This is a figurative kind of speech; and therefore we shall not need to seek out an allegorical sense of it, as many do: for this phrase is taken from the usual dealings of men. The keys of the house are given to such as are appointed the distributers of necessary things; so as they open and shut at their pleasure. The house of David, signifies the kingly house: and this was a common speech among the people, because a promise was made to David, 1that his kingdom should last for ever: this is the reason why it was usually called the house of David. The word key is put in the singular number for many keys. Now albeit they were wont to bear the keys in their hands; yet it is said here, that they were laid upon his shoulder; because he was to undergo an heavy burden. And yet he means nothing else, but that the tuition and government of the house is committed into Eliakim's hands, to order it as he thinks best. We also know, that to give the keys, signifies as much as to put one into possession. Some refer this unto Christ, but with what reason I see not: for the Prophet here compares two men together; namely, Shebna and Eliakim. Shebna was banished, and Eliakim was placed in his room: wherein doth this concern Jesus Christ? For Eliakim was no figure of him; neither doth the Prophet describe some hidden mystery here, but borrows a similitude from the dealings of men; as if one should give the keys to some steward placed over his house, (as hath been said.) There is also the same reason to be given of it, where Christ calls the office of teaching, The keys of the Kingdom of heaven:2 those therefore that weary themselves to find out some secret and hidden mystery in this place, which is so plain and manifest, show themselves but too sottish and ridiculous, seeing there is no need at all of any such devices. Why so? Because the Ministers open heaven by the preaching of the word, and bring men to Christ, who is the only way. He takes the keys in this place therefore, for the government of the Kings house, in regard the chief trust of it was committed to Eliakim in his time.
THis is a figuratiue kinde of speech; and therefore we shall not neede to seeke out an allegoricall sense of it, as many do: for this phrase is taken from the vsuall dealings of men. The keyes of the house are giuen to such as are appointed the distributers of necessarie things; so as they open and shut at their pleasure. The house of Dauid, signifies the kingly house: and this was a common speech among the people, because a promise was made to Dauid, 1that his kingdome should last for euer: this is the reason why it was vsually called the house of Dauid. The word key is put in the singular number for many keyes. Now albeit they were wont to beare the keyes in their hands; yet it is said here, that they were laid vpon his shoulder; because he was to vndergoe an heauie burthen. And yet he meanes nothing else, but that the tuition and gouernement of the house is committed into Eliakims hands, to order it as he thinkes best. Wee also know, that to giue the keyes, signifies as much as to put one into possession. Some referre this vnto Christ, but with what reason I see not: for the Prophet here compares two men together; namely, Shebna and Eliakim. Shebna was banished, and Eliakim was placed in his roome: wherein doth this concerne Iesus Christ? For Eliakim was no figure of him; neither doth the Prophet describe some hidden mysterie here, but borrowes a similitude from the dealings of men; as if one should giue the keyes to some steward placed ouer his house, (as hath beene said.) There is also the same reason to be giuen of it, where Christ calles the office of teaching, The keyes of the Kingdome of heauen:2 those therefore that wearie themselues to finde out some secret and hidden mysterie in this place, which is so plaine and manifest, shew themselues but too sottish and ridiculous, seeing there is no neede at all of any such deuices. Why so? Because the Ministers open heauen by the preaching of the word, and bring men to Christ, who is the onely way. He takes the keyes in this place therefore, for the gouernment of the Kings house, in regard the chiefe trust of it was committed to Eliakim in his time.
- 12. Sam. 7.12. Psal. 132.11
- 2Mat. 16.19
