Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

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: