Isaiah 22:16 - ‘What are you doing here? Who has you here, that you have dug out a tomb here?’ Cutting himself out a tomb on high, chiseling a habitation for himself in the rock!”
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What does "Isaiah 22:16" mean?
This verse from Isaiah 22:16 is part of a rebuke against Shebna, the palace administrator. To understand its meaning, we need to break it down:
"‘What are you doing here? Who has you here, that you have dug out a tomb here?’" This is a rhetorical question implying Shebna doesn't belong in the position of power he holds. The prophet is questioning his authority and right to occupy such a prestigious location. The "here" likely refers to Jerusalem, the center of power.
"Cutting himself out a tomb on high, chiseling a habitation for himself in the rock!” This is the core of the criticism. Shebna is preparing a lavish tomb for himself in a high, prominent place, likely within the city walls or on a nearby hill. This act is seen as:
Vanity and Self-Importance: Building an elaborate tomb was a sign of status and wealth. Shebna is focused on his legacy and how he'll be remembered, even in death.
Misplaced Priorities: Instead of focusing on the welfare of the people and the needs of the kingdom, Shebna is concerned with his own personal glorification.
Presumption: He's acting as if his position and power are secure and permanent. The prophet will soon declare his removal from office.
Disregard for God's Will: By focusing on earthly achievements and self-preservation, Shebna is neglecting his duty to serve God and the people of Judah.
In essence, the verse condemns Shebna for his self-serving ambition and misplaced priorities. He is more concerned with securing his own legacy through a grandiose tomb than with fulfilling his responsibilities as a leader and serving the people. The fact that he's carving his tomb "on high" and "in the rock" suggests a desire for prominence and permanence, highlighting the depth of his arrogance.
The broader context of Isaiah 22 reveals that Shebna is being replaced due to his unfaithfulness. This verse is a key part of that prophecy, illustrating the reasons for his downfall: pride, self-interest, and a lack of concern for the welfare of the kingdom. The verse also highlights the contrast between true leadership and self-serving ambition.
Isaiah 22:16 - ‘What are you doing here? Who has you here, that you have dug out a tomb here?’ Cutting himself out a tomb on high, chiseling a habitation for himself in the rock!”
What does "Isaiah 22:16" mean?
This verse from Isaiah 22:16 is part of a rebuke against Shebna, the palace administrator. To understand its meaning, we need to break it down:
"‘What are you doing here? Who has you here, that you have dug out a tomb here?’" This is a rhetorical question implying Shebna doesn't belong in the position of power he holds. The prophet is questioning his authority and right to occupy such a prestigious location. The "here" likely refers to Jerusalem, the center of power.
"Cutting himself out a tomb on high, chiseling a habitation for himself in the rock!” This is the core of the criticism. Shebna is preparing a lavish tomb for himself in a high, prominent place, likely within the city walls or on a nearby hill. This act is seen as:
Vanity and Self-Importance: Building an elaborate tomb was a sign of status and wealth. Shebna is focused on his legacy and how he'll be remembered, even in death.
Misplaced Priorities: Instead of focusing on the welfare of the people and the needs of the kingdom, Shebna is concerned with his own personal glorification.
Presumption: He's acting as if his position and power are secure and permanent. The prophet will soon declare his removal from office.
Disregard for God's Will: By focusing on earthly achievements and self-preservation, Shebna is neglecting his duty to serve God and the people of Judah.
In essence, the verse condemns Shebna for his self-serving ambition and misplaced priorities. He is more concerned with securing his own legacy through a grandiose tomb than with fulfilling his responsibilities as a leader and serving the people. The fact that he's carving his tomb "on high" and "in the rock" suggests a desire for prominence and permanence, highlighting the depth of his arrogance.
The broader context of Isaiah 22 reveals that Shebna is being replaced due to his unfaithfulness. This verse is a key part of that prophecy, illustrating the reasons for his downfall: pride, self-interest, and a lack of concern for the welfare of the kingdom. The verse also highlights the contrast between true leadership and self-serving ambition.