It seems Isaiah found Shebna at the royal burial place, busy working on his own grave. It was customary for royalty to have family burial sites. Shebna, likely a foreigner, would not have had such a grave. Isaiah asked Shebna some direct questions: What are you doing here? Shebna did not have to answer Isaiah, as it was clear that he was not supposed to be there. Even though he occupied a high position, a grave among royalty was not destined for him. Isaiah did not judge Shebna for justified care for the future, but for acting out of self-interest instead of caring about the welfare of the people.
16 What have you to do here, and whom have you here, that you have cut out here a tomb for yourself, you who cut out a tomb on the height and carve a dwelling for yourself in the rock?