David

"And the key of the house of David wall I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open."’97Isa_22:22.

These words, which literally refer to Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, mentioned 2Ki_18:18, obviously apply also to Jesus, which will especially appear by comparing them with the description claimed by Jesus, when addressing the church at Philadelphia. Rev_3:7.

In considering the text in its spiritual application, we have,

I. An interesting Description of the Church of Christ.

And,

II. A striking Representation of Chris ft Headship and Authority.

In the text we have,

I. An interesting Description of the Church of Christ.

"House of David."

David was an eminent type of Jesus. He is of the seed of David. Called the Son of David. He is said to sit upon the throne of David. To have the key, &c., of David. The church is obviously referred to, when God says, "He will pour upon the house of David," &c. "A fountain opened to the house of David." "Raised up an horn of salvation in the house of David." The church is an habitation for the Spirit, and the house of David.

1. A house is for shelter and protection.

So the church is the garrison of the saints, the refuge of believers. The Lord is as a wall of fire round about it, &c.

2. A house is for provision.

Here the various members repair to the family table. It is in the church where there is the feast of fat things, the bread of life, the wine of the kingdom. The Lord’s banqueting-house.

3. A house is for comfort.

To this the weary laborer repairs for rest; to this the traveller bends his faltering steps, &c. Now, in the church we participate of that rest and repose, of which the world knows nothing. God has engaged that we shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

4. A house is for residence The people of God dwell in it. Not visitants, but children at home. Born in Zion, and are the sons and inhabitants of Zion 5. A house is for fellowship.

Here there is union and fellowship with the various branches of the family. One nature, one spirit, one language. One spirit pervading the whole. See Act_2:41-47.

Now, let us give a few explanatory particulars respecting this house

(1) God is the builder and proprietor of it. "He who built all things is God." The plan was his. The materials are formed and the walls erected by him. And it is designed to show forth his glories, &c. See Eph_3:10.

(2) Christ is the foundation of this house. "Behold I lay in Zion," &c. "Other foundation can no man lay," &c.

(3) Believers are the inhabitants of this house. All who received Christ, and thus became the sons of God. Joh_1:12.

(4) Ministers are the stewards and overseers of this house. "Hence they are to feed the church of God," &c. Act_20:28. 1 Cor. iv. i.

Observe in the text,

II. A striking Representation of Christ.

"And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder." Referring to the ponderous keys of the ancients, which were intrusted to the stewards and rulers, and which were so heavy as to be borne upon the shoulder. Now, it implies that the entire rule and authority of the church is laid upon Christ. And this power is described as absolute, "for he can open, and none can shut," &c. See Isa_9:6; also Eph_1:22; Col_1:8.

1. He has the keys of the gospel, and he opens a door for its diffusion, and none can shut it.

See the case at Ephesus; 1Co_16:9; 2Co_2:12.

2. He has the key of the heart, and he opens, and none can shut it.

Case of Lydia; Act_16:14

3. He has the key of adoption and communion with God, and opens, and none can shut it.

Hence he said, "No man cometh to the Father," &c. "I am the door," &c. "I am the way," &c. "To them gave he power," &c.

4. He has the keys of heaven, and he opens, and none can shut.

He gives eternal life. Dying Stephen. Paul, "henceforth there is laid up," &c.

5. He has the keys of the grave, and will open, and none can shut.

He is Lord of Hades. The resurrection and the life. He will break open every sepulchre, &c. Rev_1:18.

6. He has the keys of hell, and will shut in the unbelieving, and none can open The rich man. Rev_20:1, &c.

Application

Learn,

1. The glory of Christ. And,

2. The happiness and safety of the church.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS