Isaiah 36:4
And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
Original Language Analysis
נָ֖א
H4994
נָ֖א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
5 of 18
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ
ye now to Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֑הוּ
ye now to Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
7 of 18
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
הַגָּדוֹל֙
the great
H1419
הַגָּדוֹל֙
the great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
11 of 18
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
אַשּׁ֔וּר
of Assyria
H804
אַשּׁ֔וּר
of Assyria
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
13 of 18
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
מָ֧ה
H4100
מָ֧ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
Historical Context
Assyrian propaganda was sophisticated psychological warfare designed to demoralize defenders before battle. The Rabshakeh's use of Hebrew (v. 11) intentionally targeted common soldiers, attempting to circumvent leadership.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when your faith is publicly challenged or mocked?
- What is the difference between defending your faith wisely and being drawn into fruitless arguments?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Rabshakeh's taunt reveals the spiritual warfare dimension behind political crises. His rhetorical question 'What confidence is this?' attacks the very foundation of faith - trusting God despite circumstances. This mirrors Satan's temptation strategy, questioning God's Word and provision. Hezekiah's silence models godly wisdom in not defending oneself before mockers.