Isaiah Chapter 36 — The Assyrian Invasion
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah and sends a messenger to Jerusalem to demand surrender and undermine the people's trust in God.
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Notable Verses
Isaiah 36:6
“Behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in Egypt, which if a man leans on it, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.”
This verse highlights the Assyrian mockery of Judah's political alliances and the perceived weakness of worldly help.
Isaiah 36:15
“Don’t let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, “The LORD will surely deliver us. This city won’t be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.””
This represents the central spiritual challenge of the chapter, testing the people's faith in God's protection.
Isaiah 36:20
“Who are they among all the gods of these countries that have delivered their country out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?”
The Rabshakeh equates the God of Israel with the idols of conquered nations, setting the stage for divine intervention.
Chapter Summary
In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah's reign, the Assyrian King Sennacherib captures the fortified cities of Judah. He sends his field commander, the Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem with a large army. Standing by the aqueduct, the Rabshakeh addresses Hezekiah’s officials—Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah. He mocks their reliance on Egypt, calling it a 'bruised reed,' and questions their trust in the Lord. He even claims that God told him to destroy the land. When the Judean officials ask him to speak in Aramaic to avoid panicking the citizens, the Rabshakeh instead shouts in Hebrew directly to the people on the city wall. He promises them prosperity if they surrender but warns that no god has ever saved a nation from Assyria. Following Hezekiah’s orders, the people remain silent, and the officials return to the king with torn clothes in a sign of mourning.
Frequently Asked Questions
He is a high-ranking official and military messenger for King Sennacherib of Assyria. He is tasked with delivering the demand for surrender and using psychological warfare to demoralize the people of Jerusalem.
Eliakim and his colleagues wanted to prevent the common citizens on the city walls from understanding the terrifying threats of the Assyrian army. Aramaic was the language of international diplomacy, while the 'Jews' language' or Hebrew was understood by everyone in the city.
Hezekiah ordered the people on the wall not to answer the Rabshakeh's taunts or enter into a debate. This silence demonstrated discipline and a refusal to engage with the messenger's attempts to create fear and division.
Study Note
The Rabshakeh’s speech is a classic example of ancient psychological warfare, designed to undermine the religious and political authority of King Hezekiah by questioning his alliances and his God.
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