1. Ésaïe 22:16 (NEG79)
  2. Explication du texte

Where was Shebna and what was he doing when Isaiah spoke to him?

Ésaïe 22:16 (NEG79)

16 Qu'y a-t-il à toi ici, et qui as-tu ici, Que tu creuses ici un sépulcre? Il se creuse un sépulcre sur la hauteur, Il se taille une demeure dans le roc!

It seems Isaiah found Shebna at the royal burial place, busy working on his own grave. It was customary for royalty to have family burial sites. Shebna, likely a foreigner, would not have had such a grave. Isaiah asked Shebna some direct questions: What are you doing here? Shebna did not have to answer Isaiah, as it was clear that he was not supposed to be there. Even though he occupied a high position, a grave among royalty was not destined for him. Isaiah did not judge Shebna for justified care for the future, but for acting out of self-interest instead of caring about the welfare of the people.