Shebna

Shebna was a high-ranking official in King Hezekiah's court, serving as the steward of the palace, but was later demoted and replaced by Eliakim.

Shebna, mentioned in 2Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 22 and 36-37, was a high-ranking official in the court of King Hezekiah of Judah. He held the position of steward of the palace, which was a significant role in the royal administration. As the steward, Shebna was responsible for managing the king's household and overseeing the palace's affairs. However, the prophet Isaiah criticized Shebna for his pride and presumption, prophesying that he would be removed from his position and replaced by Eliakim (Isa 22:15-25). Later, during the Assyrian invasion of Judah, Shebna, along with Eliakim and Joah, was sent by King Hezekiah to negotiate with the Assyrian officials (2Ki.18.18, 26, 37; 19.2; Isa.36.3, 11, 22; 37.2). In these passages, Shebna is mentioned alongside Eliakim, who had replaced him as the steward of the palace, indicating that Shebna had been demoted to a lower position, possibly that of a scribe. The narrative highlights the importance of humility and faithfulness in serving God and the consequences of pride and self-exaltation.

Tender youth, “treasurer” over the house in the reign of Hezekiah, i.e., comptroller or governor of the palace. On account of his pride he was ejected from his office, and Eliakim was promoted to it (Isa. 22:15-25). He appears to have been the leader of the party who favoured an alliance with Egypt against Assyria. It is conjectured that “Shebna the scribe,” who was one of those whom the king sent to confer with the Assyrian ambassador (2 Kings 18:18, 26, 37; 19:2; Isa. 36:3, 11, 22; 37:2), was a different person.