Isaiah 36:21

But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, "Do not answer him."

Study Bible

But the people remained silent
The Hebrew root for "remained silent" is "ḥāraš," which conveys a sense of being still or holding one's peace. In the context of ancient Israel, silence was often a powerful response, signifying trust and obedience. The people of Judah, under the leadership of King Hezekiah, chose silence as an act of faith and discipline. This silence can be seen as a form of resistance against the psychological warfare waged by the Assyrian envoy, Rabshakeh. In a broader spiritual sense, this silence reflects a deep trust in God’s sovereignty and a refusal to be swayed by fear or intimidation.

and did not answer a word
The phrase "did not answer a word" emphasizes the completeness of their silence. In the face of provocation, the people’s restraint is remarkable. This restraint is not born out of weakness but from a strategic and spiritual decision. Historically, this moment underscores the importance of listening to godly leadership and the wisdom of not engaging with those who seek to undermine faith. In a spiritual context, it reminds believers of the power of holding one's tongue and the strength found in quiet confidence in God.

for Hezekiah had commanded
King Hezekiah, whose name means "God has strengthened," was a reformer king who sought to bring Judah back to the worship of Yahweh. His command reflects his wisdom and understanding of the situation. Hezekiah’s leadership is characterized by his reliance on God, and his command to remain silent is a strategic move to prevent panic and maintain unity among the people. This highlights the importance of godly leadership and the impact of wise counsel in times of crisis.

Do not answer him
The directive "Do not answer him" is a clear instruction to avoid engaging with the enemy. This command is rooted in the understanding that not every challenge requires a response, especially when the intent is to provoke fear or doubt. In the biblical narrative, this instruction serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment and the need to choose battles wisely. Spiritually, it encourages believers to focus on God’s promises rather than the taunts of the enemy, reinforcing the idea that sometimes silence is the most powerful testimony of faith.

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 reforms to restore proper worship in Judah.

2. Rabshakeh
The Assyrian field commander sent by King Sennacherib to Jerusalem to intimidate and persuade the people to surrender.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, under siege by the Assyrian army. It is a central location for many significant biblical events.

4. Assyrian Siege
The historical event where the Assyrian army, led by King Sennacherib, besieged Jerusalem, attempting to conquer it.

5. Sennacherib
The King of Assyria, known for his military campaigns and attempts to expand his empire, including the siege of Jerusalem.

Teaching Points

The Power of Silence
Silence can be a powerful response in the face of intimidation and provocation. Hezekiah's command to remain silent demonstrates wisdom and trust in God's deliverance rather than human argument.

Trust in God Over Human Strength
Hezekiah's decision to not engage with Rabshakeh's taunts reflects a deep trust in God's power and promises, rather than relying on human negotiation or military might.

Leadership and Obedience
Hezekiah's leadership is marked by his ability to guide his people in faithfulness and obedience to God's direction, even in challenging circumstances.

Spiritual Warfare
The siege of Jerusalem is a reminder of the spiritual battles believers face. Silence and prayer can be effective weapons against the enemy's tactics.

Faith in Action
Hezekiah's actions encourage believers to put their faith into action by trusting God and following His guidance, even when it seems counterintuitive.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hezekiah's command to remain silent reflect his faith and leadership? What can we learn from this about responding to challenges in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the account of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem encourage us to trust in God's deliverance rather than our own strength?

3. How can the wisdom found in Proverbs 26:4-5 and James 1:19 be applied to our daily interactions and conflicts?

4. What are some modern-day situations where remaining silent might be a more powerful testimony of faith than speaking out?

5. How does the account of Isaiah 36-37 inspire us to pray and seek God's intervention in seemingly impossible situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 18-19
Provides a parallel account of the events in Isaiah 36, offering additional details about Hezekiah's response and God's deliverance.

Isaiah 37
Continues the account, showing Hezekiah's prayer and God's intervention against the Assyrians.

Proverbs 26:4-5
Offers wisdom on when to answer a fool and when to remain silent, relevant to Hezekiah's command to not respond to Rabshakeh.

James 1:19
Encourages believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak," aligning with the wisdom of Hezekiah's command for silence.