But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, "Do not answer him." But the people remained silentThe phrase "remained silent" is significant in the context of ancient Israelite culture, where silence often indicated respect, obedience, or contemplation. The Hebrew root for "silent" is "ḥāraš," which can also mean to be still or to hold one's peace. This silence was a collective act of obedience to King Hezekiah's command, reflecting the people's trust in their leader and their faith in God's plan. In a broader biblical context, silence can be a powerful response, demonstrating restraint and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 17:28, which suggests that even a fool is considered wise when he remains silent. and did not answer a word
This phrase emphasizes the complete obedience of the people to Hezekiah's directive. The Hebrew word for "answer" is "ʿānâ," which means to respond or reply. The people's refusal to engage with the Assyrian envoy, despite the provocations, highlights their discipline and unity. Historically, this moment reflects the tension and fear during the Assyrian siege, yet it also underscores the strength found in collective silence and trust in divine intervention. This act of not answering can be seen as a form of spiritual warfare, choosing faith over fear. for Hezekiah had commanded
King Hezekiah's command is central to this verse. Hezekiah, whose name means "Yahweh strengthens," was a king known for his faithfulness to God and his reforms to restore proper worship in Judah. His leadership during the Assyrian threat was marked by reliance on God rather than political alliances. The command not to answer reflects his strategic and spiritual insight, understanding that engaging with the enemy's taunts could lead to demoralization or doubt among the people. This decision aligns with biblical principles of seeking God's wisdom and guidance in times of crisis. 'Do not answer him.'
The directive "Do not answer him" is a clear and decisive command. The use of the imperative form in Hebrew underscores the urgency and importance of obedience. This command reflects Hezekiah's understanding of the psychological warfare being waged by the Assyrians. By instructing the people not to respond, Hezekiah prevents the enemy from sowing discord and fear. This mirrors the biblical teaching found in Exodus 14:14, where Moses tells the Israelites, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." It is a call to trust in God's deliverance rather than human strength or words. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe King of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms to restore proper worship in Judah. Hezekiah's leadership is central to this passage as he instructs the people not to respond to the Assyrian threats. 2. The People of JudahThe inhabitants of Judah who are under the leadership of King Hezekiah. Their silence in this passage reflects obedience and trust in their king's command. 3. RabshakehThe Assyrian field commander who delivers a message of intimidation and blasphemy against the God of Israel, attempting to demoralize the people of Judah. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, which is under siege by the Assyrian army. The events take place during a time of great threat to the city. 5. Assyrian SiegeThe military campaign led by the Assyrian Empire against Judah, aiming to conquer Jerusalem and expand their territory. Teaching Points Obedience to Godly LeadershipHezekiah's command to remain silent demonstrates the importance of following godly leadership, especially in times of crisis. Trusting in leaders who seek God's guidance can lead to divine intervention and protection. The Power of SilenceSilence can be a powerful response to intimidation and blasphemy. By not engaging with the enemy's provocations, the people of Judah showed restraint and faith, allowing God to be their defender. Trust in God's DeliveranceThe situation in 2 Kings 18:36 reminds believers to trust in God's ability to deliver them from seemingly insurmountable challenges. Hezekiah's faith in God serves as a model for relying on divine strength rather than human might. Spiritual WarfareThe passage highlights the reality of spiritual warfare, where the enemy seeks to instill fear and doubt. Believers are called to stand firm in faith, using spiritual discernment to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's command to remain silent reflect his trust in God, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives when facing challenges? 2. In what ways does the response of the people of Judah demonstrate obedience, and how can we cultivate a similar attitude of obedience to godly leadership today? 3. How can the concept of spiritual warfare, as seen in this passage, be applied to the challenges we face in our daily lives? 4. What are some practical ways we can discern when to speak and when to remain silent in situations where our faith is challenged? 5. How does the account of Hezekiah and the Assyrian siege encourage us to trust in God's deliverance, and what other biblical examples can we draw from to strengthen our faith in difficult times? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 36-37These chapters parallel the events in 2 Kings 18-19, providing additional context and details about the Assyrian siege and Hezekiah's response. Proverbs 26:4-5These verses discuss the wisdom of when to answer a fool and when to remain silent, which relates to Hezekiah's command to the people. Psalm 46This psalm emphasizes trusting in God during times of trouble, reflecting the faith Hezekiah and the people of Judah needed to exhibit. 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 Command, Commanded, Commandment, Held, Kept, King's, Nothing, Order, Peace, Quiet, Reply, Saying, SilentDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:36 5932 response 2 Kings 18:35-36 5529 sieges 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 18:36 NIV2 Kings 18:36 NLT2 Kings 18:36 ESV2 Kings 18:36 NASB2 Kings 18:36 KJV
2 Kings 18:36 Commentaries
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