Isaiah 36:21
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיַּחֲרִ֔ישׁוּ
But they held their peace
H2790
וַֽיַּחֲרִ֔ישׁוּ
But they held their peace
Strong's:
H2790
Word #:
1 of 12
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַעֲנֻֽהוּ׃
Answer
H6030
תַעֲנֻֽהוּ׃
Answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דָּבָ֑ר
him not a word
H1697
דָּבָ֑ר
him not a word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִצְוַ֨ת
commandment
H4687
מִצְוַ֨ת
commandment
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
7 of 12
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
הִ֛יא
H1931
הִ֛יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
9 of 12
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
Ancient protocol gave kings authority to command such silence. Hezekiah's instruction showed wisdom in not engaging the enemy's psychological warfare.
Questions for Reflection
- When is silence a more powerful response than verbal defense of God?
- How do we know when to engage critics versus maintaining dignified silence?
- What does it mean to trust God to defend His own reputation?
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Analysis & Commentary
The people's silence in response to blasphemy shows remarkable discipline—"they answered him not a word; for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not." Hezekiah had wisely instructed them not to engage in verbal sparring with the enemy. This restraint demonstrates mature faith that doesn't need to defend God with arguments but trusts Him to vindicate Himself. The silence also prevents giving Rabshakeh additional material for mockery. Sometimes the most powerful response to blasphemy is faithful silence.