Isaiah 22:24
And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons.
Original Language Analysis
עָלָ֜יו
H5921
עָלָ֜יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֹּ֣ל׀
H3605
כֹּ֣ל׀
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כְּב֣וֹד
upon him all the glory
H3519
כְּב֣וֹד
upon him all the glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
בֵּית
house
H1004
בֵּית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אָבִ֗יו
of his father's
H1
אָבִ֗יו
of his father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
6 of 17
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כְּלֵ֥י
all vessels
H3627
כְּלֵ֥י
all vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
10 of 17
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
הַקָּטָ֑ן
of small
H6996
הַקָּטָ֑ן
of small
Strong's:
H6996
Word #:
11 of 17
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
כְּלֵ֥י
all vessels
H3627
כְּלֵ֥י
all vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
12 of 17
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
וְעַ֖ד
H5704
וְעַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
14 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Eliakim replaced Shebna as steward under King Hezekiah (c. 701 BC). Ancient Near Eastern court officials faced intense pressure from extended families seeking advancement. The 'father's house' system meant one person's promotion benefited entire clans, creating conflicts between public duty and family loyalty.
Questions for Reflection
- How does family or relational pressure tempt you to compromise your integrity in positions of responsibility?
- What safeguards can leaders establish to prevent nepotism from undermining their effectiveness?
- In what ways does this verse warn against placing too much hope in human leaders, even godly ones?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
They shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house (וְתָלוּ עָלָיו כֹּל כְּבוֹד בֵּית־אָבִיו)—The imagery shifts from the secure peg (v. 23) to an overburdened one. Eliakim, installed as a yated (peg/nail) in a sure place, would bear the weight of his entire family's expectations and dependencies. The Hebrew kavod (glory/weight) contains wordplay: glory brings burden. The offspring and the issue refers to descendants seeking positions through nepotism.
All vessels of small quantity, from cups to flagons—The metaphor extends: just as household vessels hang on pegs, so relatives would 'hang' on Eliakim for patronage. This prophesies the inevitable corruption of even faithful servants when family obligations compromise integrity. The progression from small cups (agganot) to large flagons (nevelim) suggests escalating demands. What begins with minor favors ends with major exploitation—a timeless warning about power's corrupting influence, even on the godly.