The Rabshakeh said to them, "Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? The Rabshakeh said to themThe term "Rabshakeh" refers to a high-ranking Assyrian military official or chief cupbearer, a title rather than a personal name. This indicates the importance of the message being delivered, as it comes from a person of significant authority. Historically, the Assyrian Empire was known for its military prowess and administrative efficiency, often employing skilled negotiators and spokesmen like the Rabshakeh to intimidate and demoralize their enemies. The presence of such an official underscores the gravity of the situation facing Jerusalem. Tell Hezekiah
Hezekiah was the king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people by removing idolatry. His reign is marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh, which is significant in the context of this confrontation. The direct address to Hezekiah highlights the personal nature of the challenge and the pressure on him as a leader to respond to the Assyrian threat. This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says
The phrase "the great king, the king of Assyria" is a title that reflects the Assyrian monarch's self-perception and the empire's dominant status in the ancient Near East. Assyria was a formidable power, known for its extensive conquests and brutal tactics. This introduction serves to intimidate and assert the superiority of the Assyrian king over Hezekiah, emphasizing the might and authority of the speaker's master. On what are you basing this confidence of yours?
This question challenges the foundation of Hezekiah's trust and assurance in the face of Assyrian aggression. The Hebrew root for "confidence" (בִּטָּחוֹן, "bittachon") implies a sense of security or trust. The Rabshakeh's question is designed to sow doubt and fear, questioning the legitimacy and strength of Hezekiah's reliance on God or any potential allies. Historically, this reflects the common practice of psychological warfare, aiming to weaken the resolve of the besieged by undermining their faith and morale. Persons / Places / Events 1. RabshakehA high-ranking Assyrian official and spokesman for King Sennacherib. He is known for delivering messages intended to intimidate and demoralize the people of Judah. 2. HezekiahThe King of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people by removing idolatry. 3. AssyriaA powerful empire during this period, known for its military might and conquests. The Assyrian king at this time was Sennacherib. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, which was under threat from the Assyrian army during Hezekiah's reign. 5. SennacheribThe King of Assyria, who sought to conquer Jerusalem and expand his empire. Teaching Points Confidence in GodHezekiah's situation challenges us to consider where we place our confidence. In times of trial, do we rely on our own strength or trust in God's power and promises? Facing IntimidationThe Rabshakeh's words were meant to instill fear. As believers, we must recognize the tactics of the enemy and stand firm in our faith, knowing that God is with us. Prayer and DependenceHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat was to seek God in prayer. This teaches us the importance of turning to God in times of crisis and relying on His guidance and intervention. God's SovereigntyThe account of Hezekiah and the Assyrians reminds us of God's ultimate control over nations and events. We can trust that He is working for our good, even when circumstances seem dire. Faith in ActionHezekiah's faith was not passive; he took practical steps to prepare for the Assyrian siege while trusting in God's deliverance. Our faith should also lead to action, as we follow God's leading in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the Rabshakeh's question reveal about the Assyrian perspective on faith and power? How does this contrast with Hezekiah's faith in God? 2. How can we apply Hezekiah's example of seeking God in prayer when facing our own "Assyrian" challenges today? 3. In what ways does the account of Hezekiah and the Assyrians illustrate the concept of spiritual warfare? How can Ephesians 6:10-18 help us prepare for such battles? 4. How does the account of Hezekiah's faith and God's deliverance encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty over our personal and national circumstances? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced intimidation or fear. How did your faith in God help you overcome it, and what practical steps did you take to stand firm? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 36-37These chapters parallel the events in 2 Kings 18-19, providing additional details about the Assyrian threat and Hezekiah's response. 2 Chronicles 32Offers another account of Hezekiah's reign and the Assyrian invasion, highlighting Hezekiah's faith and God's deliverance. Psalm 46Often associated with God's deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrians, emphasizing God's protection and strength. Hebrews 11:1Relates to the concept of faith and confidence in God, which is central to Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat. People Abi, Abijah, Ahaz, Asaph, David, Elah, Eliakim, Hezekiah, Hilkiah, Hoshea, Israelites, Joah, Pharaoh, Rabsaris, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib, Shalmaneser, Shebna, Tartan, Zachariah, ZechariahPlaces Arpad, Assyria, Egypt, Gaza, Gozan, Habor River, Halah, Hamath, Hena, Ivvah, Jerusalem, Lachish, Samaria, Sepharvaim, Washer's FieldTopics Asshur, Assyria, Basing, Butlers, Chief, Commander, Confided, Confidence, Hast, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Hope, Placing, Rabshakeh, Rab'shakeh, Rab-shakeh, Rest, Says, Speak, Thus, Trust, Trustest, Wherein, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:13-35 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Kings 18:17-35 8833 threats 2 Kings 18:19-22 8787 opposition, to God 2 Kings 18:19-25 8027 faith, testing of Library Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
'Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel.... 6. He clave to the Lord, and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments.'--2 KINGS xviii. 5,6. Devout people in all ages and stations are very much like each other. The elements of godliness are always the same. This king of Israel, something like two thousand six hundred years ago, and the humblest Christian to-day have the family likeness on their faces. These words, which are an outline sketch of the king's character, are really …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Woman of Samaria
(Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, 1856.) 2 Kings xviii. 9-12. And it came to pass in the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, came up against Samaria, and besieged it. And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken. And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor …
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons A Living Book
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Symbol of "Asshur", the principal Assyrian idol.] There is only one Book that never grows old. For thousands of years men have been writing books. Most books are forgotten soon after they are written; a few of the best and wisest are remembered for a time. But all at last grow old; new discoveries are made; new ideas arise; the old books are out of date; their usefulness is at an end. Students are the only people who still care to read them. The nations to which the …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Old Testament and Archeology
A century ago the student of the world's history found it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to paint for himself a clear picture of events antedating B.C. 400. Concerning earlier periods, he was, aside from the Old Testament, practically without records that could claim contemporaneousness with the events recorded. But, one hundred years ago, men had commenced to test every statement, be it historical, or scientific, or theological, by severe canons of criticism, and if it could not stand …
Frederick Carl Eiselen—The Christian View of the Old Testament Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses Men in Human Language...
CHAPTER XXXIV. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION. 1. Since the Bible addresses men in human language, and according to human modes of thinking and speaking, the interpreter's first work is to ascertain the meaning of the terms employed. Here he must proceed as in the case of other writings, seeking by the aid of grammars, lexicons, cognate languages, ancient versions, ancient interpreters, and whatever other outward helps are available, to gain a thorough knowledge of the language employed by …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times, …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 18:19 NIV2 Kings 18:19 NLT2 Kings 18:19 ESV2 Kings 18:19 NASB2 Kings 18:19 KJV
2 Kings 18:19 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
