Isaiah 22:20
New International Version
“In that day I will summon my servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah.

New Living Translation
And then I will call my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah to replace you.

English Standard Version
In that day I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah,

Berean Standard Bible
On that day I will summon My servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah.

King James Bible
And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah:

New King James Version
‘Then it shall be in that day, That I will call My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah;

New American Standard Bible
“Then it will come about on that day, That I will summon My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah,

NASB 1995
“Then it will come about in that day, That I will summon My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah,

NASB 1977
“Then it will come about in that day, That I will summon My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah

Legacy Standard Bible
Then it will be in that day, That I will summon My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah,

Amplified Bible
“Then it will come to pass in that day That I will summon My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah.

Christian Standard Bible
“On that day I will call for my servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
On that day I will call for my servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah.

American Standard Version
And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah:

English Revised Version
And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When that day comes, I will call my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah.

Good News Translation
The LORD said to Shebna, "When that happens, I will send for my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah.

International Standard Version
"At that time, I'll call for my servant, Hilkiah's son Eliakim,

NET Bible
"At that time I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah.

New Heart English Bible
It will happen in that day that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah,

Webster's Bible Translation
And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah:
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
On that day I will summon My servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah.

World English Bible
It will happen in that day that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it has come to pass in that day, "" That I have called to My servant, "" To Eliakim son of Hilkiah.

Young's Literal Translation
And it hath come to pass, in that day, That I have called to my servant, To Eliakim son of Hilkiah.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was in that day I called for my servant, for Eliakim, son of Hilkiah:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliacim the son of Helcias,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And this shall be in that day: I will call my servant Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah.

New American Bible
On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah;

New Revised Standard Version
On that day I will call my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it shall come to pass in that day, says the LORD, I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it shall be in that day, says LORD JEHOVAH, I shall call my Servant Eliakim son of Khelqia
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it shall come to pass in that day, That I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Chelcias:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Message for Shebna
19I will remove you from office, and you will be ousted from your position. 20 On that day I will summon My servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah. 21I will clothe him with your robe and tie your sash around him. I will put your authority in his hand, and he will be a father to the dwellers of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah.…

Cross References
1 Kings 19:16
You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet.

2 Kings 18:18
Then they called for the king. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them.

2 Kings 18:37
Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.

2 Kings 19:2
And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz

2 Chronicles 29:3-4
In the first month of the first year of his reign, Hezekiah opened and repaired the doors of the house of the LORD. / Then he brought in the priests and Levites and gathered them in the square on the east side.

2 Chronicles 31:13
Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the authority of Conaniah and his brother Shimei, by appointment of King Hezekiah and of Azariah the chief official of the house of God.

2 Chronicles 34:20
and commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king:

Nehemiah 8:9
Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law.

Nehemiah 10:1
Now these were the ones who sealed the document: Nehemiah the governor, son of Hacaliah, and also Zedekiah,

Nehemiah 12:26
They served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe.

Isaiah 36:3
Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to him.

Isaiah 36:22
Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.

Isaiah 37:2
And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz

Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.


Treasury of Scripture

And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah:

Eliakim

Isaiah 36:3,11,22
Then came forth unto him Eliakim, Hilkiah's son, which was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder…

Isaiah 37:2
And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.

2 Kings 18:18,37
And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder…

Jump to Previous
Eliakim Eli'akim Hilkiah Hilki'ah Hilkijah Servant Summon
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Eliakim Eli'akim Hilkiah Hilki'ah Hilkijah Servant Summon
Isaiah 22
1. The prophet laments the invasion of Jerusalem
8. He reproves their human wisdom and worldly joy
15. He prophesies Shebna's deprivation
20. And the substitution of Eliakim, prefiguring the kingdom of Christ.














On that day
This phrase often indicates a specific time of divine intervention or fulfillment of prophecy. In the context of Isaiah, it refers to a future moment when God will act decisively. This is a common prophetic expression found throughout the Old Testament, signaling a significant event in God's redemptive plan.

I will summon
The act of summoning implies authority and purpose. God is actively calling someone to fulfill a specific role. This reflects the biblical theme of divine election, where God chooses individuals for particular tasks, as seen with figures like Moses and David.

My servant
The term "servant" is significant in Isaiah, often referring to those who carry out God's will. It can also be a messianic title, as seen in the "Servant Songs" of Isaiah (e.g., Isaiah 42, 49, 53). Here, it denotes a person chosen by God for a special mission, highlighting themes of obedience and divine purpose.

Eliakim
Eliakim is a historical figure, serving as a steward or official in the royal court of King Hezekiah. His name means "God will establish," which is fitting given his role in God's plan. Eliakim's appointment is a response to the unfaithfulness of Shebna, the previous steward, illustrating the biblical principle of God raising up faithful leaders.

son of Hilkiah
Hilkiah is a name associated with several biblical figures, most notably the high priest during King Josiah's reign who discovered the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22). The mention of Eliakim's father provides a genealogical context, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in biblical narratives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Eliakim
Eliakim is identified as the son of Hilkiah. In the context of Isaiah 22, he is chosen by God to replace Shebna as the steward over the house of David. His name means "God will establish," which signifies his divine appointment and the stability he is meant to bring.

2. Hilkiah
Hilkiah is the father of Eliakim. His name means "my portion is Yahweh," indicating a heritage of faithfulness and dedication to God.

3. Shebna
Shebna is the official whom Eliakim is set to replace. He is depicted earlier in Isaiah 22 as being self-serving and prideful, leading to his removal from office.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, serving as the political and spiritual center of Judah. It is significant as the location of the Davidic kingdom and the Temple.

5. The House of David
This refers to the royal lineage and authority established by God through King David. Eliakim's appointment is significant as it ties into the messianic promise associated with David's line.
Teaching Points
Divine Appointment
God chooses and appoints leaders according to His purposes. Eliakim's selection reminds us that God is sovereign over leadership and authority.

Faithfulness Over Position
Eliakim's rise to leadership contrasts with Shebna's fall, teaching us that God values faithfulness and humility over self-promotion and pride.

Symbol of Christ
Eliakim serves as a type of Christ, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise through Jesus, who holds the true key of David.

Responsibility in Leadership
With authority comes responsibility. Eliakim's role emphasizes the importance of stewardship and serving others in positions of power.

Hope in God's Plan
Even in times of judgment and upheaval, God is working to establish His purposes, offering hope and assurance to His people.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 22:20?

2. How does Isaiah 22:20 illustrate God's sovereignty in appointing leaders?

3. What qualities made Eliakim a suitable choice for leadership in Isaiah 22:20?

4. How can we discern God's calling in our lives, like Eliakim's in Isaiah?

5. What other biblical figures were divinely appointed, similar to Eliakim in Isaiah 22:20?

6. How can we apply the principle of divine appointment in our daily decisions?

7. What is the significance of Eliakim's appointment in Isaiah 22:20 for biblical leadership?

8. How does Isaiah 22:20 reflect God's sovereignty in choosing leaders?

9. What historical context surrounds the events of Isaiah 22:20?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 22?

11. In Isaiah 22:20–25, how does the “key of David” symbolism align or conflict with other biblical references like Revelation 3:7?

12. Is Eliakim a typological argument for the papacy?

13. Who is Eliakim, son of Hilkiah?

14. Is Eliakim a typological argument for the papacy?
What Does Isaiah 22:20 Mean
On that day

• Scripture often uses this phrase to mark a decisive moment when the LORD intervenes (Isaiah 10:20; 11:10; Zephaniah 3:11).

• Here it signals a real historical point when God would remove the unfaithful steward Shebna (Isaiah 22:15-19) and install a faithful replacement.

• At the same time the wording echoes the ultimate “day of the LORD,” reminding us that every smaller fulfillment previews the final reckoning (Isaiah 2:11; 13:6).

• The lesson is clear: God sets the calendar, and His timing is perfect—whether in Judah’s palace or in our lives.


I will summon

• The initiative is entirely God’s. As in Exodus 31:2 (“I have called by name Bezalel”) and Isaiah 45:4 (“I call you by name, though you have not known Me”), the LORD hand-picks His servants.

• “Summon” implies authority and purpose:

– Authority—no earthly power can veto His choice (Daniel 4:35).

– Purpose—He raises leaders to accomplish specific tasks (Acts 13:2).

• Our takeaway: leadership in God’s kingdom is not grasped but granted. Just as Eliakim was called, so every believer’s ministry begins with God’s voice, not self-promotion.


My servant

• The title “servant” is one of honor in Isaiah (cf. Isaiah 42:1; 44:1). It highlights obedience, stewardship, and loyalty.

• By calling Eliakim “My servant,” God contrasts him with Shebna, who served himself (Isaiah 22:16).

• This designation anticipates the ultimate “Servant” of Isaiah 53, showing how every faithful steward reflects—however dimly—the character of Christ (Matthew 20:28).

• Application: significance in God’s eyes is measured by faithfulness, not spotlight or status (1 Corinthians 4:2).


Eliakim son of Hilkiah

• A real official in King Hezekiah’s court (2 Kings 18:18; Isaiah 36:3), Eliakim was already a trusted administrator. God would now elevate him to Shebna’s former office, “over the house” (Isaiah 22:21).

• The name Eliakim means “God raises up,” fitting for a man divinely appointed.

• His father Hilkiah links him to a respected lineage, underscoring that God weaves family heritage into His plans (2 Timothy 1:5).

• Later verses portray Eliakim as a “peg driven in a firm place” (Isaiah 22:23), foreshadowing the security found in Christ, the ultimate cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

• Yet even Eliakim’s peg “will give way” (Isaiah 22:25), reminding us that the best human leaders are temporary; only Jesus reigns forever (Hebrews 7:24).


summary

Isaiah 22:20 captures a moment when God decisively replaces an unfaithful steward with a faithful one. “On that day” affirms God’s perfect timing. “I will summon” spotlights His sovereign choice. Calling Eliakim “My servant” exalts humble obedience over self-seeking ambition. Naming him “Eliakim son of Hilkiah” grounds the promise in real history while hinting at the greater Son whom God would ultimately raise up. The verse therefore assures us that the LORD actively governs leadership, honors faithfulness, and points every lesser servant toward the true and eternal Servant-King, Jesus Christ.

(20) Eliakim the son of Hilkiah.--Nothing is known of Eliakim's previous history, but the epithet, "my servant," bears witness to his faith and goodness; and we may well believe him to have been in heart, if not openly, one of Isaiah's disciples. He was apparently, at the time, in some subordinate office.

Verse 20. - In that day. In the day of Shebna's deposition from his office of prefect of the palace. My servant Eliakim. On the dignity of this title, when given by God himself, see the comment on Isaiah 20:3.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
On that
הַה֑וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

day
בַּיּ֣וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

I will summon
וְקָרָ֣אתִי (wə·qā·rā·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

My servant,
לְעַבְדִּ֔י (lə·‘aḇ·dî)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

Eliakim
לְאֶלְיָקִ֖ים (lə·’el·yā·qîm)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 471: Eliakim -- 'God sets up', three Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Hilkiah.
חִלְקִיָּֽהוּ׃ (ḥil·qî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2518: Hilkiah -- 'my portion is Yah', the name of several Israelites


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 22:20 It will happen in that day that (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 22:19
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