Facing Assyria: Finding Strength in Hezekiah’s Faith Amidst Threat

Executive Summary ✨

Isaiah 36 recounts a pivotal moment in Judah’s history: Sennacherib, King of Assyria, through his Rabshakeh, delivers a terrifying ultimatum to Jerusalem. This chapter unveils not merely a military threat, but a profound spiritual test for King Hezekiah and the people. The Assyrians mock their reliance on Egypt and, more alarmingly, attempt to undermine their faith in God, claiming divine sanction for their invasion. Hezekiah’s response is one of deep mourning and prayer, ultimately leading to a moment of profound reliance on the Lord. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder that true strength lies not in earthly alliances or military might, but in unwavering faith and humble dependence on God’s providence. We can learn today from Hezekiah, that when Facing Assyria (trials and tribulations), we should cling to God.

This chapter plunges us into a critical juncture: the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. Sennacherib, emboldened by military successes, dispatches the Rabshakeh (chief officer) to intimidate Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. But beneath the surface of political maneuvering lies a spiritual battle for the very soul of Judah. We’ll explore the Rabshakeh’s crafty rhetoric, Hezekiah’s initial reaction, and the underlying theological implications of this dramatic confrontation. This is more than a historical record; it’s a mirror reflecting our own struggles with fear and faith.

Commentary Sections

Isaiah 36:1 (KJV)

Original Verse (KJV): Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them.

Original Verse (NKJV): Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them.

The opening verse sets the stage: the 14th year of Hezekiah’s reign marks the beginning of a major Assyrian offensive. The fact that Sennacherib “took” the fortified cities underscores the overwhelming military might arrayed against Judah. This highlights the precarious position of Jerusalem, seemingly isolated and vulnerable. We must understand the political and geographical significance: Assyria, the dominant power of the region, aimed to consolidate its control. The swift capture of Judah’s cities would have instilled fear and despair, testing the people’s resolve. Archaeologically, we find evidence of widespread destruction in Judah during this period, corroborating the biblical account. Facing Assyria, Judah was terrified, and it can feel that way for us as well.

Spiritual Application: Just as Sennacherib’s armies swept through Judah, life’s challenges can often feel overwhelming. This verse reminds us that adversity is a reality, but it also sets the stage for demonstrating how faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. We should learn to recognize the signs of impending trials and prepare ourselves spiritually through prayer and reliance on God.

Isaiah 36:2 (KJV)

Original Verse (KJV): And the king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem unto king Hezekiah with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller’s field.

Original Verse (NKJV): Then the king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeh with a great army from Lachish to Jerusalem to King Hezekiah. And he stood by the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the highway to the Fuller’s Field.

Sennacherib dispatches the Rabshakeh, his chief officer, from Lachish to Jerusalem with a formidable army. The mention of “Lachish” is significant; archaeological excavations at Lachish reveal evidence of a brutal Assyrian siege, providing tangible evidence for the biblical narrative. The Rabshakeh’s strategic location – the “conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller’s field” – is also important. This was likely a critical water source for Jerusalem, and the Rabshakeh’s presence there was meant to create a visible show of force and a reminder of their control. This imagery is not accidental; it is meant to instill fear and dread. Location and control mattered then, and they matter now.

Spiritual Application: The “Rabshakeh” represents the voice of doubt and fear that often attacks our faith. Like the Rabshakeh, these voices seek to undermine our confidence in God and highlight our vulnerabilities. We must be vigilant and discern these voices, remembering that true strength comes from God, not from worldly power.

Isaiah 36:3 (KJV)

Original Verse (KJV): Then came forth unto him Eliakim, Hilkiah’s son, which was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph’s son, the recorder.

Original Verse (NKJV): So Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, came out to him.

Hezekiah sends his representatives – Eliakim (over the household), Shebna (the scribe), and Joah (the recorder) – to meet with the Rabshakeh. These men hold positions of significant authority within the kingdom. Eliakim, being “over the household,” managed the royal palace, demonstrating his position of trust. Shebna was previously condemned for his pride (Isaiah 22:15-19), so his presence here may be a reminder of past failings, or a test of his repentance. The recorder, Joah, would have kept official records, highlighting the importance of documentation and accuracy. This encounter foreshadows a clash between earthly authority and divine sovereignty.

Spiritual Application: We all have roles and responsibilities in our lives. Like Hezekiah’s representatives, we are called to engage with the challenges of the world, but we must do so with humility, wisdom, and reliance on God’s guidance. Our positions of influence should be used to promote truth and justice, not self-serving agendas.

Isaiah 36:4-10 (KJV) – The Rabshakeh’s Propaganda

Original Verse (KJV – Excerpt): And the Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest? (Verse 4)… Beware lest Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you out of his hand (Verse 10).

Original Verse (NKJV – Excerpt): Then the Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: “What confidence is this in which you trust? (Verse 4)… Beware lest Hezekiah deceive you, for he will not be able to deliver you from his hand (Verse 10).’”

The Rabshakeh launches a multifaceted propaganda campaign aimed at demoralizing the people and undermining their trust in Hezekiah and, more importantly, in God. His arguments are carefully crafted to exploit their fears and doubts. He challenges their confidence in Hezekiah’s military strength, mocks their reliance on Egypt (a broken reed), and, most blasphemously, claims that the Lord Himself has commanded him to destroy Judah. This section exposes the insidious nature of spiritual warfare – the enemy seeks to deceive and dishearten us by preying on our weaknesses.

The Rabshakeh’s words echo the serpent’s deception in the Garden of Eden. He questions God’s goodness and power, attempting to sow seeds of doubt and rebellion. Just as the serpent tempted Eve with the promise of knowledge and power, the Rabshakeh tempts the people with the promise of safety and security under Assyrian rule. St. Athanasius speaks of this in *Contra Gentes* (“Against the Heathen,” 3.11), saying “Οὐδὲν γὰρ οὕτω σφόδρα ἀνθρώπων διαστρέφει τὴν διάνοιαν, ὡς ἡ τῆς ἀπιστίας δύναμις.” (“For nothing so violently perverts the mind of men as the power of unbelief.”) It is crucial to understand, we must pray, read scripture, and understand the power of the spirit, that we do not fall into the trap of disbelief. To prevent Facing Assyria with fear, we must embrace our faith.

Spiritual Application: The Rabshakeh’s tactics remind us that spiritual attacks often come in the form of deceptive words and persuasive arguments. We must be grounded in truth and able to discern between the lies of the enemy and the voice of God. Scripture teaches us to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). We must also be wary of those who claim to speak for God but whose words contradict His character and teachings. It’s like the dohost.us service, seemingly great but potentially misleading without careful assessment.

Isaiah 36:11-12 (KJV) – A Plea for Silence

Original Verse (KJV): Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy 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.

Original Verse (NKJV): Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in the Aramaic language, for we understand it; and do not speak to us in Hebrew, in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.”

Hezekiah’s representatives, fearing the demoralizing effect on the populace, request that the Rabshakeh speak in Aramaic (the “Syrian language”), which they understand, rather than Hebrew, which is understood by the people on the wall. This highlights their concern for the psychological impact of the Rabshakeh’s propaganda. They recognize that the people are vulnerable to fear and doubt, and they attempt to shield them from further manipulation. This demonstrates an awareness of the power of language and its ability to shape perceptions.

Spiritual Application: We should be mindful of the words we speak and the impact they have on others. Like Hezekiah’s representatives, we should strive to use language that edifies, encourages, and protects those who are vulnerable to negativity and despair. We should also be discerning about the information we consume, guarding ourselves against harmful or deceptive messages.

Isaiah 36:13-20 (KJV) – Continued Propaganda and Blasphemy

Original Verse (KJV – Excerpt): Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria (Verse 13)… Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand? (Verse 20)

Original Verse (NKJV – Excerpt): Then the Rabshakeh stood and cried out with a loud voice in Hebrew, and said, “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! (Verse 13)… Who among all the gods of these lands have delivered their countries from my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?” (Verse 20)

Ignoring their request, the Rabshakeh defiantly speaks even louder in Hebrew, reiterating his propaganda and escalating his blasphemous claims. He challenges the people to trust in the Lord, arguing that no other god has been able to save their nation from Assyrian power. He equates the God of Israel with the powerless idols of other nations, demonstrating a profound lack of understanding of God’s unique and transcendent nature. This is a deliberate attempt to provoke outrage and despair, pushing the people to the brink of surrender.

Spiritual Application: The Rabshakeh’s blasphemy reminds us that the enemy will often attack our faith by questioning God’s power and goodness. We must be prepared to defend our faith with humility and conviction, drawing on our knowledge of Scripture and our personal experience of God’s faithfulness. St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his *Commentary on Isaiah* (PG 70, 676A), warns against such arrogance, stating that those who deny God’s power ultimately deny themselves true understanding. Remember that God is not like the idols of this world; He is the living God, the Creator of heaven and earth, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). When Facing Assyria, we can choose to doubt and fear, or we can put our trust in God.

Isaiah 36:21-22 (KJV) – Silence and Mourning

Original Verse (KJV): But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not. Then came Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, that was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

Original Verse (NKJV): But the people held their peace and answered him not a word; for the king’s command was, “Do not answer him.” Then Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of the Rabshakeh.

The people, obeying Hezekiah’s command, remain silent, refusing to engage with the Rabshakeh’s provocations. This silence is a powerful act of defiance, demonstrating their trust in Hezekiah’s leadership and their determination not to be swayed by enemy propaganda. Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah return to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, a traditional sign of mourning and distress. They report the Rabshakeh’s words, conveying the gravity of the situation. This sets the stage for Hezekiah’s response, which will be characterized by prayer and reliance on God.

Spiritual Application: Sometimes, the best response to the enemy’s attacks is silence. By refusing to engage in arguments or be drawn into negativity, we can protect ourselves from being influenced by harmful ideas. Instead, we should turn to God in prayer, seeking His wisdom and guidance. Like Hezekiah, we should be willing to listen to wise counsel and to acknowledge the seriousness of the challenges we face. Even when facing Assyria, silence can be a powerful tool.

Subtopic: The Power of Propaganda and Spiritual Warfare

The confrontation in Isaiah 36 highlights the insidious nature of propaganda and its role in spiritual warfare. The Rabshakeh’s tactics are a timeless reminder of the strategies employed by the enemy to undermine faith and instill fear. We must be aware of these tactics and equipped to resist them.

• Deception: The Rabshakeh uses lies and half-truths to distort reality and create doubt. We must be grounded in truth and able to discern between fact and fiction.
• Intimidation: He seeks to instill fear by highlighting the Assyrian’s military might and the futility of resistance. We must remember that God is more powerful than any earthly force.
• Blasphemy: He attacks God’s character and power, attempting to undermine faith in His ability to deliver. We must defend our faith with humility and conviction.
• Division: He tries to create division between the people and their leaders, and between the people and God. We must strive for unity and maintain our connection with God.
• Exploitation of Weakness: The Rabshakeh preys on Judah’s vulnerable position, reminding them of their reliance on a broken Egypt. We must rely on God, not false idols.
• Loud and Repetitive Messaging: He shouts his message loudly, making sure everyone hears him, and repeats it to reinforce the propaganda. We must drown out the false voices with the truth of God’s word.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Isaiah 36:

• Q: Why did Sennacherib send the Rabshakeh instead of attacking Jerusalem directly?
  A: Sending the Rabshakeh was likely a strategic move to demoralize the people of Jerusalem and force a surrender without a costly siege. Psychological warfare was a key part of Assyrian military strategy.
• Q: What is the significance of the Rabshakeh speaking in Hebrew?
  A: By speaking in Hebrew, the Rabshakeh could directly address the common people, bypassing Hezekiah’s officials and inciting them to rebellion. This was a deliberate attempt to undermine Hezekiah’s authority and sow seeds of dissent.
• Q: How does Isaiah 36 relate to other parts of the Bible?
  A: This chapter is part of a larger narrative in Isaiah that chronicles God’s judgment on Judah for their sins, but also His promise of deliverance for those who trust in Him. It connects to themes of faith, repentance, and the consequences of idolatry found throughout the Old Testament. It can be linked to the stories of David and Goliath, or Daniel and the Lion’s Den.
• Q: What can we learn from Hezekiah’s response to the Rabshakeh’s threats?
  A: Hezekiah’s response demonstrates the importance of prayer, humility, and reliance on God in the face of adversity. He acknowledges his limitations and seeks divine guidance, setting an example for us to follow in our own challenges.

Conclusion ✨

Isaiah 36 paints a vivid picture of fear and intimidation, but also of unwavering faith. The Rabshakeh’s cunning propaganda and blasphemous claims are a stark reminder of the spiritual battles we face daily. Hezekiah’s initial response, a mixture of mourning and prayer, highlights the importance of turning to God in times of crisis. This chapter isn’t just history; it’s a powerful lesson in resilience and trust. When Facing Assyria, our equivalent challenges in the world today, we must remember that our strength lies not in earthly alliances or military might, but in a steadfast reliance on the God who can deliver us from any threat. Let the example of Hezekiah inspire us to seek God’s guidance, stand firm in our faith, and resist the voices of doubt and fear that seek to undermine our confidence in Him.

Tags

Faith, Isaiah, Hezekiah, Sennacherib, Assyria, Jerusalem, Rabshakeh, Spiritual Warfare, Bible Commentary, Coptic Orthodox Theology

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Explore Isaiah 36 with a Coptic Orthodox lens: unpack the Assyrian threat, Hezekiah’s faith, and timeless lessons on spiritual warfare. Learn to stand firm amidst challenges.