What does Isaiah 22:20 mean?
"¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah:" - Isaiah 22:20

Isaiah 22:20 (KJV) reads, "And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah."
This verse is a part of the book of Isaiah, which is one of the major prophets in the Old Testament of the Bible. This verse occurs in a passage where the Lord is speaking through the prophet Isaiah about the impending judgment on Jerusalem, particularly the impending judgment on Shebna, the current chief steward of the palace, who is filled with pride and arrogance. The Lord is declaring that he will appoint Eliakim to replace Shebna as the chief steward, putting an end to Shebna's corruption and abuse of power.
In this verse, the Lord is asserting His authority and declaring His plan to establish a new leader. The appointment of Eliakim is significant not only in the historical and political context within the passage but also serves as a symbol of God's sovereignty over the nations and His ability to raise up and depose leaders according to His will.
The theme of authority is central to this verse. The Lord's declaration of His intention to appoint Eliakim as His servant signifies His ultimate authority over the affairs of His chosen people. It serves as a reminder that ultimately, it is God who holds power and control over the leadership and governance of His people. This theme resonates throughout the Bible, as it is reiterated in both the Old and New Testaments, and serves to remind believers of the importance of submitting to God's authority in all aspects of their lives.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. The appointment of Eliakim as the chief steward of the palace represented a shift in leadership and authority in Jerusalem during a time of political turmoil and impending judgment. This historical context adds depth to the symbolism of God's sovereign power and His ability to work through human leaders to accomplish His purposes.
Furthermore, the name "Eliakim" itself carries symbolic meaning. The name Eliakim means "God will establish" or "God will set up" in Hebrew. This further reinforces the concept of God's authority and sovereignty, as the appointment of Eliakim is a tangible demonstration of God establishing His chosen servant to fulfill His will.
Overall, Isaiah 22:20 (KJV) is a powerful proclamation of God's authority and the establishment of His chosen servant to fulfill His purposes. It serves as a reminder to believers of the importance of submitting to God's authority and trusting in His ultimate sovereignty over the affairs of this world. The verse also carries a message of hope, as it demonstrates God's ability to raise up new leaders and bring about change, even in the midst of uncertainty and judgment.
Have questions about Isaiah 22:20?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Isaiah 22:20 Artwork
Isaiah 22:20 - "¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah:"
"¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah:" - Isaiah 22:20
Isaiah 40: 22
Isaiah 40: 22
Genesis 22-20
Isaiah 48:22 - "There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked."
Isaiah 3:20 - "The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,"
2 Samuel 22:17-20
Deuteronomy 22:20 - "But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel:"
Luke 20:22 - "Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?"
Isaiah 3:22 - "The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,"
Isaiah 20:5 - "And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory."
Isaiah 20:3 - "And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia;"
Matthew 22:20 - "And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?"
Isaiah 1:22 - "Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water:"
Isaiah 8:20 - "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
2 Kings 20:16 - "And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD."
Isaiah 22:6 - "And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield."
Leviticus 20:22-26 simple picture
Picture to summarize Leviticus 20:22-26
Proverbs 22:20 - "Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,"
Isaiah 42:20 - "Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not."
Isaiah 22:17 - "Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee."
Isaiah 22:22 - "And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open."
Job 22:20 - "Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth."
Leviticus 22:20 - "But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you."
Isaiah 22:12 - "And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:"
Isaiah 2:22 - "Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?"
Psalms 22:20 - "Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog."
Isaiah 5:22 - "Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:"