# Overview Isaiah Chapter 36 presents a narrative account during the reign of #KingHezekiah of #Judah, when #Sennacherib, the king of #Assyria, sends his army to lay siege to #Jerusalem. This chapter is paralleled in 2 Kings 18:13-37 and 2 Chronicles 32:1-19, highlighting its significance in the history of #Israel. The commander of the Assyrian army, the #Rabshakeh, approaches the city and speaks directly to the officials of Judah, namely #Eliakim, #Shebna, and #Joah. The Rabshakeh challenges their trust in #Egypt and questions their reliance on the #LORD, suggesting that #Hezekiah’s reforms, which removed high places and altars, have angered God. His speech is a strategic attempt to undermine the morale of Jerusalem's inhabitants, urging them to surrender and promising them peace and prosperity if they submit to Assyrian rule. The dialogue between the Rabshakeh and the officials of Judah is marked by bold claims that reflect Assyrian arrogance and a challenge to the sovereignty of the #God of Israel. The Rabshakeh boasts of Assyria’s military successes and mocks the power of any god to deliver nations from the hand of #Sennacherib. He even claims that the LORD Himself has sent Assyria to destroy the land. Despite the intimidation, the officials adhere to King Hezekiah's command to remain silent and not respond to the Rabshakeh's provocations. This chapter sets the stage for the subsequent divine intervention, emphasizing themes of faith, the testing of trust in God, and the stark contrast between human arrogance and divine sovereignty. The tension builds as the people of Judah are faced with a critical decision: to rely on human alliances or to trust in the power and promise of the LORD. ## Theological Insights Isaiah 36 offers profound insights into the sovereignty of #God and the nature of faith in the face of adversity. In this chapter, the Assyrian king #Sennacherib's field commander, the #Rabshakeh, confronts the people of #Judah with a challenge to their trust in God, as #Jerusalem is under threat of siege. This event echoes themes of trust and reliance on God rather than human strength or alliances, which are recurrent throughout the book of [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7]] and the broader biblical narrative. The chapter highlights the futility of relying on other nations for deliverance, as the Rabshakeh mocks Judah's alliance with #Egypt, likening it to a "broken reed" (Isaiah 36:6). This imagery reinforces the prophetic message that true security and salvation come from trusting in the Lord alone, aligning with earlier warnings in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 30|Isaiah 30:1-5]]. The Rabshakeh's attempt to undermine the people's faith by questioning God's power and intentions (Isaiah 36:7, 10, 15, 18-20) serves as a test of faith for #Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem. This mirrors the broader biblical theme of testing and proving faith, akin to the trials of [[Job/Job Chapter 1]] or the testing of the Israelites in the wilderness as recounted in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 16]]. Furthermore, the emphasis on God's ability to deliver His people, despite the overwhelming military threat, points to His ultimate sovereignty and faithfulness. This is a theme that resonates with other scriptural promises of divine protection and deliverance, such as in [[Psalms/Psalms 46]] and [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 3|Daniel 3:17-18]]. In essence, Isaiah 36 serves as a reminder that in moments of crisis, the people of God are called to steadfast faith and reliance on His promises, rather than succumbing to fear and intimidation. The chapter provides a rich narrative that underscores the importance of faithfulness and trust in God's providential care, setting the stage for the divine intervention that follows in subsequent chapters. ## Thematic Connections ### Trust in God versus Trust in Human Power In Isaiah 36, the theme of trusting in #God versus relying on human power and alliances is paramount. The Assyrian envoy, the #Rabshakeh, challenges the people of #Judah to consider upon whom they rely, questioning their trust in both the military might of #Egypt and their faith in the Lord. This theme resonates with warnings found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 30]] and [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 31]], where Judah is admonished for seeking alliances with Egypt instead of trusting God. Similarly, the tension between divine reliance and human schemes echoes the broader narrative arc of the #OldTestament, as seen in the story of [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 8]], where Israel demands a king to lead them like other nations, rejecting God's kingship. ### The Challenge to God’s Sovereignty The Rabshakeh's speech is a direct challenge to the sovereignty of the Lord, questioning His ability to deliver #Jerusalem from the hands of the Assyrians. This narrative theme is reminiscent of the defiance shown by #Goliath in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 17]], where the Philistine giant taunts the armies of Israel and by extension, their God. Such challenges to God's authority serve to highlight His supremacy and the eventual vindication of His name, as later seen in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 37]] when God delivers a miraculous victory for Judah. ### Divine Deliverance The chapter sets the stage for a demonstration of divine deliverance, a recurring theme in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. The historical context of Assyria's siege parallels other instances where God rescues His people, such as the deliverance from #Egyptian bondage in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14]] and the defeat of the Midianites by #Gideon in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 7]]. This theme emphasizes God's power to save and His faithfulness to His covenant promises, encouraging believers to trust in His provision and timing. ### The Role of Prophetic Voices Though not explicitly mentioned in this chapter, the presence of the prophet #Isaiah in the surrounding narrative underscores the theme of prophetic voices guiding and reassuring God's people in times of crisis. Isaiah's role parallels that of other prophets like #Elijah, who, in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 18]], confronts the prophets of Baal and calls Israel back to faithfulness. Prophets serve as intermediaries between God and His people, affirming His will and providing hope amidst uncertainty. ### The Futility of Human Pride The Assyrian boastfulness and arrogance exemplified in the Rabshakeh's speech highlight the biblical theme of the futility of human pride. This theme resonates with the downfall of #Nebuchadnezzar in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 4]], where the Babylonian king's pride leads to his temporary downfall until he acknowledges God's sovereignty. It serves as a warning against the hubris of nations and leaders who exalt themselves above God, emphasizing the ultimate triumph of divine authority. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Assyrian Threat and Divine Deliverance In Isaiah 36, the narrative describes the Assyrian threat against #Judah during the reign of King #Hezekiah. This chapter sets the stage for the fulfillment of God’s promise of deliverance to His people. The Assyrian army, led by #Sennacherib, represents a formidable force that threatens Jerusalem. However, this situation aligns with the prophetic assurances found in earlier passages such as [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah 7:7]], where God promises that the plans of invading nations will not prevail against Judah. ### The Promise of Protection The confrontation between Hezekiah and the Assyrian messengers is a precursor to the prophetic assurance that God will defend Jerusalem. This reflects the promise found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 31|Isaiah 31:5]], where God pledges to protect and deliver Jerusalem as a bird hovering over its nest. The narrative in Isaiah 36 sets the stage for the subsequent miraculous deliverance described in later chapters, fulfilling God's promise to preserve His chosen city and people from the Assyrian threat. ### Trust in God vs. Earthly Powers The dialogue between the Assyrian representatives and the officials of Judah highlights a recurring prophetic theme: the futility of relying on human alliances or strength rather than trusting in God. This is paralleled in passages such as [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 30|Isaiah 30:1-3]], where God warns against seeking help from Egypt. The unfolding events in Isaiah 36 serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises to those who place their trust in Him, rather than in earthly powers. ## Verses - **Isaiah 36:1** - "In the fourteenth year of King #Hezekiah's reign, King #Sennacherib of #Assyria came to attack the fortified towns of Judah and conquered them." - See also [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 18]], [[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 32]] for parallel accounts of Sennacherib's invasion. - **Isaiah 36:2** - "Then the king of #Assyria sent his chief of staff from Lachish with a huge army to confront King #Hezekiah in Jerusalem. The Assyrians took up a position beside the aqueduct that feeds water into the upper pool, near the road leading to the field where cloth is washed." - The location is significant as it is near the same area referenced in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7]] during the prophecy to King Ahaz. - **Isaiah 36:3** - "These are the officials who went out to meet with them: Eliakim son of Hilkiah, the palace administrator; Shebna the court secretary; and Joah son of Asaph, the royal historian." - Eliakim and Shebna are also mentioned in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 22]]. - **Isaiah 36:4** - "Then the Assyrian king's chief of staff told them to give this message to Hezekiah: 'This is what the great king of Assyria says: What are you trusting in that makes you so confident?'" - **Isaiah 36:5** - "'Do you think that mere words can substitute for military skill and strength? Who are you counting on, that you have rebelled against me?'" - **Isaiah 36:6** - "'On Egypt? If you lean on Egypt, it will be like a reed that splinters beneath your weight and pierces your hand. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, is completely unreliable!'" - Egypt is often referenced as an unreliable ally, seen also in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 30]] and [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 18]]. - **Isaiah 36:7** - "'But perhaps you will say to me, ‘We are trusting in the LORD our God!’ But isn’t he the one who was insulted by Hezekiah? Didn’t Hezekiah tear down his shrines and altars and make everyone in Judah and Jerusalem worship only at the altar here in Jerusalem?'" - Hezekiah's religious reforms are detailed in [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 18]]. - **Isaiah 36:8** - "'I’ll tell you what! Strike a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses if you can find that many men to ride on them!'" - **Isaiah 36:9** - "'With your tiny army, how can you think of challenging even the weakest contingent of my master’s troops, even with the help of Egypt’s chariots and charioteers?'" - **Isaiah 36:10** - "'What’s more, do you think we have invaded your land without the LORD’s direction? The LORD himself told us, ‘Attack this land and destroy it!’'" - **Isaiah 36:11** - "Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Assyrian chief of staff, 'Please speak to us in Aramaic, for we understand it well. Don’t speak in Hebrew, for the people on the wall will hear.'" - **Isaiah 36:12** - "But Sennacherib’s chief of staff replied, 'Do you think my master sent this message only to you and your master? He wants all the people to hear it, for when we put this city under siege, they will suffer along with you. They will be so hungry and thirsty that they will eat their own dung and drink their own urine.'" - **Isaiah 36:13** - "Then the chief of staff stood and shouted in Hebrew to the people on the wall, 'Listen to this message from the great king of Assyria!'" - **Isaiah 36:14** - "'This is what the king says: Don’t let Hezekiah deceive you. He will never be able to rescue you!'" - **Isaiah 36:15** - "'Don’t let him fool you into trusting in the LORD by saying, ‘The LORD will surely rescue us. This city will never fall into the hands of the Assyrian king!’'" - **Isaiah 36:16** - "'Don’t listen to Hezekiah! These are the terms the king of Assyria is offering: Make peace with me—open the gates and come out. Then each of you can continue eating from your own grapevine and fig tree and drinking from your own well.'" - **Isaiah 36:17** - "'Then I will arrange to take you to another land like this one—a land of grain and new wine, bread and vineyards.'" - **Isaiah 36:18** - "'Don’t let Hezekiah mislead you by saying, ‘The LORD will rescue us!’ Have the gods of any other nations ever saved their people from the king of Assyria?'" - Similar statements of Assyrian conquests can be found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 10]]. - **Isaiah 36:19** - "'What happened to the gods of Hamath and Arpad? And what about the gods of Sepharvaim? Did any god rescue Samaria from my power?'" - **Isaiah 36:20** - "'What god of any nation has ever been able to save its people from my power? So what makes you think that the LORD can rescue Jerusalem from me?'" - **Isaiah 36:21** - "But the people were silent and did not utter a word because Hezekiah had commanded them, 'Do not answer him.'" - **Isaiah 36:22** - "Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, the palace administrator, Shebna the court secretary, and Joah son of Asaph, the royal historian, went back to Hezekiah. They tore their clothes in despair and went in to see the king and told him what the Assyrian chief of staff had said."