Isaiah 22:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This account remains anchored in historical reality, as it is also a judgment against Somnan, the steward, who misused the sacred honor of the priesthood and oppressed all who approached him, becoming an exceedingly greedy individual, devoid of shameful conduct. Consequently, he will be expelled into a vast and immeasurable land, at which point I will call my servant Eliakim, the son of Helkiah. Referring to him as my servant signifies his faithfulness. The promise to grant him the glory of the priesthood is evident in the assurance of a crown, a garment, and a household, signifying authority to lead the people entrusted to his care. Furthermore, it is affirmed that he will embody virtuous qualities, in contrast to the arrogance of Somnan, fulfilling the role of a compassionate and devoted father. Thus, he will be firmly established in a position of faithfulness, serving as a reliable foundation upon which noble and honorable individuals can place their hope—not as they would in God, since he does not possess that capacity, but as one would in a caring father. He will provide protection and care for all, both small and great, in such a way that those under his guidance will feel a strong attachment to him. This narrative presents a historical account, yet it also carries a deeper significance that leads us to the mystery of Christ. The scribes and Pharisees, adorned with priestly authority under the law, exhibited disobedience, cruelty, and pride, being obsessed with wealth and showing favoritism to the rich, engaging in behaviors detestable to God. The prophet Isaiah, in the early verses of his book, laments, "How has the faithful city become a harlot? It was full of justice; righteousness lodged in it— but now murderers." Your silver has become dross, and your wine mixed with water. Your princes are rebellious, your companions are thieves; everyone loves bribes and runs after gifts. They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the widow’s cause come before them (Isaiah 1:21-23). The Savior also condemns them, stating, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith" (Matthew 23:23), and they have become even more wicked and murderous. As a result, they were stripped of the honors of the priesthood, removed from authoritative roles over the people, and denied the stewardship of the law entrusted to them, along with the sacred garments and crowns of the priesthood. In their place, our Lord Jesus Christ, the supreme High Priest, was called. As the blessed Paul teaches, "No one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was" (Hebrews 5:4). Being, by nature, God and Lord of all, He assumed the role of our High Priest. It is said of Him that He received the honor of David, affirming His kingship over Israel. However, this Israel is not merely physical but represents the spiritual Israel: not all who are from Israel truly are Israel, nor are all children simply because they are descendants of Abraham (Romans 9:6-7); the true children of Abraham are those justified by faith, following the example of their father Abraham, known as the children of promise and Israel. When Christ, our supreme archbishop, was revealed, then it is declared that no one will speak against Him; the adversary will not prevail against Him, and the son of perdition will not seize Him (Psalm 88:23). This can also be understood in another light: while Israel resisted Him, the Gentiles willingly accepted His dominion. The psalmist speaks through David, saying about Israel, "Deliver me from the strife of men; set me at the head of the tongues. Unruly men, disregarding their own understanding, seek to serve me. The sons of foreigners have lied to me; the sons of foreigners have vowed and are turned away" (Psalm 17:44-46). The Israelites, once God’s firstborn among the nations, turned their backs on Christ and became estranged from Him, ultimately referred to as children of perdition, children of Gehenna. When the word comes forth that I will establish Eliakim, whose name signifies "God’s resurrection," it calls to remembrance that God has risen to aid us. As the Lord proclaims, "Now I will deliver the poor from their distress and the groaning of the impoverished." Therefore, all who are glorious shall place their trust in His father’s house. What other house of Christ's Father exists but the Church? Those who are esteemed within it rely on Christ, regardless of worldly judgment, as even the seemingly insignificant are valued; for the just and impartial God rewards each according to their spiritual maturity, recognizing that in the spiritual domain, some are fathers, while others are children, youths, and young men.