Introduction:
Rabshakeh's speech is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 18:17-37 and Isaiah 36:2-22. This speech is delivered by the Assyrian official, Rabshakeh, during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The context of the speech is the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, reflecting the tension between the Assyrian Empire and the Kingdom of Judah.

Historical Context:
The Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, was expanding its territory and had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. In 701 BC, Sennacherib turned his attention to Judah, capturing several fortified cities. Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, became a primary target. King Hezekiah, known for his religious reforms and trust in the LORD, faced the threat of Assyrian domination.

The Speaker:
Rabshakeh was a high-ranking Assyrian official, likely a chief cupbearer or a military commander, sent by Sennacherib to negotiate with Hezekiah. His role was to intimidate and persuade the people of Jerusalem to surrender without a fight.

Content of the Speech:
Rabshakeh's speech is a masterclass in psychological warfare, aiming to undermine the confidence of the Judeans in their king and their God. The speech can be broken down into several key elements:

1. Questioning Trust in Egypt:
Rabshakeh begins by questioning Judah's reliance on Egypt for military support, describing Egypt as a "splintered reed" that would pierce the hand of anyone who leaned on it (2 Kings 18:21).

2. Undermining Confidence in God:
He challenges Hezekiah's trust in the LORD, suggesting that Hezekiah's religious reforms, which included the removal of high places, had angered God rather than pleased Him (2 Kings 18:22).

3. Boasting of Assyrian Power:
Rabshakeh boasts of the might of the Assyrian army, claiming that even if the Judeans were given 2,000 horses, they would not have enough riders to mount them (2 Kings 18:23).

4. Claiming Divine Mandate:
He provocatively asserts that the LORD Himself had commanded the Assyrians to destroy Judah, further sowing doubt among the people (2 Kings 18:25).

5. Appealing to the People:
Speaking in Hebrew to ensure the common people understood, Rabshakeh attempts to incite fear and rebellion by promising them peace and prosperity if they surrendered, contrasting it with the horrors of siege and exile (2 Kings 18:31-32).

6. Mocking Hezekiah and the LORD:
Finally, Rabshakeh mocks Hezekiah's faith, comparing the God of Israel to the gods of other nations that Assyria had already defeated, questioning the LORD's ability to save Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:33-35).

Response and Impact:
The officials of Judah, Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah, request Rabshakeh to speak in Aramaic, a diplomatic language, to prevent the people from hearing and panicking. However, Rabshakeh deliberately continues in Hebrew to maximize the psychological impact. The people remain silent, obeying Hezekiah's command not to respond.

Rabshakeh's speech is a critical moment that tests the faith and resolve of Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem. It sets the stage for the subsequent divine intervention, where the LORD delivers Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat, as recorded in 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37.