And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.

ISAIAH 37:2KJV
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Isaiah 37:2 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 37:2 mean?

Isaiah 37:2 describes how King Hezekiah sent a group of important officials—including Eliakim, who managed the royal household, Shebna the scribe, and some senior priests dressed in sackcloth—to speak with the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz. This action shows Hezekiah’s urgent response to a national crisis by seeking guidance from God’s prophet.

The verse takes place during a time when Jerusalem was threatened by the Assyrian army. Hezekiah, the king of Judah, chose trusted leaders to approach Isaiah for help, showing both humility and desperation by having them wear sackcloth, a sign of mourning or distress. The officials’ roles—overseeing the palace, keeping records, and leading in worship—highlight the seriousness of the situation and the king’s reliance on spiritual counsel.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 37:2

  • "household" (בַּיִת, bayit): This word means "house" or "household," and here it refers to Eliakim’s high position as the manager of the king’s palace, emphasizing his authority and responsibility.
  • "scribe" (סֹפֵר, sofer): The scribe was not just a secretary but an important official who handled records and correspondence, showing that Hezekiah sent top advisors.
  • "covered" (כָּסָה, kasah) and "sackcloth" (שַׂק, saq): Being covered with sackcloth was a visible sign of grief, repentance, or distress, underlining the gravity of the crisis facing Judah.

Why Isaiah 37:2 matters

  • Isaiah 37:2 shows that Hezekiah responded to crisis not just with military or political moves, but by seeking spiritual guidance, highlighting the importance of faith in leadership.
  • The verse connects the king, his officials, and the prophet, setting up the following dialogue with Isaiah that shapes the rest of the chapter’s events.
  • The mention of sackcloth clarifies the mood of the moment—this was not a routine diplomatic mission, but an act of humility and desperation before God.

Where else these words appear

“Shebna” Hebrew H7644 · used in 9 verses

  • 2 Kings 18:18 And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
  • 2 Kings 18:37 Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which 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.
  • 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.

“Eliakim” Hebrew H471 · used in 12 verses

  • 2 Kings 18:18 And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
  • 2 Kings 19:2 And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
  • Isaiah 22:20 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah:

“Amoz” Hebrew H531 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:2 And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:20 And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.
  • Isaiah 13:1 The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.

“Isaiah” Hebrew H3470 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:2 And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
  • 2 Kings 20:19 Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?
  • Isaiah 7:3 Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field;