Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out loudly in Hebrew: "Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria! Then the Rabshakeh stoodThe Rabshakeh was a high-ranking Assyrian official, likely a chief cupbearer or military officer, sent by King Sennacherib of Assyria. His standing signifies authority and the beginning of an official proclamation. This moment is set during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, a critical event in the history of Judah. The Assyrian Empire was known for its military prowess and intimidation tactics, often using psychological warfare to weaken opponents before physical confrontation. and called out loudly in Hebrew:
The use of Hebrew, the language of the people of Judah, was a strategic move to ensure that the message reached not only the leaders but also the common people. This tactic was intended to sow fear and doubt among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, undermining their confidence in King Hezekiah and their God. The choice of language highlights the Assyrians' understanding of the importance of communication and psychological manipulation in warfare. “Hear the word of the great king,
The phrase "the great king" refers to Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, who was considered one of the most powerful rulers of his time. This title was meant to assert dominance and superiority over Hezekiah, the king of Judah. The Assyrians often used grandiose titles to emphasize their might and instill fear in their adversaries. This proclamation challenges the authority of Hezekiah and, by extension, the God of Israel, setting the stage for a confrontation between earthly power and divine sovereignty. the king of Assyria!
Assyria was the dominant empire in the Near East during this period, known for its brutal military campaigns and effective administration. The mention of the king of Assyria serves as a reminder of the empire's vast power and the threat it posed to smaller nations like Judah. Historically, the Assyrians were feared for their ability to conquer and subjugate nations, often deporting populations to prevent rebellion. This context underscores the gravity of the situation faced by Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, as they stood against a seemingly invincible foe. Persons / Places / Events 1. RabshakehA high-ranking Assyrian military official and spokesman for King Sennacherib. He was tasked with delivering messages to the people of Judah during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. 2. King SennacheribThe king of Assyria, known for his military campaigns and attempts to conquer Judah. His reign is marked by aggressive expansion and conflict with neighboring nations. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, under siege by the Assyrian army. It was a focal point of political and spiritual significance for the Israelites. 4. HezekiahThe king of Judah at the time, known for his faithfulness to God and efforts to reform the religious practices of his people. 5. Hebrew LanguageThe language in which Rabshakeh delivered his message, indicating his intent to directly communicate with the people of Judah and sow fear and doubt. Teaching Points The Power of WordsRabshakeh's use of the Hebrew language was strategic, aiming to instill fear and doubt. This highlights the power of words and the importance of discernment in what we hear and believe. Faith Under PressureHezekiah's situation teaches us about maintaining faith and seeking God's guidance when faced with overwhelming challenges. Spiritual WarfareThe Assyrian siege represents a form of spiritual warfare, reminding believers to be vigilant and prayerful against spiritual attacks. Leadership in CrisisHezekiah's leadership during the siege serves as a model for leading with faith and integrity in times of crisis. Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite the intimidating threats, the account encourages trust in God's ultimate control and deliverance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Rabshakeh's use of the Hebrew language reflect his strategy in psychological warfare, and what can we learn about the impact of communication in our own lives? 2. In what ways did Hezekiah demonstrate faith and leadership during the Assyrian siege, and how can we apply these principles in our personal challenges? 3. How does the account of the Assyrian siege in 2 Kings 18 relate to the themes of spiritual warfare found in the New Testament? 4. What role does prayer play in Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat, and how can we incorporate similar practices in our spiritual lives? 5. How can the account of Jerusalem's deliverance inspire us to trust in God's sovereignty and protection in the face of modern-day "sieges" or challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 36-37These chapters provide a parallel account of the events in 2 Kings 18-19, offering additional insights into the Assyrian siege and Hezekiah's response. 2 Chronicles 32This passage also recounts the Assyrian threat and highlights Hezekiah's faith and leadership in seeking God's deliverance. Psalm 46Often associated with God's protection of Jerusalem during this time, emphasizing trust in God's power and presence amidst adversity. 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, Butlers, Calleth, Chief, Cried, Ear, Got, Hebrew, Jewish, Jews, Judah, Judean, Language, Loud, Rabshakeh, Rab'shakeh, Rab-shakeh, Saying, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke, Standeth, Stood, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:28 5335 herald
5374 languages 2 Kings 18:13-35 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Kings 18:17-35 8833 threats 2 Kings 18:28-19:4 5188 tearing of clothes 2 Kings 18:28-32 4440 fig-tree 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 18:28 NIV2 Kings 18:28 NLT2 Kings 18:28 ESV2 Kings 18:28 NASB2 Kings 18:28 KJV
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