Isaiah 36:9
How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?
Original Language Analysis
תָּשִׁ֗יב
How then wilt thou turn away
H7725
תָּשִׁ֗יב
How then wilt thou turn away
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
2 of 15
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֵ֠ת
H853
אֵ֠ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פְּנֵ֨י
the face
H6440
פְּנֵ֨י
the face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 15
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֲדֹנִ֖י
of my master's
H113
אֲדֹנִ֖י
of my master's
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
8 of 15
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
הַקְטַנִּ֑ים
of the least
H6996
הַקְטַנִּ֑ים
of the least
Strong's:
H6996
Word #:
9 of 15
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
וַתִּבְטַ֤ח
and put thy trust
H982
וַתִּבְטַ֤ח
and put thy trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Historical Context
Assyrian military structure included multiple tiers of officers. Rabshakeh's point was that even minor Assyrian commanders were insurmountable for Judah.
Questions for Reflection
- How do enemies of faith often present situations as utterly hopeless to induce surrender?
- What does it mean to maintain hope when circumstances appear impossible?
- How has God demonstrated His power when you faced overwhelming opposition?
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Analysis & Commentary
The rhetorical question "How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants?" emphasizes hopelessness from a human perspective. Even the lowest Assyrian officer supposedly outmatches all Judah. The continued mention of trusting Egypt for chariots and horsemen shows the Assyrians understood Judah's diplomatic maneuvering. This sustained mockery aims to break morale by presenting the situation as utterly hopeless apart from surrender.