This month, I’ve been working through the book of Isaiah in my devotional reading. As I came to chapter 22, I was captivated by the contrast between two leaders: Shebna and Eliakim. Both men were entrusted with a significant leadership role in Judah’s government. One misused his position; the other used it well. One is described as a “Ball”; the other as a “Peg.” One man serves as a warning; the other as an example.
Shebna: The Ball
First, the Lord dispatches the prophet Isaiah with a message for Shebna (verses 13-19): “What have you to do here, and whom have you here, that you have cut out here a tomb for yourself, you who cut out a tomb on the height and carve a dwelling for yourself in the rock?” (16). Evidently, Shebna, a steward (or palace administrator) in the king’s court, was using his position to enrich himself and secure his legacy. He had amassed “glorious chariots” (18) and had his own tomb (a monument to his legacy) carved out of rock (16).
Rather than using his position as steward to serve God’s people, Shebna chooses to serve himself (16). The Lord takes this misuse of leadership seriously. He sends Shebna a dire message: “Behold, the Lord will . . . throw you like a ball into a wide land” (17-18). In this place of exile, Shebna will die in shame: “There you shall die. . . you shame of your master’s house” (18).
Eliakim: The Peg
The Lord promises to replace Shebna with Eliakim, a man he calls “my servant” (20). Rather than serving his own selfish interests, Eliakim will use his position of authority to serve God’s people: “And he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah” (21).
Because of his heart to serve, the Lord promises to firmly establish Eliakim’s leadership: “And I will fasten him like a peg in a secure place” (23). The rest of his “father’s house” will rely on him to hold them up (24). Whereas Shebna is called “the shame of your master’s house” (18), Eliakim will become “a throne of honor to his father’s house” (23).
For a time, Eliakim will be able to sustain the weight of leadership, holding up those who rely on him. However, in God’s time, he will no longer be able to endure. This peg “that was fastened in a secure place will give way, and it will be cut down and fall” (25). When Eliakim goes down, so do all those relying on him: “and the load that was on it will be cut off” (25).
Lessons for all of us
The Lord holds leaders accountable, bringing down the selfish and raising up those who serve. The account of Shebna and Eliakim—a tale of two leaders—is a case study in the kind of leadership God wants for His people. Shebna used his strength and position to accumulate wealth (glorious chariots) and carve out a legacy (tomb in the rock). God saw this as shameful and threw him out of office like a ball flung to a distant place (18). Eliakim used his authority (robe, sash, key, throne) to be a “father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the house of Judah” (21). God established him like a “peg in a secure place”, making him “a throne of honour to his father’s house” (23). The Lord assesses how leaders handle their positions. Those who serve themselves (“carve a dwelling for yourself”—16) will be deposed; those who serve His purposes and His people are made secure until their season of leadership is over.
We must use God-given authority for the good of God’s people. God is not opposed to humans having power. Eliakim had decision making power that could not be overturned. However, God wants a leader to use authority for the good of His people. Contrary to Shebna’s example, a trustworthy leader doesn’t pad his pockets or carve out his own legacy.
Leaders carry the weight of caring for others for a time. Eliakim becomes a secure peg to sustain the people of Jerusalem. He upholds them by carrying the weight of leadership in a God-honouring way. However, he doesn’t last forever; ultimately the peg will “give way” (25). No leader lasts forever, except the One True Leader—the Lord of hosts.
Seek to be a peg not a ball. For his selfish leadership, Shebna is thrown like a ball to a wide land (18). Eliakim, who serves God’s purposes as a father to His people, is fastened by God “like a peg in a secure place” (23).
Leaders, seek to be a peg, not a ball.
Rick and Linda Reed 