Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out loudly in Hebrew: "Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria! Then the Rabshakeh stoodThe term "Rabshakeh" refers to a high-ranking Assyrian military official or chief cupbearer, a position of significant authority and influence. Historically, the Assyrian Empire was known for its military prowess and administrative efficiency. The Rabshakeh's standing indicates a position of power and readiness to deliver an important message. This moment is a pivotal confrontation between the Assyrian Empire and the Kingdom of Judah, highlighting the tension and impending threat faced by God's people. and called out loudly in Hebrew
The choice to speak in Hebrew is strategic, aiming to instill fear and demoralize the people of Jerusalem by addressing them directly in their own language. This tactic underscores the psychological warfare employed by the Assyrians. The use of Hebrew also signifies the Rabshakeh's intent to bypass the Judean officials and speak directly to the common people, sowing seeds of doubt and fear. It is a reminder of the spiritual battle faced by believers, where the enemy often seeks to undermine faith through intimidation and deceit. Hear the word
The phrase "Hear the word" is a call to attention, demanding that the audience listen carefully to the message being delivered. In the biblical context, "hearing" often implies obedience or response. However, in this scenario, it is a counterfeit call to heed the words of a foreign king rather than the Word of God. This serves as a cautionary reminder for believers to discern the voices they listen to and to remain steadfast in their faith, prioritizing God's Word above all. of the great king
The title "great king" is a self-proclaimed assertion of the Assyrian king's power and dominance. Historically, Assyrian rulers were known for their grandiose titles and claims of supremacy. This phrase is intended to elevate the Assyrian king's status and intimidate the people of Judah. For believers, it is a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty of God, who is the true "Great King" above all earthly powers. It challenges Christians to place their trust in God's authority rather than in human rulers. the king of Assyria
The "king of Assyria" during this time was Sennacherib, known for his military campaigns and conquests. Assyria was a dominant empire, feared for its brutality and strength. This reference serves to highlight the formidable threat facing Judah. Yet, it also sets the stage for God's deliverance, as the narrative unfolds to demonstrate that no earthly king can thwart God's plans for His people. It encourages believers to trust in God's protection and deliverance, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Persons / Places / Events 1. RabshakehA high-ranking Assyrian military official and spokesman for King Sennacherib. He was tasked with delivering messages to the people of Judah during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. 2. King SennacheribThe king of Assyria, known for his military campaigns and attempts to conquer Judah. His reign is marked by aggressive expansion and conflict with neighboring nations. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, under siege by the Assyrian army. It was a focal point of political and spiritual significance for the Israelites. 4. HezekiahThe king of Judah at the time, known for his faithfulness to God and efforts to reform the religious practices of his people. 5. Hebrew LanguageThe language in which Rabshakeh delivered his message, indicating his intent to directly communicate with the people of Judah and sow fear and doubt. Teaching Points The Power of WordsRabshakeh's use of the Hebrew language was strategic, aiming to instill fear and doubt. This highlights the power of words and the importance of discernment in what we hear and believe. Faith Under PressureHezekiah's situation teaches us about maintaining faith and seeking God's guidance when faced with overwhelming challenges. Spiritual WarfareThe Assyrian siege represents a form of spiritual warfare, reminding believers to be vigilant and prayerful against spiritual attacks. Leadership in CrisisHezekiah's leadership during the siege serves as a model for leading with faith and integrity in times of crisis. Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite the intimidating threats, the account encourages trust in God's ultimate control and deliverance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Rabshakeh's use of the Hebrew language reflect his strategy in psychological warfare, and what can we learn about the impact of communication in our own lives? 2. In what ways did Hezekiah demonstrate faith and leadership during the Assyrian siege, and how can we apply these principles in our personal challenges? 3. How does the account of the Assyrian siege in 2 Kings 18 relate to the themes of spiritual warfare found in the New Testament? 4. What role does prayer play in Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat, and how can we incorporate similar practices in our spiritual lives? 5. How can the account of Jerusalem's deliverance inspire us to trust in God's sovereignty and protection in the face of modern-day "sieges" or challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 36-37These chapters provide a parallel account of the events in 2 Kings 18-19, offering additional insights into the Assyrian siege and Hezekiah's response. 2 Chronicles 32This passage also recounts the Assyrian threat and highlights Hezekiah's faith and leadership in seeking God's deliverance. Psalm 46Often associated with God's protection of Jerusalem during this time, emphasizing trust in God's power and presence amidst adversity. People Abi, Abijah, Ahaz, Asaph, David, Elah, Eliakim, Hezekiah, Hilkiah, Hoshea, Israelites, Joah, Pharaoh, Rabsaris, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib, Shalmaneser, Shebna, Tartan, Zachariah, ZechariahPlaces Arpad, Assyria, Egypt, Gaza, Gozan, Habor River, Halah, Hamath, Hena, Ivvah, Jerusalem, Lachish, Samaria, Sepharvaim, Washer's FieldTopics Asshur, Assyria, Butlers, Calleth, Chief, Cried, Ear, Got, Hebrew, Jewish, Jews, Judah, Judean, Language, Loud, Rabshakeh, Rab'shakeh, Rab-shakeh, Saying, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke, Standeth, Stood, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:28 5335 herald
5374 languages 2 Kings 18:13-35 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Kings 18:17-35 8833 threats 2 Kings 18:28-19:4 5188 tearing of clothes 2 Kings 18:28-32 4440 fig-tree Library Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
'Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel.... 6. He clave to the Lord, and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments.'--2 KINGS xviii. 5,6. Devout people in all ages and stations are very much like each other. The elements of godliness are always the same. This king of Israel, something like two thousand six hundred years ago, and the humblest Christian to-day have the family likeness on their faces. These words, which are an outline sketch of the king's character, are really …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Woman of Samaria
(Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, 1856.) 2 Kings xviii. 9-12. And it came to pass in the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, came up against Samaria, and besieged it. And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken. And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor …
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons A Living Book
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Symbol of "Asshur", the principal Assyrian idol.] There is only one Book that never grows old. For thousands of years men have been writing books. Most books are forgotten soon after they are written; a few of the best and wisest are remembered for a time. But all at last grow old; new discoveries are made; new ideas arise; the old books are out of date; their usefulness is at an end. Students are the only people who still care to read them. The nations to which the …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Old Testament and Archeology
A century ago the student of the world's history found it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to paint for himself a clear picture of events antedating B.C. 400. Concerning earlier periods, he was, aside from the Old Testament, practically without records that could claim contemporaneousness with the events recorded. But, one hundred years ago, men had commenced to test every statement, be it historical, or scientific, or theological, by severe canons of criticism, and if it could not stand …
Frederick Carl Eiselen—The Christian View of the Old Testament Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses Men in Human Language...
CHAPTER XXXIV. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION. 1. Since the Bible addresses men in human language, and according to human modes of thinking and speaking, the interpreter's first work is to ascertain the meaning of the terms employed. Here he must proceed as in the case of other writings, seeking by the aid of grammars, lexicons, cognate languages, ancient versions, ancient interpreters, and whatever other outward helps are available, to gain a thorough knowledge of the language employed by …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times, …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 18:28 NIV2 Kings 18:28 NLT2 Kings 18:28 ESV2 Kings 18:28 NASB2 Kings 18:28 KJV
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