Isaiah 36:3
Then came forth unto him Eliakim, Hilkiah's son, which was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּצֵ֥א
Then came forth
H3318
וַיֵּצֵ֥א
Then came forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
בֶּן
son
H1121
בֶּן
son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַבָּ֑יִת
which was over the house
H1004
הַבָּ֑יִת
which was over the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הַסֹּפֵ֔ר
the scribe
H5608
הַסֹּפֵ֔ר
the scribe
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
בֶּן
son
H1121
בֶּן
son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
These were real historical figures. Archaeological evidence confirms Shebna's existence through tomb inscriptions. The precision of names demonstrates Isaiah's historical reliability.
Questions for Reflection
- How should believers engage with hostile secular authorities?
- What does sending representatives rather than appearing personally teach about wisdom in conflict?
- How do we maintain faith while engaging necessary diplomacy with opponents?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah were Hezekiah's senior officials who went to negotiate with Rabshakeh. Their titles indicate governmental organization: Eliakim "over the household" (palace administrator), Shebna "the scribe" (secretary of state), and Joah "the recorder" (official historian). This diplomatic delegation shows proper protocol but also Hezekiah's wise refusal to personally engage with blasphemous threats. The confrontation between God's servants and pagan representatives sets up a spiritual conflict beyond mere politics.