The Invasion Of Assyria (36:1-22)
Neal Pollard
There is a historical interlude in this prophetic book, from chapters 36-39. 2 Kings 18-19 and 2 Chronicles 32 are parallel accounts, even filling in some details such as King Hezekiah’s capitulation to Sennacherib’s demand for tribute. The Assyrian king changes his mind and decides for invasion after receiving payment.
This chapter records the perspective and taunts of the Assyrian Rabshakeh (a royal official in their government whose name literally means “cupbearer” but whose role is obviously an important military position; Allen C. Myers, Eerdmans Bib. Dict., 870). He comes against the fortified cities of Judah after having taking off their brethren, Israel, into captivity in a devastating invasion (see 2 Kings 17). It is a frightening situation for Judah and Hezekiah, as they view this “great army” (2). There are several reasons for Judah to be intimidated and afraid.
First, they were greatly outnumbered. Their army numbered at least 185,000 (2 Ki. 19:35). These were vicious, victorious men who had overwhelmed every enemy they had faced.
Second, they were intimidating. The Rabshekah up to the wall around Jerusalem and begins speaking to the Jews there in their native tongue, Hebrew (11). He offers to make a wager with Judah to stake everything on a chariot race, knowing full well Judah was not close to being a competition (8). He contends that Judah couldn’t defeat even a single captain of his army (9).
Third, they were insulting. Not only did they insult Judah, but more catastrophically and foolishly, they insulted God. The Rabshakeh unknowingly compliments Hezekiah’s righteousness by pointing out the good king had removed the high places of worship which God disapproved of (meaning God was pleased with Hezekiah)(7). He equated Jehovah with the gods of the peoples they had already defeated (19-20). Speaking Hebrew rather than Aramaic was as insulting as it was intimidating.
The Judean officials who received the Rabshakeh’s taunts brought word to Hezekiah. The next chapters reveal his response and Isaiah’s involvement. Hezekiah is handed a five-alarm crisis. It was no doubt bigger than him and left him with precious little to do in response. Have you been there, with your back against the wall facing an earthly enemy much bigger than yourself? It is tempting to resort to responses that do not honor God, but we learn much from Hezekiah in what follows.
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