How does humility affect their response?
What role does humility play in Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah's response to Hezekiah?

The moment in Isaiah 36

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


Visible signs of humility

• Torn garments—an outward symbol of inward contrition and grief (cf. Genesis 37:34; Ezra 9:3).

• Obedient silence—2 Kings 18:36 records that they “did not answer him a word,” honoring Hezekiah’s command instead of defending themselves.

• Faithful reporting—they carry the humiliating message to Hezekiah without spin, acknowledging their own powerlessness.


Why humility matters in this crisis

• Humility positions them—and the nation—to seek the LORD rather than trust political schemes (Isaiah 30:1-3).

• By submitting to Hezekiah’s authority, they demonstrate the order God has established (Romans 13:1).

• Their contrite posture becomes the catalyst for Hezekiah’s own humble response in 37:1, which in turn leads to divine deliverance (37:33-36).


Scriptural echoes

Proverbs 15:33—“…humility comes before honor.”

Isaiah 66:2—“To this one I will look: to him who is humble and contrite in spirit…”

James 4:6—“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:6—“Humble yourselves… so that in due time He may exalt you.”


Lessons for today

• Humility admits need; pride resists help.

• Grief over sin or danger is not weakness but a gateway to God’s strength.

• Obedience—especially silent obedience—can speak louder than self-defense.

• God delights to act when His people approach Him clothed in humility rather than in self-reliance.

How does Isaiah 36:22 demonstrate the importance of seeking wise counsel in crisis?
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