Isaiah 36:5
I say, sayest thou, (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
Original Language Analysis
אַךְ
H389
דְּבַר
words
H1697
דְּבַר
words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
שְׂפָתַ֔יִם
sayest thou (but they are but vain
H8193
שְׂפָתַ֔יִם
sayest thou (but they are but vain
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
4 of 14
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
וּגְבוּרָ֖ה
and strength
H1369
וּגְבוּרָ֖ה
and strength
Strong's:
H1369
Word #:
6 of 14
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
for war
H4421
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
for war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
7 of 14
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
עַתָּה֙
H6258
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִ֣י
H4310
מִ֣י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
10 of 14
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
בָטַ֔חְתָּ
now on whom dost thou trust
H982
בָטַ֔חְתָּ
now on whom dost thou trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Assyria had crushed multiple rebellions through superior military tactics and overwhelming force. From a human perspective, Judah's resistance appeared foolish.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the world misunderstand confidence placed in God rather than military or economic power?
- When has your faith been dismissed as "vain words" by unbelievers?
- How do we demonstrate that trust in God is not mere words but substantive reality?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Rabshakeh's taunt "I say, thy counsel and strength for war are but vain words" attacks the foundation of Hezekiah's trust. The Assyrian accurately identifies that military preparedness requires both strategy ("counsel") and power ("strength"). His claim that Judah possesses neither is designed to demoralize. However, he fundamentally misunderstands the source of Judah's confidence—not military might but divine protection. This reveals the world's inability to comprehend faith-based confidence.