Background and Context:
Rab-Shakeh was a high-ranking Assyrian official and spokesman for King Sennacherib during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The events are recorded in 2 Kings 18:17-37, 2 Chronicles 32:9-19, and Isaiah 36. This episode is a significant example of ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, characterized by psychological warfare and rhetorical persuasion.

The Assyrian Threat:
The Assyrian Empire, under Sennacherib, was a dominant military power in the ancient Near East. Having already conquered much of the region, including the fortified cities of Judah, Sennacherib set his sights on Jerusalem. The Assyrian strategy often involved not only military might but also psychological tactics to weaken the resolve of their enemies.

Rab-Shakeh's Harangue:
Rab-Shakeh was sent by Sennacherib to deliver a message to King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem. Standing at the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, he addressed the officials of Judah in a loud voice, intending for the people on the city walls to hear. His speech was a calculated attempt to undermine the confidence of the Judeans in their leadership and their God.

1. Questioning Hezekiah's Trust:
Rab-Shakeh began by questioning the basis of Hezekiah's confidence, suggesting that reliance on Egypt was futile: "You say you have a strategy and military strength—but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me?" (2 Kings 18:20).

2. Mocking Reliance on God:
He further mocked the idea of trusting in the LORD, claiming that Hezekiah's religious reforms had angered God by removing high places and altars: "But if you say to me, ‘We trust in the LORD our God,’ is He not the One whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed?" (2 Kings 18:22).

3. Offering a Deceptive Bargain:
Rab-Shakeh attempted to entice the people with promises of prosperity if they surrendered: "Make peace with me and come out to me. Then each of you will eat from his own vine and fig tree and drink water from his own cistern" (2 Kings 18:31).

4. Intimidation and Blasphemy:
He concluded with a blasphemous assertion that no god of any nation had been able to withstand the Assyrian king, implying that the LORD would be no different: "Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?" (2 Kings 18:35).

Hezekiah's Response:
Despite the intimidating rhetoric, Hezekiah and his officials remained silent, as instructed by the king. Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah, who assured him of God's deliverance. The LORD's intervention resulted in the miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army, as recorded in 2 Kings 19:35-37.

Significance:
Rab-Shakeh's speech is a classic example of ancient diplomatic tactics, blending intimidation, psychological manipulation, and propaganda. It highlights the spiritual and political challenges faced by the people of Judah and underscores the importance of faith and reliance on God in the face of overwhelming odds.2 Kings 18:17-37
And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller's field.
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2 Kings 19:1-13
And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.
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Isaiah 36:11-22
Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah to Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray you, to your servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.
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