In the biblical narrative, sarcasm is often employed as a rhetorical device to mock or belittle others, and one of the most notable instances of this is found in the encounter between Rabshakeh, the Assyrian field commander, and King Hezekiah of Judah. This episode is recorded in 2 Kings 18:17-37 and Isaiah 36:2-22, where Rabshakeh delivers a message from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, to the people of Jerusalem.

Historical Context

The events take place during the reign of Hezekiah, a king of Judah known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people. Hezekiah's reign is marked by a significant threat from the Assyrian Empire, which had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and was now advancing toward Judah. In this context, Hezekiah sought to fortify Jerusalem and relied on divine intervention for deliverance.

Rabshakeh's Sarcasm

Rabshakeh's speech is a masterclass in sarcasm and psychological warfare. Standing at the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, he addresses the officials of Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, attempting to undermine their confidence in their king and their God. His words are laced with mockery and derision, aimed at shaking the faith of the Judeans.

1. Mocking Hezekiah's Trust: Rabshakeh begins by questioning Hezekiah's reliance on Egypt for military support, comparing it to leaning on a "splintered reed" (2 Kings 18:21). This metaphor is intended to ridicule the futility of seeking help from a nation that cannot provide real assistance.

2. Deriding Religious Reforms: He sarcastically suggests that Hezekiah's removal of high places and altars, part of his religious reforms to centralize worship in Jerusalem, would anger the LORD rather than please Him (2 Kings 18:22). This is a deliberate misrepresentation of Hezekiah's pious actions, intended to sow doubt among the people.

3. Challenging God's Power: Rabshakeh further mocks the power of the God of Israel by comparing Him to the gods of other nations that Assyria had already defeated. He questions, "Has any god of the nations ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria?" (2 Kings 18:33). This rhetorical question is designed to belittle the God of Israel and intimidate the people of Jerusalem.

4. Offering False Promises: In a sarcastic twist, Rabshakeh offers the people of Jerusalem a seemingly generous promise of peace and prosperity if they surrender, only to follow it with a threat of exile (2 Kings 18:31-32). This tactic is meant to confuse and demoralize the defenders of the city.

Response and Outcome

Despite Rabshakeh's sarcastic taunts, Hezekiah responds with faith and humility. He seeks the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and turns to God in prayer, demonstrating his reliance on divine intervention rather than human alliances. The LORD answers Hezekiah's prayer, and the Assyrian army is miraculously defeated, as recorded in 2 Kings 19:35-37.

This episode highlights the use of sarcasm as a tool of intimidation and mockery by those who oppose God's people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of steadfast faith and reliance on God in the face of derision and threats.2 Kings 18:23,24
Now therefore, I pray you, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver you two thousand horses, if you be able on your part to set riders on them.
Nave's Topical Index

Order and Argument in Prayer
... it is no longer the poor insignificant Hezekiah with his ... King of angels, who has
come to fight against Rabshakeh. ... With what stern sarcasm did he say, "Cry aloud ...
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Who were the Assyrians in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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