What other biblical figures were divinely appointed, similar to Eliakim in Isaiah 22:20? Eliakim’s Divine Appointment: A Quick Refresher • Isaiah 22:20: “In that day I will summon My servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah.” • God explicitly calls, equips, and installs Eliakim to replace an unfaithful steward, underscoring His sovereign right to raise leaders for His purposes. Patterns of God’s Choice Throughout Scripture The Lord consistently hand-picks individuals, often surprising choices, to carry out specific tasks. Below are several figures whose call echoes Eliakim’s divinely appointed stewardship. Key Old Testament Appointees • Joseph (Genesis 41:38-41) – Pharaoh recognizes “the Spirit of God” in him and elevates Joseph to administer Egypt. • Moses (Exodus 3:10-12) – “I am sending you to Pharaoh” (v. 10); God promises His presence as validation. • Joshua (Joshua 1:1-9) – Commissioned after Moses’ death: “Be strong and courageous, for you will give this people possession of the land” (v. 6). • David (1 Samuel 16:12-13) – Anointed by Samuel; “the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.” • Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1,4) – Called “My shepherd” and “His anointed,” even as a Gentile king, to return exiles and rebuild Jerusalem. • Zerubbabel (Haggai 2:20-23) – Declared the LORD’s “signet ring,” entrusted with rebuilding the temple foundation. • Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4-10) – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you… I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” • Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:1-7) – Sent to obstinate Israel with God’s words whether they listen or refuse. Key New Testament Appointees • John the Baptist (Luke 1:13-17; 3:2-4) – “He will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah.” • The Twelve Apostles (Mark 3:13-15) – Jesus “appointed twelve… that He might send them out to preach.” • Matthias (Acts 1:24-26) – Chosen by lot and prayer to replace Judas, restoring the apostolic number. • Paul (Acts 9:15-16; Galatians 1:15-16) – “He is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My name before the Gentiles.” • Barnabas and Saul for first missionary journey (Acts 13:2-3) – “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Shared Marks of Divine Appointment • Clear initiative from God (vision, prophecy, or direct speech). • Public recognition or anointing that affirms God’s choice. • Empowerment by the Spirit to fulfill the role. • A task that serves God’s redemptive plan beyond the person’s lifetime. • Accountability: privilege coupled with responsibility—faithfulness required, judgment if neglected (cf. Eliakim’s contrast with Shebna in Isaiah 22). Why These Examples Matter for Us Today Seeing how the Lord personally selects stewards—whether palace administrators, prophets, kings, or apostles—strengthens confidence that God still directs history. He raises up servants at pivotal moments, keeps His promises, and accomplishes His will through willing hearts, assuring us that faithful obedience never goes unnoticed by the King of kings. |
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