Isaiah 36:16
Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me: and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern;
Original Language Analysis
אַֽל
H408
אַֽל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 23
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּשְׁמְע֖וּ
Hearken
H8085
תִּשְׁמְע֖וּ
Hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 23
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ
not to Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ
not to Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
4 of 23
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹ֨ה
H3541
כֹ֨ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
6 of 23
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
אַשּׁ֗וּר
of Assyria
H804
אַשּׁ֗וּר
of Assyria
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
9 of 23
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
עֲשֽׂוּ
Make
H6213
עֲשֽׂוּ
Make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 23
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אִתִּ֤י
H854
אִתִּ֤י
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
11 of 23
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
בְרָכָה֙
an agreement with me by a present
H1293
בְרָכָה֙
an agreement with me by a present
Strong's:
H1293
Word #:
12 of 23
benediction; by implication prosperity
וּצְא֣וּ
and come out
H3318
וּצְא֣וּ
and come out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
13 of 23
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אִ֥ישׁ
and every one
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
and every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
16 of 23
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)
אִ֥ישׁ
and every one
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
and every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
18 of 23
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)
אִ֥ישׁ
and every one
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
and every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
21 of 23
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)
Cross References
Zechariah 3:10In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.1 Kings 4:25And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon.Micah 4:4But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.
Historical Context
Assyrian resettlement policy (documented in royal annals) involved deportation to similar climates to ensure agricultural productivity and prevent rebellion through cultural displacement.
Questions for Reflection
- What counterfeits of God's promises tempt you to compromise your faith?
- How can you distinguish between legitimate provision and satanic substitutes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The offer of 'a land like your own land' is a satanic counterfeit of God's promises - a substitute blessing that requires surrender and compromise. This echoes the serpent's offer in Eden and foreshadows the Antichrist's false peace. The enemy always offers immediate comfort at the cost of ultimate blessing. True faith endures present difficulty for future glory (Romans 8:18).