Isaiah 36:22
Then came Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, that was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֹ֣א
Then came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֣א
Then came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 22
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 22
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַ֠בַּיִת
that was over the household
H1004
הַ֠בַּיִת
that was over the household
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
7 of 22
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הַסֹּפֵ֜ר
the scribe
H5608
הַסֹּפֵ֜ר
the scribe
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָסָ֧ף
of Asaph
H623
אָסָ֧ף
of Asaph
Strong's:
H623
Word #:
12 of 22
asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first
הַמַּזְכִּ֛יר
the recorder
H2142
הַמַּזְכִּ֛יר
the recorder
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
13 of 22
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ
to Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ
to Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
15 of 22
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
קְרוּעֵ֣י
rent
H7167
קְרוּעֵ֣י
rent
Strong's:
H7167
Word #:
16 of 22
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
וַיַּגִּ֣ידוּ
and told
H5046
וַיַּגִּ֣ידוּ
and told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
18 of 22
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Rent clothes appear throughout Scripture as response to catastrophe or blasphemy (Genesis 37:29; 2 Kings 18:37). This cultural practice expressed what words could not.
Questions for Reflection
- How should we respond emotionally to attacks on God's character and name?
- What does appropriate grief over blasphemy look like in modern context?
- How do we balance emotional response to God's dishonor with confident trust in His sovereignty?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The officials returning with "their clothes rent" signifies deep distress—tearing garments was the customary expression of grief or horror at blasphemy. Despite their diplomatic composure during the meeting, they appropriately grieve at the assault on God's honor. Their report to Hezekiah sets up the king's faithful response in chapter 37. The officials' grief demonstrates that spiritual leaders should feel the weight of attacks on God's name, not becoming calloused to blasphemy.