My family lives in a nearly century-old house with a lot of character, including wonderfully textured plaster walls. A builder cautioned me that with these walls, to hang a picture I’d have to either drill the nail into a wood support or use a plaster anchor for support. Otherwise, I’d risk the picture crashing to the ground, leaving an ugly hole behind.
The prophet Isaiah used the imagery of a nail driven firmly into a wall to describe a minor biblical character named Eliakim. Unlike the corrupt official Shebna (Isaiah 22:15–19), as well as the people of Israel—who looked to themselves for strength (vv. 8–11)—Eliakim trusted in God. Prophesying Eliakim’s promotion to palace administrator for King Hezekiah, Isaiah wrote that Eliakim would be driven like a “peg into a firm place” (v. 23). Being securely anchored in God’s truth and grace would also allow Eliakim to be a support for his family and his people (vv. 22–24).
Yet Isaiah concluded this prophecy with a sobering reminder that no person can be the ultimate security for friends or family—we all fail (v. 25). The only completely trustworthy anchor for our lives is Jesus (Psalm 62:5–6; Matthew 7:24). As we care for others and share their burdens, may we also point them to Him, the anchor who will never fail.
By Lisa M. Samra
REFLECT & PRAY
How can you stay firmly anchored in God’s truth and grace? In what ways can you support those feeling weighed down by life’s burdens?
Dear Jesus, thank You for being my anchor. As Your child, I know that I’m firmly planted in You.
The prophet Isaiah describes how the honorable Eliakim (an official in King Hezekiah’s court) would be like a peg driven into a firm place (Isaiah 22:23). However, that peg “will be sheared off and will fall, and the load hanging on it will be cut down” (v. 25). He would be brought down by his family who took advantage of his high position, bringing about his ruin as the peg gave way under the strain (v. 24). The quick reversal of fortune isn’t unusual in the book of Isaiah, where any word of present deliverance was only temporary, while real future hope lay after the impending judgment that was coming because of Israel’s persistent faithlessness.
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