Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses--if you can put riders on them! Now, thereforeThis phrase serves as a transition, indicating a conclusion or a challenge based on previous statements. In the context of 2 Kings 18, the Assyrian field commander, the Rabshakeh, is speaking to the representatives of King Hezekiah of Judah. The phrase suggests a moment of decision, urging the listener to consider the gravity of the situation. Historically, this reflects the Assyrian strategy of psychological warfare, aiming to demoralize the people of Judah by presenting their situation as hopeless without Assyrian support. make a bargain
The Hebrew root for "bargain" here is "עָרַב" (arab), which can mean to pledge or exchange. This is not merely a suggestion for negotiation but a demand for submission. The Assyrians were known for their powerful and expansive empire, often requiring vassal states to submit through treaties that heavily favored Assyria. This phrase underscores the pressure on Judah to capitulate to Assyrian dominance. with my master, the king of Assyria
The term "master" indicates a relationship of subservience. The king of Assyria, at this time, was Sennacherib, a ruler known for his military campaigns and conquests. Historically, Assyria was a dominant force in the Near East, and their kings were often seen as the ultimate authority in the region. This phrase highlights the political reality of the time, where smaller nations like Judah were under constant threat from larger empires. and I will give you two thousand horses
This offer is laden with irony and mockery. The Assyrians were known for their cavalry, and the offer of horses is a taunt, suggesting that even if Judah were given the resources, they lacked the manpower and skill to utilize them effectively. Archaeologically, Assyrian reliefs depict their powerful cavalry, emphasizing their military superiority. if you can put riders on them
This conditional statement further mocks Judah's military weakness. The implication is that Judah lacks not only the resources but also the trained personnel to defend themselves. In the broader scriptural context, this highlights the theme of reliance on God rather than military might. Hezekiah's faith and reforms in Judah were centered on returning to the worship of Yahweh, contrasting with the reliance on military alliances and strength. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah during this time, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms to restore proper worship in Judah. 2. RabshakehThe chief cupbearer or high-ranking official of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, who delivered a message to the people of Judah, challenging their trust in God and Hezekiah. 3. King of Assyria (Sennacherib)The Assyrian king who invaded Judah and sought to conquer Jerusalem, representing a significant threat to the kingdom. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, under siege by the Assyrian forces, and the focal point of Hezekiah's defense efforts. 5. AssyriaA dominant empire during this period, known for its military prowess and conquests, posing a significant threat to the smaller kingdom of Judah. Teaching Points Trust in God Over Human StrengthRabshakeh's challenge highlights the futility of relying on human resources alone. Believers are reminded to place their trust in God, who is greater than any earthly power. The Power of Faithful LeadershipHezekiah's leadership and reforms demonstrate the impact of a leader who prioritizes faithfulness to God. This serves as an example for Christian leaders today. Spiritual Warfare and DiscernmentThe psychological tactics used by Rabshakeh illustrate the importance of discernment in spiritual warfare. Christians must be vigilant against voices that seek to undermine their faith. God's Sovereignty in CrisisDespite the overwhelming threat, God's sovereignty is evident throughout the account. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, even in dire circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat challenge us to respond to crises in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we identify and resist modern-day "Rabshakehs" who attempt to undermine our faith? 3. How does the account of Hezekiah and the Assyrian siege encourage us to trust in God's provision and protection? 4. What lessons can we learn from Hezekiah's leadership that can be applied to our roles in our families, churches, or communities? 5. How do the events in 2 Kings 18:23 relate to the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people? 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, including his preparations for the Assyrian siege and his reliance on God. Psalm 20:7Highlights the contrast between trusting in chariots and horses versus trusting in the name of the Lord, relevant to the challenge posed by Rabshakeh. 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 Able, Asshur, Assyria, Bargain, Canst, Chance, Deliver, Engage, Horsemen, Horses, Master, Please, Pledge, Pledges, Riders, Thousand, WagerDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:23 5127 back
5913 negotiation 2 Kings 18:13-35 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Kings 18:17-35 8833 threats 2 Kings 18:19-25 8027 faith, testing of 2 Kings 18:23-25 8816 ridicule, nature 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 18:23 NIV2 Kings 18:23 NLT2 Kings 18:23 ESV2 Kings 18:23 NASB2 Kings 18:23 KJV
2 Kings 18:23 Commentaries
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