Isaiah 36:22
New International Version
Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary and Joah son of Asaph the recorder went to Hezekiah, with their clothes torn, and told him what the field commander had said.

New Living Translation
Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, the palace administrator; Shebna the court secretary; and Joah son of Asaph, the royal historian, went back to Hezekiah. They tore their clothes in despair, and they went in to see the king and told him what the Assyrian chief of staff had said.

English Standard Version
Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of the Rabshakeh.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.

King James Bible
Then came Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, that was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

New King James Version
Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of the Rabshakeh.

New American Standard Bible
Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph, the secretary, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and reported to him the words of Rabshakeh.

NASB 1995
Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

NASB 1977
Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

Amplified Bible
Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the household, and Shebna the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph, the recording historian, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn [in grief], and told him the words of the Rabshakeh [the Assyrian commander].

Christian Standard Bible
Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the palace, Shebna the court secretary, and Joah son of Asaph, the court historian, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn and reported to him the words of the royal spokesman.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the palace, Shebna the court secretary, and Joah son of Asaph, the court historian, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn and reported to him the words of the Rabshakeh.

American Standard Version
Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, that was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

English Revised Version
Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, that was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Eliakim, who was in charge of the palace and was son of Hilkiah, Shebna the scribe, and Joah, who was the royal historian and the son of Asaph, went to Hezekiah with their clothes torn in grief. They told him the message from the field commander.

Good News Translation
Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah tore their clothes in grief and went and reported to the king what the Assyrian official had said.

International Standard Version
Then Hilkiah's son Eliakim, who was in charge of the palace, Shebna the secretary, and Asaph's son Joah, the recorder, approached Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and let him know what the field commander had said.

Majority Standard Bible
Then Hilkiah?s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph?s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.

NET Bible
Eliakim son of Hilkiah, the palace supervisor, accompanied by Shebna the scribe and Joah son of Asaph, the secretary, went to Hezekiah with their clothes torn in grief and reported to him what the chief adviser had said.

New Heart English Bible
Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, that was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

World English Bible
Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who [is] over the house, comes in, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph, the remembrancer, to Hezekiah, with torn garments, and they declare to him the words of Rabshakeh.

Young's Literal Translation
And Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who is over the house, cometh in, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph, the remembrancer, unto Hezekiah with rent garments, and they declare to him the words of Rabshakeh.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Eliakim son of Hilkiah who was over the house, will go in, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph, remembering, to Hezekiah, their garments rent, and they will announce to him the words of Rabshakeh.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Eliacim the son of Helcias, that was over the house, and Sobna the scribe, and Joahe the son of Asaph the recorder, went in to Ezechias with their garments rent, and told him the words of Rabsaces.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, who was over the house, and Shebna, the scribe, and Joah, son of Asaph, the historian, entered to Hezekiah with their garments rent, and they reported to him the words of Rabshakeh.

New American Bible
Then the master of the palace, Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, Shebna the scribe, and the chancellor Joah, son of Asaph, came to Hezekiah with their garments torn, and reported to him the words of the commander.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the palace, and Shebna the secretary, and Joah son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of the Rabshakeh.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, who was steward of the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of the Rab-shakeh.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Eliakim, son of Khelqia, the Steward, came, and Shebna the Scribe and Yuakh, son of Asaph, the Chronicler, to Hezekiah, while ripping their garments, and they told him the words of Rabshaqeh
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, that was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rab-shakeh.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Heliakim the son of Chelcias, the steward, and Somnas the military scribe, and Joach the son of Asaph, the recorder, came in to Ezekias, having their garments rent, and they reported to him the words of Rabsaces.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem
21But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.” 22Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.

Cross References
2 Kings 18:37
Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.

Isaiah 37:1-2
On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. / And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz

2 Kings 19:1-2
On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. / And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz

Isaiah 1:1
This is the vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Isaiah 7:3
Then the LORD said to Isaiah, “Go out with your son Shear-jashub to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct that feeds the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field,

Isaiah 22:15
This is what the Lord GOD of Hosts says: “Go, say to Shebna, the steward in charge of the palace:

Isaiah 37:5
So the servants of King Hezekiah went to Isaiah,

2 Chronicles 32:20
In response, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out to heaven in prayer,

Isaiah 37:14
So Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD.

Isaiah 37:21
Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to Me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria,

2 Kings 19:5
So the servants of King Hezekiah went to Isaiah,

2 Kings 19:20
Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I have heard your prayer concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria.

Isaiah 39:3
Then the prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked, “Where did those men come from, and what did they say to you?” “They came to me from a distant land,” Hezekiah replied, “from Babylon.”

Isaiah 36:3
Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to him.

Isaiah 36:11
Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.”


Treasury of Scripture

Then came Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, that was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

Eliakim

Isaiah 36:3,11
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…

with their

Isaiah 33:7
Behold, their valiant ones shall cry without: the ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly.

Isaiah 37:1,2
And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD…

2 Kings 5:7
And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.

Jump to Previous
Administrator Asaph Chronicler Clothes Clothing Eliakim Eli'akim Garments Grief Hezekiah Hezeki'ah Hilkiah Hilki'ah Hilkijah House Household Joah Jo'ah Palace Parted Rabshakeh Rab'shakeh Rab-Shakeh Recorder Rent Scribe Secretary Shebna Sign Torn Words
Jump to Next
Administrator Asaph Chronicler Clothes Clothing Eliakim Eli'akim Garments Grief Hezekiah Hezeki'ah Hilkiah Hilki'ah Hilkijah House Household Joah Jo'ah Palace Parted Rabshakeh Rab'shakeh Rab-Shakeh Recorder Rent Scribe Secretary Shebna Sign Torn Words
Isaiah 36
1. Sennacherib invades Judah
2. Rabshakeh, sent by Sennacherib, solicits the people to revolt
22. His words are told to Hezekiah














Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator
Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, held a significant position as the palace administrator, indicating his high rank and trustworthiness in King Hezekiah's court. This role involved managing the king's household and affairs, similar to a chief of staff. His presence in this narrative underscores the gravity of the situation, as only trusted officials would be sent to confront the Assyrian threat. Eliakim's lineage, being the son of Hilkiah, may suggest a priestly background, as Hilkiah is a name associated with priests in other biblical contexts.

Shebna the scribe
Shebna, identified as the scribe, was responsible for recording and managing official documents and communications. His inclusion in this delegation highlights the importance of accurate communication and record-keeping during diplomatic exchanges. In Isaiah 22, Shebna is criticized for his pride and self-serving actions, which may provide insight into his character and the political dynamics at play.

and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder
Joah, the recorder, was tasked with chronicling events and maintaining official records. His role was crucial for ensuring that the details of the encounter with the Assyrian envoy were accurately documented. The mention of his father, Asaph, connects Joah to a lineage known for musical and liturgical contributions, as Asaph was a prominent figure in the worship practices of Israel.

came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn
The tearing of clothes was a traditional expression of mourning, distress, or repentance in ancient Israel. This act signified the gravity of the situation and the officials' deep concern over the Assyrian threat. It reflects the cultural practice of demonstrating outward signs of inner turmoil and aligns with other biblical instances where tearing garments signifies grief or desperation.

and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh
The Rabshakeh was a high-ranking Assyrian official, likely a military commander or chief cupbearer, who delivered a message intended to intimidate and demoralize the people of Judah. The words relayed to Hezekiah were filled with threats and blasphemies against the God of Israel, challenging the king's faith and leadership. This encounter is a pivotal moment, testing Hezekiah's reliance on God amidst overwhelming odds. The narrative sets the stage for God's deliverance, foreshadowing themes of divine intervention and faithfulness found throughout scripture.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Eliakim son of Hilkiah
He was the palace administrator, a high-ranking official in King Hezekiah's court, responsible for managing the affairs of the palace.

2. Shebna the scribe
A scribe or secretary, Shebna was responsible for recording and managing official documents and communications.

3. Joah son of Asaph
The recorder, Joah was tasked with keeping records, likely of events and communications, ensuring that the king was informed.

4. Hezekiah
The king of Judah during this time, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah.

5. Rabshakeh
An Assyrian official, likely a high-ranking military officer or diplomat, who delivered a message from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, to intimidate and demoralize the people of Judah.
Teaching Points
The Role of Leadership in Crisis
Leaders like Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah played crucial roles in communicating threats and seeking guidance. In times of crisis, effective leadership involves transparency and seeking wise counsel.

The Power of Humility and Repentance
The tearing of clothes by the officials symbolizes mourning and repentance. In our lives, acknowledging our helplessness and turning to God in humility is vital.

Faith in the Face of Intimidation
The Assyrian threat was real and terrifying, yet Hezekiah's response was to turn to God. When faced with intimidation or fear, our first response should be to seek God's guidance and strength.

The Importance of Community Support
The officials worked together to support Hezekiah. In our spiritual journey, having a community that supports and prays with us is essential.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
Despite the Assyrian power, God ultimately had control over the situation. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace amidst worldly chaos.(22) With their clothes rent.--The act was the natural expression of their horror at the blasphemy of Rabshakeh's words. (Comp. Matthew 26:65; Acts 14:14.) They would not reply to that blasphemy, and trusted to the effect of this silent protest on the minds of the people who had heard it.

Verse 22. - With their clothes rent. Garments were "rent," not only as a sign of mourning, but whenever persons were shocked or horrified (see Genesis 37:29; 1 Samuel 4:12; 2 Samuel 1:2; Ezra 9:3; 2 Chronicles 34:19; Matthew 26:65). The Jewish officials meant to mark their horror at Rabshakeh's blasphemies.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Hilkiah’s
חִלְקִיָּ֣הוּ (ḥil·qî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2518: Hilkiah -- 'my portion is Yah', the name of several Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

Eliakim
אֶלְיָקִ֣ים (’el·yā·qîm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 471: Eliakim -- 'God sets up', three Israelites

the palace
הַ֠בַּיִת (hab·ba·yiṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

administrator,
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Shebna
וְשֶׁבְנָ֨א (wə·šeḇ·nā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7644: Shebna -- secretary and majordomo of Hezekiah

the court secretary,
הַסּוֹפֵ֜ר (has·sō·w·p̄êr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate

and Asaph’s
אָסָ֧ף (’ā·sāp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 623: Asaph -- 'gatherer', the name of several Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

Joah
וְיוֹאָ֨ח (wə·yō·w·’āḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3098: Joah -- 'the LORD is brother', the name of several Israelites

the court historian,
הַמַּזְכִּ֛יר (ham·maz·kîr)
Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male

came
וַיָּבֹ֣א (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Hezekiah
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ (ḥiz·qî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2396: Hezekiah -- 'Yah has strengthened', a king of Judah, also several other Israelites

with their clothes
בְגָדִ֑ים (ḇə·ḡā·ḏîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 899: A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage

torn,
קְרוּעֵ֣י (qə·rū·‘ê)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7167: To rend

and they relayed
וַיַּגִּ֣ידוּ (way·yag·gî·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

to him
ל֔וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

the words
דִּבְרֵ֥י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of
רַב־ (raḇ-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

[the] Rab-shakeh.
שָׁקֵֽה׃ (šā·qêh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7262: Rabshakeh -- perhaps 'chief of the officers', an Assyrian military leader


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 36:22 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah who (Isa Isi Is)
Isaiah 36:21
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