How does Isaiah 36:22 demonstrate the importance of seeking wise counsel in crisis? The Crisis Scene in 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 told him the words of the Rabshakeh.” What Happens in This Verse • Three senior officials—Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah—return from negotiations with Assyria’s field commander. • They arrive in visible grief (“with their clothes torn”), signaling the gravity of the threat. • Instead of acting independently, they relay everything to King Hezekiah. • Their immediate move is to seek direction from the godly leader God has placed over Judah. Why This Models Wise Counsel • Shared Burden: They do not bear the crisis alone; they involve the king who holds spiritual and civic responsibility. • Respect for God-Ordained Leadership: Acknowledging Hezekiah’s role shows trust in God’s established order (cf. Romans 13:1). • Full Disclosure: They “told him the words” exactly, ensuring Hezekiah receives unfiltered truth—key for sound decisions (cf. Proverbs 12:17). • Unified Response: By coming together, the officials and the king can seek the Lord with one heart (see 2 Kings 19:1-4). Supporting Scriptures Emphasizing Counsel • Proverbs 11:14 — “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” • Proverbs 15:22 — “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Proverbs 24:6 — “For by wise guidance you wage your war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.” • 2 Chronicles 32:20 — “Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet… cried out in prayer to heaven about this.” (The officials’ report led directly to united intercession.) Key Takeaways for Today • Don’t isolate when threatened. Invite godly voices who can point you back to the Lord. • Present the facts honestly; wise counsel requires clarity, not sugar-coating. • Submit to spiritual authority God has placed in your life—pastors, elders, mature believers. • Pursue collective prayer after counsel; Hezekiah’s next step was to seek God, which brought deliverance (Isaiah 37:14-20; 37:36-37). Living This Out 1. Identify trusted, Scripture-anchored advisors before a crisis arises. 2. When trouble comes, share promptly and transparently, as Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah did. 3. Invite those counselors to seek the Lord with you, expecting His faithful intervention. In Short Isaiah 36:22 shows that in the face of overwhelming pressure, God’s people are safest when they gather trusted, godly counselors, relay the full truth, and unite under divinely appointed leadership to seek the Lord’s guidance. |
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