The response of Hezekiah's officials is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Assyrian threat against the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. This episode is detailed in 2 Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 36-37, where the Assyrian king Sennacherib sends his field commander, the Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem to demand its surrender.

Historical Context

King Hezekiah of Judah, known for his religious reforms and trust in the LORD, faced a formidable challenge when Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invaded Judah. The Assyrian empire was the dominant power in the region, having already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and many fortified cities of Judah. Hezekiah's decision to rebel against Assyrian dominance and refuse to pay tribute set the stage for a confrontation.

The Assyrian Threat

The Assyrian king sent the Rabshakeh with a large army to Jerusalem. The Rabshakeh stood by the aqueduct of the Upper Pool and delivered a message intended to demoralize the people of Jerusalem and persuade them to surrender. He questioned their reliance on Egypt and their trust in the LORD, claiming that no god of any nation had been able to deliver their lands from the Assyrian king.

Hezekiah's Officials

Hezekiah's officials, Eliakim son of Hilkiah, the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph, the recorder, were sent to meet the Rabshakeh. Their response is characterized by a combination of diplomacy and faithfulness to their king and God.

1. Diplomatic Approach: The officials requested that the Rabshakeh speak in Aramaic rather than Hebrew, so the people on the wall would not understand and be discouraged. "Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall" (2 Kings 18:26). This request highlights their concern for maintaining morale among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

2. Silent Endurance: Despite the Rabshakeh's provocative speech, which included blasphemous claims against the LORD, the officials remained silent, as instructed by King Hezekiah. "But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, 'Do not answer him'" (2 Kings 18:36). Their silence demonstrated obedience and restraint, reflecting their trust in Hezekiah's leadership and ultimately in God's deliverance.

3. Report to Hezekiah: Upon returning to Hezekiah, the officials tore their clothes, a sign of distress and mourning, and reported the words of the Rabshakeh. "Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder went to Hezekiah with their clothes torn and reported to him what the Rabshakeh had said" (2 Kings 18:37). This act of tearing their garments underscored the gravity of the situation and their deep concern for the nation's fate.

Theological Implications

The response of Hezekiah's officials is a testament to their faith and loyalty. Their actions, characterized by restraint and adherence to Hezekiah's command, reflect a deep trust in God's sovereignty. This episode serves as a prelude to Hezekiah's prayer and God's miraculous intervention, where the angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Judah's deliverance.

The narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness and reliance on God in the face of overwhelming odds. It highlights the role of godly leadership and the power of prayer, as Hezekiah's subsequent actions demonstrate his unwavering trust in the LORD, resulting in divine deliverance for Judah.