Isaiah 36:12
But Rabshakeh said, Hath my master sent me to thy master and to thee to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men that sit upon the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?
Original Language Analysis
אֲדֹנִ֔י
Hath my master
H113
אֲדֹנִ֔י
Hath my master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
4 of 24
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
וְאֵלֶ֙יךָ֙
H413
שְׁלָחַ֣נִי
sent
H7971
שְׁלָחַ֣נִי
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
6 of 24
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֲדֹנִ֔י
Hath my master
H113
אֲדֹנִ֔י
Hath my master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
7 of 24
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
לְדַבֵּ֖ר
and to thee to speak
H1696
לְדַבֵּ֖ר
and to thee to speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
8 of 24
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
these words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
these words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
10 of 24
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הֲלֹ֣א
H3808
הֲלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 24
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 24
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים
H376
הָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
14 of 24
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙
that sit
H3427
הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֙
that sit
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
15 of 24
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 24
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Ancient siege warfare did result in such horrific conditions when cities held out too long. Rabshakeh's description was not exaggeration but realistic threat.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the enemy use worst-case scenarios to paralyze believers with fear?
- What is the antidote to terror-based psychological warfare?
- How do we maintain hope when facing genuinely threatening circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Rabshakeh's graphic response about people eating their own dung and drinking their own urine depicts siege horror. He explicitly states his message targets the common people on the wall who will suffer siege deprivation. This crude psychological warfare aims to create panic and civilian pressure on Hezekiah to surrender. The tactic reveals Satan's methodology—targeting the vulnerable with worst-case scenarios to induce fear. Rabshakeh shows contempt for diplomatic protocol, exposing Assyria's brutal arrogance.