What does "a peg in a firm place" symbolize in Isaiah 22:23? Setting the Scene Isaiah confronts Shebna, an unfaithful steward over the palace, and announces that God will replace him with Eliakim son of Hilkiah. Right in the middle of that prophecy we read: “ ‘I will drive him like a peg in a firm place, and he will be a throne of glory to his father’s house.’ ” (Isaiah 22:23) The picture is vivid—a wooden tent‐peg or wall‐peg hammered so deep and steady that anything hung on it stays secure. Immediate Meaning for Eliakim • God Himself installs Eliakim; human promotion can be revoked, but when the Lord “drives” someone into position, the appointment stands. • A “firm place” points to stability, permanence, reliability—exactly what Jerusalem needed after Shebna’s self-serving leadership. • Through Eliakim, even the weakest members of his “father’s house” could depend on solid support (v. 24). Wider Old-Testament Echoes • Ezra 9:8 – the returned exiles are given “a peg in His holy place,” security in the land by grace. • Zechariah 10:4 – from Judah “will come the cornerstone, the peg, the battle bow,” linking the image to messianic hope. • Judges 4:21 – Jael’s tent peg fixed Israel’s victory, underscoring how the humble tool can accomplish divine purposes. New-Covenant Fulfillment Eliakim prefigures Christ: • Isaiah 22:22 promises, “I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David” (cf. Revelation 3:7, where Jesus holds that very key). • Just as the peg bears the weight of vessels, Christ bears the weight of all who trust Him (Matthew 11:28-29; 1 Peter 2:24). • His position is unshakeable: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Personal Takeaways • Dependability—God plants His servants so others can safely lean on them (1 Timothy 3:1-7). • Security—our salvation rests on a peg driven by God, not on our own flimsy nails (John 10:28-29). • Stewardship—like Eliakim, we are to honor God, not ourselves, in every trust He grants us (1 Corinthians 4:2). Key Truth “A peg in a firm place” symbolizes the divinely established, immovable security God provides through a faithful steward—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, the sure, unbreakable support for all who hang their hopes on Him. |
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