Isaiah 36:8

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!

Study Bible

Now, therefore
This phrase serves as a transition, indicating a conclusion or a challenge based on previous statements. In the context of Isaiah 36, 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 implications of the Assyrian offer. Historically, this reflects the pressure Judah faced from the powerful Assyrian empire, which was known for its military might and strategic diplomacy.

make a bargain
The Hebrew root for "bargain" here implies a sense of negotiation or agreement. The Rabshakeh is attempting to persuade Judah to submit to Assyrian rule through a seemingly generous offer. This reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of vassal treaties, where smaller states would align with a dominant power for protection, often at the cost of their autonomy. Spiritually, this can be seen as a test of faith, challenging Judah to rely on God rather than human alliances.

with my master, the king of Assyria
The phrase emphasizes the authority and power of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, who was known for his military campaigns and expansionist policies. The Rabshakeh's reference to "my master" underscores his loyalty and the hierarchical structure of the Assyrian empire. For the people of Judah, this was a reminder of the formidable force they faced, yet it also set the stage for demonstrating God's sovereignty over earthly powers.

I will give you two thousand horses
This offer is both a taunt and a test. Horses were a symbol of military strength and prestige in the ancient world, and the Assyrians were known for their cavalry. The offer of two thousand horses was meant to highlight Judah's weakness, as they likely lacked the resources and trained men to utilize such a gift. This reflects the broader theme of reliance on God rather than military might, as seen throughout the prophetic literature.

if you can put riders on them
This conditional statement further mocks Judah's military capabilities. The implication is that even if given the resources, Judah would be unable to effectively use them due to a lack of trained personnel. Historically, this underscores the disparity between the Assyrian military machine and the smaller, less equipped forces of Judah. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the futility of relying on human strength alone, pointing instead to the need for divine intervention and trust in God's provision.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Rabshakeh
The field commander of the Assyrian army, sent by King Sennacherib to deliver a message to King Hezekiah. He is known for his attempts to intimidate and demoralize the people of Judah.

3. King Sennacherib
The king of Assyria, known for his military campaigns and conquests, including his siege of Jerusalem.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, under threat from the Assyrian army during this event.

5. Assyria
A powerful empire known for its military strength and conquests, posing a significant threat to the smaller kingdom of Judah.

Teaching Points

Trust in God Over Military Might
The offer of horses by the Assyrian commander highlights the temptation to rely on military strength rather than God. Believers are reminded to place their trust in God rather than worldly power.

The Power of Intimidation
Rabshakeh's message was designed to intimidate and sow doubt. Christians should be aware of how fear and intimidation can be used by the enemy to weaken faith.

Faith in the Face of Overwhelming Odds
Hezekiah's situation seemed hopeless from a human perspective. This teaches us that faith often requires trusting God even when circumstances appear dire.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
Hezekiah's leadership and faithfulness to God were crucial during this crisis. Leaders today are encouraged to seek God's guidance and lead with integrity.

God's Sovereignty and Deliverance
Despite the threats, God ultimately delivered Jerusalem. This underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to save His people against all odds.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the offer of horses by the Assyrian commander challenge the faith of Hezekiah and the people of Judah?

2. In what ways can intimidation and fear be used by the enemy today to weaken our faith, and how can we combat this?

3. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat serve as a model for us when facing overwhelming challenges?

4. What role does godly leadership play in times of crisis, and how can we cultivate such leadership in our communities?

5. How does the account of God's deliverance of Jerusalem encourage us to trust in His sovereignty in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 18-19
These chapters provide a parallel account of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem and offer additional details about the interactions between Hezekiah and the Assyrian envoys.

Isaiah 37
This chapter continues the account, showing Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat and God's deliverance of Jerusalem.

Psalm 20:7
This verse contrasts trust in military might with trust in the name of the Lord, echoing the challenge faced by Hezekiah.