Isaiah 36:16

Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree, and drink water from his own cistern,

Study Bible

Do not listen to Hezekiah
This phrase is a direct command from the Assyrian field commander, Rabshakeh, attempting to undermine the authority of King Hezekiah of Judah. The historical context here is crucial; the Assyrian Empire was a dominant force, and their military campaigns were often accompanied by psychological warfare. The Hebrew root for "listen" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just hearing but obeying or heeding. The Assyrians were trying to sow doubt and fear, encouraging the people to disregard their king's leadership and trust in God.

for this is what the king of Assyria says
The phrase emphasizes the authority and power of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. In the ancient Near East, kings were often seen as representatives of their gods, and their words carried immense weight. The Assyrian king's message was intended to intimidate and coerce. Historically, Assyria was known for its brutal military tactics and propaganda, which often included messages like this to demoralize opponents.

Make peace with me
The Hebrew phrase here can be translated as "make a blessing with me," which is an ironic twist given the context. The Assyrians were offering a false sense of security, promising peace in exchange for submission. This reflects a common tactic in ancient diplomacy, where powerful empires would offer terms that seemed beneficial but ultimately led to subjugation and loss of autonomy.

and come out to me
This invitation to "come out" implies surrender and submission. The Assyrians were not just seeking a truce but complete control. The historical context shows that such invitations were often preludes to exile or worse. The phrase underscores the choice facing the people of Judah: trust in God and their king or submit to a foreign power.

Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and fig tree
This promise of prosperity is deeply rooted in the agrarian culture of ancient Israel. The vine and fig tree symbolize peace, security, and abundance (see Micah 4:4). The Assyrians were offering a return to normalcy and prosperity, but it was a deceptive promise. Biblically, true peace and prosperity come from obedience to God, not submission to earthly powers.

and drink water from his own cistern
Water was a precious resource in the ancient Near East, and having one's own cistern meant self-sufficiency and stability. The Assyrians were promising autonomy, but historically, such promises were rarely kept. Theologically, this phrase can remind believers that true provision comes from God, who is the living water (John 4:10-14).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The King of Judah during the time of the Assyrian invasion. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah.

2. King of Assyria
The ruler of the Assyrian Empire, which was a dominant power in the ancient Near East. At this time, the Assyrian king was Sennacherib, who sought to conquer Jerusalem.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, which was under siege by the Assyrian army. It was a central place of worship and governance for the Israelites.

4. Assyrian Siege
The military campaign led by Sennacherib against Judah, aiming to capture Jerusalem and subdue its people.

5. Vine and Fig Tree
Symbolic of peace and prosperity in the ancient Near East, representing a life of security and abundance.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Leadership
Hezekiah's leadership is challenged by the Assyrian king's offer. Believers must discern between worldly promises and God's truth.

False Promises of Peace
The Assyrian king's offer of peace is conditional and deceptive. True peace comes from God, not from compromising with worldly powers.

Trust in God's Provision
The promise of eating from one's own vine and fig tree is appealing, but believers are called to trust in God's provision rather than succumbing to fear or pressure.

Spiritual Warfare
The siege of Jerusalem is a physical manifestation of spiritual warfare. Believers must be vigilant and rely on God's strength in times of trial.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Hezekiah's situation teaches the importance of remaining faithful to God even when facing overwhelming odds.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat demonstrate his faith in God, and what can we learn from his example?

2. In what ways do we encounter "false promises of peace" in our own lives, and how can we discern God's true peace?

3. How does the imagery of the vine and fig tree in Isaiah 36:16 compare to its use in other parts of the Bible, and what does it teach us about God's provision?

4. What are some practical ways we can prepare for spiritual warfare in our daily lives, drawing from the example of Hezekiah and the siege of Jerusalem?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Hezekiah's leadership to our own roles in our families, workplaces, and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 18-19
Provides a parallel account of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem and Hezekiah's response, offering additional context to Isaiah 36.

Micah 4:4
Uses the imagery of sitting under one's vine and fig tree to describe a future time of peace and security, similar to the promise made by the Assyrian king.

John 14:27
Jesus speaks of a peace that He gives, contrasting the temporary and deceptive peace offered by worldly powers like the Assyrian king.