Isaiah 22:25

The burden, etc.] i.e. the vessels hanging upon the nail; figuratively put for the dependents upon a great man.

Perhaps the prophet may revert in thought to the fall of Shebna, but the continuation of the figure of the nail seems to point to Eliakim, whose fall, if he abused his power, would involve the ruin of his dependents. Neither the promises nor the denunciations of the prophecy need be considered as absolute, but rather conditional. Eliakim did indeed succeed to Shebna's office (see prefatory note), but we do not know that Shebna suffered the penalty of exile (Isaiah 22:18); this may have been averted by repentance.