Isaiah 36:16

Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree, and drink water from his own cistern,

Study Bible

Do not listen to Hezekiah
This phrase reflects the Assyrian king's attempt to undermine the authority of King Hezekiah of Judah. Hezekiah was known for his faithfulness to God, as seen in 2 Kings 18:5-7, where he is described as a king who trusted in the Lord. The Assyrian strategy was to sow doubt and fear among the people, encouraging them to abandon their leader. This tactic is reminiscent of the serpent's deception in Genesis 3:1, where doubt is cast on God's word.

for this is what the king of Assyria says:
The king of Assyria, likely Sennacherib at this time, represents the world powers that often stand in opposition to God's people. Historically, Assyria was a dominant empire known for its military prowess and brutal conquests. The Assyrian king's words are a direct challenge to the authority of God, similar to Goliath's defiance in 1 Samuel 17:10.

Make peace with me and come out to me.
This invitation to make peace is a deceptive offer, as true peace cannot be found in submission to a pagan king. The phrase echoes the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4:8-9, where Satan offers the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. The call to "come out" suggests leaving the protection of God, akin to Lot's wife looking back at Sodom in Genesis 19:26.

Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree,
The imagery of the vine and fig tree symbolizes prosperity and security, as seen in Micah 4:4, where it describes a time of peace under God's rule. However, the Assyrian promise is a counterfeit, offering material comfort in exchange for spiritual compromise. This reflects the false peace offered by the world, contrasting with the true peace found in Christ (John 14:27).

and drink water from his own cistern,
Water is a symbol of life and sustenance in the Bible, as seen in John 4:14, where Jesus speaks of the living water He provides. The promise of drinking from one's own cistern suggests self-sufficiency, but it is ultimately a false security. Jeremiah 2:13 condemns forsaking God, the "spring of living water," for broken cisterns that cannot hold water. This phrase highlights the futility of relying on worldly assurances instead of God's provision.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The King of Judah during the time of the Assyrian invasion. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah.

2. King of Assyria
The ruler of the Assyrian Empire, which was a dominant power in the ancient Near East. At this time, the Assyrian king was Sennacherib, who sought to conquer Jerusalem.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, which was under siege by the Assyrian army. It was a central place of worship and governance for the Israelites.

4. Assyrian Siege
The military campaign led by Sennacherib against Judah, aiming to capture Jerusalem and subdue its people.

5. Vine and Fig Tree
Symbolic of peace and prosperity in the ancient Near East, representing a life of security and abundance.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Leadership
Hezekiah's leadership is challenged by the Assyrian king's offer. Believers must discern between worldly promises and God's truth.

False Promises of Peace
The Assyrian king's offer of peace is conditional and deceptive. True peace comes from God, not from compromising with worldly powers.

Trust in God's Provision
The promise of eating from one's own vine and fig tree is appealing, but believers are called to trust in God's provision rather than succumbing to fear or pressure.

Spiritual Warfare
The siege of Jerusalem is a physical manifestation of spiritual warfare. Believers must be vigilant and rely on God's strength in times of trial.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Hezekiah's situation teaches the importance of remaining faithful to God even when facing overwhelming odds.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat demonstrate his faith in God, and what can we learn from his example?

2. In what ways do we encounter "false promises of peace" in our own lives, and how can we discern God's true peace?

3. How does the imagery of the vine and fig tree in Isaiah 36:16 compare to its use in other parts of the Bible, and what does it teach us about God's provision?

4. What are some practical ways we can prepare for spiritual warfare in our daily lives, drawing from the example of Hezekiah and the siege of Jerusalem?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Hezekiah's leadership to our own roles in our families, workplaces, and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 18-19
Provides a parallel account of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem and Hezekiah's response, offering additional context to Isaiah 36.

Micah 4:4
Uses the imagery of sitting under one's vine and fig tree to describe a future time of peace and security, similar to the promise made by the Assyrian king.

John 14:27
Jesus speaks of a peace that He gives, contrasting the temporary and deceptive peace offered by worldly powers like the Assyrian king.