What does Isaiah 22:21 mean?
This segment of Isaiah's prophecy began as a punishment for the careless hubris of one steward of the king's court, It has quickly changed to the story of his replacement's success. The Lord has driven Shebna from his position. This failed steward was primarily concerned about tending to his elaborate tomb in response to the invading Assyrians. He focused on securing what he thought was his legacy instead of looking to the Lord for help for the nation (Isaiah 22:15–19.)Shebna's replacement is Eliakim, son of Hilkiah (Isaiah 22:20). This new leader turns out to be exactly what Jerusalem and Judah need in their troubled times. Eliakim is given Shebna's robe and sash and all the authority of his office. The steward may have operated under the king as a kind of second-in-command. He carried the power to wield great influence over the king and through that influence, the entire nation.
Eliakim turns out to be the perfect man for the job. The Lord has described him as "my servant." Now the report is that he becomes a "father-figure" to the people of Jerusalem. This title extends as well as to the "house," or court, of Judah. Eliakim is the god-fearing, sure-handed leader that Judah has been desperately needing. The king quickly sees how responsible his new steward is and gives him even more authority over the kingdom.