John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 22:25

"In that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, shall the nail that was fastened in a sure place give way; and it shall be hewn down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off; for Jehovah hath spoken it." — Isaiah 22:25 (ASV)

In that day. It might be thought that this is inconsistent with what he had previously said; but he is no longer speaking of Eliakim, for he returns to Shebna, who was to be cast down from his rank, as Isaiah had said.

Otherwise, it might have been thought that there was no way Eliakim could attain that honor except through the deposition of Shebna. Shebna had secured his position so well that no one thought it possible he could be driven from it.

Yet even though he has fortified himself with many defences, and thinks he is far from all danger, still he will be deprived of his office, and Eliakim will be placed in his place.

In a sure place. When he calls it “a sure place,” this must be understood from a human perspective; for people judge that what is defended on all sides will last a long time, but God casts it down with the smallest breath. It was only as a concession that he called it “a sure place.” Therefore, it should be inferred how foolishly people boast and rely on their greatness when they have been exalted to a high rank of honor, for in a very short time they may be cast down and deprived of all honor.

And the burden that was upon it shall be cut off. When wicked people are ruined, all who relied on their authority must also be ruined. Indeed, it is entirely reasonable that those who were united by the same bond of crimes, and who aided this wicked person as far as it was in their power, should share in the same punishment. It is difficult for those who place themselves under the protection of wicked people, and use all their influence on their behalf, not to also be partakers of their crimes. And if they were guiltless of crime (which seldom, or rather, we might say, never happens), they are still justly punished on this basis: that they have placed their trust in them as a very sure defense and have depended wholly on their will and authority.