Context and Background

The event of Hezekiah's officials requesting silence occurs during a critical moment in the history of Judah, as recorded in the book of 2 Kings and Isaiah. This episode takes place during the reign of King Hezekiah, one of the most faithful and reformative kings of Judah, who ruled from approximately 715 to 686 BC. Hezekiah is noted for his religious reforms, including the removal of high places, the destruction of idols, and the restoration of proper worship in the temple of Jerusalem.

The Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, posed a significant threat to Judah during Hezekiah's reign. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and many other nations. In this context, Sennacherib sent his field commander, the Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem to demand its surrender.

The Encounter with the Rabshakeh

The account of Hezekiah's officials requesting silence is found in 2 Kings 18:17-37 and Isaiah 36:1-22. The Rabshakeh, representing Sennacherib, approached Jerusalem with a large army and stood by the aqueduct of the Upper Pool. He was met by Eliakim son of Hilkiah, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph, who were officials of King Hezekiah.

The Rabshakeh delivered a message intended to intimidate and demoralize the people of Jerusalem. He questioned their reliance on Egypt for military support and mocked their trust in the LORD, suggesting that Hezekiah's reforms had angered God by removing the high places and altars. The Rabshakeh further claimed that the LORD Himself had commanded the Assyrians to destroy Judah.

Request for Silence

In response to the Rabshakeh's provocative speech, Hezekiah's officials made a strategic request. They asked the Rabshakeh to speak in Aramaic rather than Hebrew, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:26 : "Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebna and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, 'Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.'"

This request for silence in Hebrew was a tactical move to prevent the people of Jerusalem from hearing the demoralizing words of the Assyrian envoy. The officials sought to protect the morale and faith of the inhabitants by limiting their exposure to the enemy's psychological warfare.

The Rabshakeh's Response

The Rabshakeh, however, refused to comply with the request and continued to speak loudly in Hebrew, addressing the people directly. He urged them not to trust Hezekiah's assurances of deliverance by the LORD, promising instead that surrender would lead to a peaceful relocation rather than destruction. The Rabshakeh's speech was designed to sow doubt and fear among the people, undermining their confidence in Hezekiah's leadership and their faith in God.

Significance

The request for silence by Hezekiah's officials highlights the importance of leadership and communication in times of crisis. It underscores the need for wisdom and discernment in handling external threats and protecting the faith of the community. The officials' attempt to shield the people from the enemy's psychological tactics reflects a deep understanding of the power of words and the necessity of maintaining trust in God's promises.

This episode also illustrates the broader theme of reliance on God versus reliance on human alliances and strategies. Hezekiah's ultimate response to the Assyrian threat, as seen in his prayer and consultation with the prophet Isaiah, demonstrates a profound trust in the LORD's deliverance, which is a central tenet of the biblical narrative.