Isaiah 36:17
Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards.
Original Language Analysis
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
1 of 13
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בֹּאִ֕י
Until I come
H935
בֹּאִ֕י
Until I come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
2 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְלָקַחְתִּ֥י
and take you away
H3947
וְלָקַחְתִּ֥י
and take you away
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
3 of 13
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְתִיר֔וֹשׁ
and wine
H8492
וְתִיר֔וֹשׁ
and wine
Strong's:
H8492
Word #:
10 of 13
must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
Historical Context
Assyrian policy was to deport conquered populations to prevent rebellion and assimilate conquered peoples. Rabshakeh honestly describes what awaits if Judah surrenders.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the enemy tempt us to trade God's promises for immediate comfort?
- What does it mean to value God's specific calling over apparently better opportunities?
- How do we recognize when "good" offers are actually compromises that forfeit God's best?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Rabshakeh's offer of relocation to "a land like your own land" is dressed-up slavery. The litany of promised abundance—grain, wine, bread, vineyards—sounds appealing but ignores that these blessings are tied to the Promised Land covenant. Exchanging the land God gave for foreign territory means abandoning covenant promises. This temptation parallels Satan offering Jesus all kingdoms (Matthew 4:8-9)—trading God's promises for immediate comfort. The offer reveals that sometimes our greatest temptation is not obvious evil but comfortable compromise.