On that dayThis phrase often indicates a specific time of divine intervention or fulfillment of prophecy. In the context of Isaiah, it refers to a future moment when God will act decisively. This is a common prophetic expression found throughout the Old Testament, signaling a significant event in God's redemptive plan.
I will summon
The act of summoning implies authority and purpose. God is actively calling someone to fulfill a specific role. This reflects the biblical theme of divine election, where God chooses individuals for particular tasks, as seen with figures like Moses and David.
My servant
The term "servant" is significant in Isaiah, often referring to those who carry out God's will. It can also be a messianic title, as seen in the "Servant Songs" of Isaiah (e.g.,Isaiah 42, 49, 53). Here, it denotes a person chosen by God for a special mission, highlighting themes of obedience and divine purpose.
Eliakim
Eliakim is a historical figure, serving as a steward or official in the royal court of King Hezekiah. His name means "God will establish," which is fitting given his role in God's plan. Eliakim's appointment is a response to the unfaithfulness of Shebna, the previous steward, illustrating the biblical principle of God raising up faithful leaders.
son of Hilkiah
Hilkiah is a name associated with several biblical figures, most notably the high priest during King Josiah's reign who discovered the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22). The mention of Eliakim's father provides a genealogical context, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in biblical narratives.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
EliakimEliakim is identified as the son of Hilkiah. In the context of
Isaiah 22, he is chosen by God to replace Shebna as the steward over the house of David. His name means "God will establish," which signifies his divine appointment and the stability he is meant to bring.
2.
HilkiahHilkiah is the father of Eliakim. His name means "my portion is Yahweh," indicating a heritage of faithfulness and dedication to God.
3.
ShebnaShebna is the official whom Eliakim is set to replace. He is depicted earlier in
Isaiah 22 as being self-serving and prideful, leading to his removal from office.
4.
JerusalemThe city where these events take place, serving as the political and spiritual center of Judah. It is significant as the location of the Davidic kingdom and the Temple.
5.
The House of DavidThis refers to the royal lineage and authority established by God through King David. Eliakim's appointment is significant as it ties into the messianic promise associated with David's line.
Teaching Points
Divine AppointmentGod chooses and appoints leaders according to His purposes. Eliakim's selection reminds us that God is sovereign over leadership and authority.
Faithfulness Over PositionEliakim's rise to leadership contrasts with Shebna's fall, teaching us that God values faithfulness and humility over self-promotion and pride.
Symbol of ChristEliakim serves as a type of Christ, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise through Jesus, who holds the true key of David.
Responsibility in LeadershipWith authority comes responsibility. Eliakim's role emphasizes the importance of stewardship and serving others in positions of power.
Hope in God's PlanEven in times of judgment and upheaval, God is working to establish His purposes, offering hope and assurance to His people.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 22:20?
2.How does Isaiah 22:20 illustrate God's sovereignty in appointing leaders?
3.What qualities made Eliakim a suitable choice for leadership in Isaiah 22:20?
4.How can we discern God's calling in our lives, like Eliakim's in Isaiah?
5.What other biblical figures were divinely appointed, similar to Eliakim in Isaiah 22:20?
6.How can we apply the principle of divine appointment in our daily decisions?
7.What is the significance of Eliakim's appointment in Isaiah 22:20 for biblical leadership?
8.How does Isaiah 22:20 reflect God's sovereignty in choosing leaders?
9.What historical context surrounds the events of Isaiah 22:20?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 22?
11.In Isaiah 22:20–25, how does the “key of David” symbolism align or conflict with other biblical references like Revelation 3:7?
12.Is Eliakim a typological argument for the papacy?
13.Who is Eliakim, son of Hilkiah?
14.Is Eliakim a typological argument for the papacy?What Does Isaiah 22:20 Mean
On that day• Scripture often uses this phrase to mark a decisive moment when the LORD intervenes (Isaiah 10:20; 11:10;Zephaniah 3:11).
• Here it signals a real historical point when God would remove the unfaithful steward Shebna (Isaiah 22:15-19) and install a faithful replacement.
• At the same time the wording echoes the ultimate “day of the LORD,” reminding us that every smaller fulfillment previews the final reckoning (Isaiah 2:11; 13:6).
• The lesson is clear: God sets the calendar, and His timing is perfect—whether in Judah’s palace or in our lives.
I will summon• The initiative is entirely God’s. As inExodus 31:2 (“I have called by name Bezalel”) andIsaiah 45:4 (“I call you by name, though you have not known Me”), the LORD hand-picks His servants.
• “Summon” implies authority and purpose:
– Authority—no earthly power can veto His choice (Daniel 4:35).
– Purpose—He raises leaders to accomplish specific tasks (Acts 13:2).
• Our takeaway: leadership in God’s kingdom is not grasped but granted. Just as Eliakim was called, so every believer’s ministry begins with God’s voice, not self-promotion.
My servant• The title “servant” is one of honor in Isaiah (cf.Isaiah 42:1; 44:1). It highlights obedience, stewardship, and loyalty.
• By calling Eliakim “My servant,” God contrasts him with Shebna, who served himself (Isaiah 22:16).
• This designation anticipates the ultimate “Servant” ofIsaiah 53, showing how every faithful steward reflects—however dimly—the character of Christ (Matthew 20:28).
• Application: significance in God’s eyes is measured by faithfulness, not spotlight or status (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Eliakim son of Hilkiah• A real official in King Hezekiah’s court (2 Kings 18:18;Isaiah 36:3), Eliakim was already a trusted administrator. God would now elevate him to Shebna’s former office, “over the house” (Isaiah 22:21).
• The name Eliakim means “God raises up,” fitting for a man divinely appointed.
• His father Hilkiah links him to a respected lineage, underscoring that God weaves family heritage into His plans (2 Timothy 1:5).
• Later verses portray Eliakim as a “peg driven in a firm place” (Isaiah 22:23), foreshadowing the security found in Christ, the ultimate cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).
• Yet even Eliakim’s peg “will give way” (Isaiah 22:25), reminding us that the best human leaders are temporary; only Jesus reigns forever (Hebrews 7:24).
summaryIsaiah 22:20 captures a moment when God decisively replaces an unfaithful steward with a faithful one. “On that day” affirms God’s perfect timing. “I will summon” spotlights His sovereign choice. Calling Eliakim “My servant” exalts humble obedience over self-seeking ambition. Naming him “Eliakim son of Hilkiah” grounds the promise in real history while hinting at the greater Son whom God would ultimately raise up. The verse therefore assures us that the LORD actively governs leadership, honors faithfulness, and points every lesser servant toward the true and eternal Servant-King, Jesus Christ.
(20)
Eliakim the son of Hilkiah.--Nothing is known of Eliakim's previous history, but the epithet, "my servant," bears witness to his faith and goodness; and we may well believe him to have been in heart, if not openly, one of Isaiah's disciples. He was apparently, at the time, in some subordinate office.
Verse 20. -
In that day. In the day of Shebna's deposition from his office of prefect of the palace.
My servant Eliakim. On the dignity of this title, when given by God himself, see the comment on Isaiah 20:3.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
On thatהַה֑וּא(ha·hū)Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, aredayבַּיּ֣וֹם(bay·yō·wm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayI will summonוְקָרָ֣אתִי(wə·qā·rā·ṯî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readMy servant,לְעַבְדִּ֔י(lə·‘aḇ·dî)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantEliakimלְאֶלְיָקִ֖ים(lə·’el·yā·qîm)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 471:Eliakim -- 'God sets up', three Israelitessonבֶּן־(ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Hilkiah.חִלְקִיָּֽהוּ׃(ḥil·qî·yā·hū)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2518:Hilkiah -- 'my portion is Yah', the name of several Israelites
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 22:20 It will happen in that day that (Isa Isi Is)