Isaiah 36:3

“Then came forth unto him, &c.] Being sent by Hezekiah; for otherwise Rabshakeh had the impudence to call to him, in order to parley, and treat with him about the surrender of the city; but as this was not thought either safe or honourable for the king to go in person, his following ministers went; (see <121818>2 Kings 18:18): Eliakim, Hilkiah’s son, which was over the house; not over the house of the Lord, the temple, as some, but the king’s house, being high steward of if, or “major domo”. This is the same person as is mentioned in (<232220>Isaiah 22:20): and Shebna the scribe; not of the book of the law, a copier, or interpreter of that, but secretary of state; he had been treasurer, but…”

“Eliakim--successor to Shebna, who had been "over the household," that is, chief minister of the king; in Isa 22:15-20, this was foretold. scribe--secretary, recorder--literally, "one who reminds"; a remembrancer to keep the king informed on important facts, and to act as historiographer. In Kg2 18:18, the additional fact is given that the Assyrian envoys "called to the king," in consequence of which Eliakim, &c., "came out to them."”

“Then came forth unto him - Isaiah has here omitted what is recorded in 2 Kings 18:18, namely, that Rabshakeh and his companions ‘called to the king,’ and as the result of that probably Hezekiah sent out Eliakim. Eliakim, Hilkiah’s son, which was over the house - Respecting Eliakim, and his character, see the notes at Isaiah 22:20-25. And Shebna the scribe - This may have been some other man than the one mentioned in Isaiah 22:15. He is there said to have been ‘over the house,’ and it is stated that he should be degraded from that office, and succeeded by Eliakim. It is possible, however, that Hezekiah retained him as scribe, or as secretary (see the analysis of Isaiah 22:15-25). And Joah,…”

“36:3 Eliakim eventually advanced in rank, while Shebna was demoted (see 22:15-24).”

“Eliakim: Isa 22:15-20 Shebna: Sa2 8:16, Sa2 8:17, Sa2 20:24, Sa2 20:25 scribe: or, secretary Isaiah 36:4”

“Hezekiah's confidential ministers go there also. Isa 36:3 (K. "And they called to the king), and there went out to him (K. to them) Eliakim son of Hilkiyahu, the house-minister, and Shebna the chancellor, and Joah son of Asaph, the recorder." On the office of the house-minister, or major-domo, which was now filled by Eliakim instead of Shebna (שׁבנא, K. twice שׁבנה), see Isa 22:15.; and on that of sōphēr and mazkı̄r. Rabshakeh's message follows in Isa 36:4-10 : "And Rabshakeh said to them, Say now to Hizkiyahu, Thus saith the great king, the king of Asshur, What sort of confidence is this that thou hast got? I say (K. thou sayest, i.e., thou talkest), vain talk is counsel and strength for…”