Atomic Bible

Steward of the palace during Hezekiah's reign

Shebna

Named in 9 verses across 2 books, first in 2 Kings 18:18.

שֶׁבְנָאShebna

The name means “who rests himself; who is now captive.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869

About Shebna Written by AI

Shebna, mentioned in 2Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 22 and 36-37, was a high-ranking official in the court of King Hezekiah of Judah. He held the position of steward of the palace, which was a significant role in the royal administration. As the steward, Shebna was responsible for managing the king's household and overseeing the palace's affairs. However, the prophet Isaiah criticized Shebna for his pride and presumption, prophesying that he would be removed from his position and replaced by Eliakim (Isaiah 22:15 to 25). Later, during the Assyrian invasion of Judah, Shebna, along with Eliakim and Joah, was sent by King Hezekiah to negotiate with the Assyrian officials (2 Kings 18:18; Isaiah 36:3). In these passages, Shebna is mentioned alongside Eliakim, who had replaced him as the steward of the palace, indicating that Shebna had been demoted to a lower position, possibly that of a scribe. The narrative highlights the importance of humility and faithfulness in serving God and the consequences of pride and self-exaltation.

Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.

Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

Tender youth, “treasurer” over the house in the reign of Hezekiah, i.e., comptroller or governor of the palace. On account of his pride he was ejected from his office, and Eliakim was promoted to it (Isa. 22:15-25). He appears to have been the leader of the party who favoured an alliance with Egypt against Assyria. It is conjectured that “Shebna the scribe,” who was one of those whom the king sent to confer with the Assyrian ambassador (2 Kings 18:18, 26, 37; 19:2; Isa. 36:3, 11, 22; 37:2), was a different person.

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.

GenesisMatthewRevelation

Where the Bible names him

  1. 2 Kings 18:18

    Then they called for the king. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them.

  2. 2 Kings 18:26

    Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebnah and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak with us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.”

  3. 2 Kings 18:37

    Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.

  4. 2 Kings 19:2

    And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz

  5. Isaiah 22:15

    This is what the Lord GOD of Hosts says: “Go, say to Shebna, the steward in charge of the palace:

  6. Isaiah 36:3

    Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to him.

  7. Isaiah 36:11

    Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.”

  8. Isaiah 36:22

    Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.

  9. Isaiah 37:2

    And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz

From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.