Isaiah 22:17
Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee.
ISAIAH 22:17
Verse 17 proclaims a dramatic judgment: “Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee.” This is a pronouncement against Shebna’s pride and the consequences of flawed leadership. The imagery of a conquering exile emphasizes that accumulated personal power cannot shield a person from divine justice.
It reinforces God’s sovereignty over human affairs and the certainty of judgment for pride and exploitation. Theologically, it underscores the hope that God’s discipline is aimed at restoration—though the immediate message is corrective, the larger arc points toward repentance and God’s leadership over history.
Practical steps:
- Reflect on areas where you rely on status or control rather than God. Seek to surrender leadership tendencies to God’s guidance.
- If leadership has caused harm, pursue repair: acknowledge wrongs, listen to affected voices, and seek reconciliation.
- Build humility into leadership culture: celebrate teamwork, transparency, and accountability.
Cross-References
- Proverbs 16:18
- James 4:6
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
- Isaiah 57:15