Why did Hezekiah send Eliakim and Shebna to Isaiah in Isaiah 37:2? Setting the Scene • Assyria’s field commander had just hurled threats at Jerusalem (Isaiah 36). • “Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD” (Isaiah 37:1). • Verse 2: “Then he sent Eliakim who was in charge of the palace, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz.” Why Hezekiah Chose to Send Eliakim and Shebna • Recognition of Prophetic Authority – Isaiah was God’s certified spokesman (cf. Isaiah 1:1; 2 Kings 19:2). – Seeking him was tantamount to seeking the LORD’s own word. • Urgent Need for Intercession – Verse 4: “Perhaps the LORD your God will hear… therefore offer a prayer for the remnant that remains.” – Hezekiah desired Isaiah’s prayers as well as his counsel. • Public Display of Humility – All were “wearing sackcloth,” signaling repentance and dependence. – Leadership modeling humility encouraged national contrition (cf. Jonah 3:6). • Strategic Use of Trusted Officials – Eliakim: steward of the palace, representing the king’s authority. – Shebna: court scribe, ensuring accurate transmission of the king’s plea. – Their presence underscored the gravity of the request. What This Reveals about Hezekiah’s Heart • Faith that looked beyond military strength to divine intervention (Psalm 20:7). • Submission to God’s prophetic word, unlike many kings before him (2 Chronicles 28:22). • Responsibility as shepherd of his people, seeking God on their behalf (2 Chronicles 32:20). The Role of Eliakim and Shebna • Messengers of distress: “This is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace” (Isaiah 37:3). • Mediators between palace and prophet, ensuring swift communication. • Visual testimony—sackcloth-clad officials—of Judah’s repentance and desperation. Key Takeaways for Today • When crisis hits, humble dependence on God’s word and prayer remains the surest refuge. • Spiritual leaders should be quick to seek godly counsel rather than rely on human strategy alone. • Public expressions of repentance pave the way for divine deliverance (2 Chronicles 7:14). |
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