Isaiah 22:17
Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Exile was the ultimate disgrace for ancient officials who served at royal courts. Being carried away likely refers to either death in battle during Assyrian campaigns or deportation. The Assyrians regularly deported conquered peoples' leadership to break resistance and erase national identity. If Shebna advocated rebellion against Assyria or alliance with Egypt (which failed in 701 BC), he may have been executed or deported when his policy proved disastrous. His demotion to 'scribe' by Isaiah 36-37 (before Sennacherib's siege) suggests partial fulfillment—stripped of power but not yet exiled. Complete fulfillment may have occurred later, unrecorded in Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the contrast between Shebna's self-made monument and God's violent expulsion teach about human plans versus divine sovereignty?
- How does being 'covered' in obscurity after seeking fame illustrate the principle that whoever exalts himself shall be humbled (Luke 14:11)?
- What warnings does this prophecy give about building security through earthly position rather than faithful service?
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Analysis & Commentary
Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity—The Hebrew ṭūl yəṭalṭēlkā (טוּל יְטַלְטֶלְךָ) uses an intensive form meaning 'hurl you away violently,' suggesting forceful expulsion. The phrase ṭalṭēlâ gāver (טַלְטֵלָה גָּבֶר, 'a mighty captivity' or 'with a man's throw') indicates the strength of a warrior hurling someone away. This contrasts sharply with Shebna's carefully hewn tomb—instead of resting in his prestigious memorial, he would be violently ejected.
And will surely cover thee (וְעָטֹה יַעְטֶה אֹתָךְ, wə-ʿāṭōh yaʿṭeh ʾōtāk) uses another intensive construction. Some interpret this as covering with shame or wrapping for burial far from his intended tomb. Others see it as God covering/concealing him completely—obliterating his memory, the opposite of the fame his tomb was meant to secure. Either way, the irony is devastating: the man building a monument for remembrance will be covered in obscurity.