"Callithoe was the key-bearer of the Olympian queen." Auctor Phoronidis ap. Clem. Alex. p. 418, edit. Potter. This mark of office was likewise among the Greeks, as here in Isaiah, borne on the shoulder; the priestess of Ceres, katwmadian ece klaida, had the key on her shoulder. Callim. Ceres, ver. 45. To comprehend how the key could be borne on the shoulder, it will be necessary to say something of the form of it: but without entering into a long disquisition, and a great deal of obscure learning, concerning the locks and keys of the ancients, it will be sufficient to observe, that one sort of keys, and that probably the most ancient, was of considerable magnitude, and as to the shape, very much bent and crooked. Aratus, to give his reader an idea of the form of the constellation Cassiopeia, compares it to a key. It must be owned that the passage is very obscure; but the learned Huetius has bestowed a great deal of pains in explaining it, Animadvers. in Manilii, lib. i. 355; and I think has succeeded very well in it. Homer Odyss. xxi. 6, describes the key of Ulysses' storehouse as eukamphv, of a large curvature; which Eustathius explains by saying it was drepanoeidhv, in shape like a reaphook. Huetius says the constellation Cassiopeia answers to this description; the stars to the north making the curve part, that is, the principal part of the key; the southern stars, the handle. The curve part was introduced into the key-hole; and, being properly directed by the handle, took hold of the bolts within, and moved them from their places. We may easily collect from this account, that such a key would lie very well upon the shoulder; that it must be of some considerable size and weight, and could hardly be commodiously carried otherwise. Ulysses' key was of brass, and the handle of ivory: but this was a royal key. The more common ones were probably of wood. In Egypt they have no other than wooden locks and keys to this day; even the gates of Cairo have no better. Baumgarten, Peregr. i. 18. Thevenot, part ii., chap. 10. But was it not the representation of a key, either cut out in cloth and sewed on the shoulder of the garment, or embroidered on that part of the garment itself? The idea of a huge key of a gate, in any kind of metal, laid across the shoulder, is to me very ridiculous.

In allusion to the image of the key as the ensign of power, the unlimited extent of that power is expressed with great clearness as well as force by the sole and exclusive authority to open and shut. Our saviour, therefore, has upon a similar occasion made use of a like manner of expression, Matt. xvi. 19; and in Rev. iii. 7 has applied to himself the very words of the prophet.

Is. 22:1-7 Why is Jerusalem in such terror? Her slain men are not slai with the sword, but with famine; or, slain with fear, disheartened Their rulers fled, but were overtaken. The servants of God, who forese and warn sinners of coming miseries, are affected by the prospect. But all the horrors of a city taken by storm, faintly shadow forth the terrors of the day of wrath.

Is. 22:8-14 The weakness of Judah now appeared more than ever. Now als they discovered their carnal confidence and their carnal security. The looked to the fortifications. They made sure of water for the city. But they were regardless of God in all these preparations. They did no care for his glory in what they did. They did not depend upon him for blessing on their endeavours. For every creature is to us what God makes it to be; and we must bless him for it, and use it for him. Ther was great contempt of God's wrath and justice, in contending with them God's design was to humble them, and bring them to repentance. The walked contrary to this. Actual disbelief of another life after this is at the bottom of the carnal security and brutish sensuality, whic are the sin, the shame, and ruin of so great a part of mankind. God wa displeased at this. It is a sin against the remedy, and it is no likely they should ever repent of it. Whether this unbelief works by presumption or despair, it produces the same contempt of God, and is token that a man will perish wilfully.

Is. 22:15-25 This message to Shebna is a reproof of his pride, vanity and security; what vanity is all earthly grandeur, which death will s soon end! What will it avail, whether we are laid in a magnificen tomb, or covered with the green sod? Those who, when in power, turn an toss others, will be justly turned and tossed themselves. Eliaki should be put into Shebna's place. Those called to places of trust an power, should seek to God for grace to enable them to do their duty Eliakim's advancement is described. Our Lord Jesus describes his ow power as Mediator, Rev. 3:7, that he has the key of David. His power in the kingdom of heaven, and in ordering all the affairs of that kingdom is absolute. Rulers should be fathers to those under their government and the honour men bring unto their families, by their piety an usefulness, is more to be valued than what they derive from them by their names and titles. The glory of this world gives a man no rea worth or excellence; it is but hung upon him, and it will soon dro from him. Eliakim was compared to a nail in a sure place; all his family are said to depend upon him. In eastern houses, rows of larg spikes were built up in the walls. Upon these the moveables an utensils were hung. Our Lord Jesus is as a nail in a sure place. Tha soul cannot perish, nor that concern fall to the ground, which is by faith hung upon Christ. He will set before the believer an open door which no man can shut, and bring both body and soul to eternal glory But those who neglect so great salvation will find, that when he shutteth none can open, whether it be shutting out from heaven, or shutting up in hell for ever __________________________________________________________________

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