Isaiah 36:14
Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֚ה
H3541
כֹּ֚ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
4 of 12
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יַשִּׁ֥א
deceive
H5377
יַשִּׁ֥א
deceive
Strong's:
H5377
Word #:
5 of 12
to lead astray, i.e., (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce
חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ
Let not Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ
Let not Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
7 of 12
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוּכַ֖ל
you for he shall not be able
H3201
יוּכַ֖ל
you for he shall not be able
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
10 of 12
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern warfare included psychological operations to turn populations against their rulers. Assyria excelled at sowing division and doubt.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the enemy try to separate believers from faithful spiritual leaders?
- What role does trust in leadership play in spiritual warfare?
- How do we discern between legitimate concerns and enemy-sown doubt about our leaders?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command "Let not Hezekiah deceive you" attempts to reframe the king's faith as deception. The claim "he shall not be able to deliver you" directly challenges God's power, though Rabshakeh addresses it to Hezekiah's competence. This is spiritual warfare disguised as political negotiation. The tactic is to separate the people from their godly leader by portraying his faith as foolish fantasy. Satan uses similar tactics to isolate believers from faithful shepherds.