Isaiah 36

We have noted that Isa. 36-39 (also recorded in 2 Ki. 18-20 and 2 Chron. 32) bring to a conclusion the time of Assyria’s aggression and transition to the time about 100 years later when Babylon would be the dominating Gentile power.  So these chapters serve a technical purpose we might say.  But let us not miss, as always, the truth God desires for His people Israel and for us by application.  For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Rom. 15:4).

Ch. 36-37 record the arrival of the Assyrian army and their Rabshakeh (commander) at Jerusalem.  They have been used of God to carry off the Northern Kingdom of Samaria/Israel.  Now they have worked their way through northern Judah capturing the walled cities as they are now prepared to do at the capital city.  Hezekiah sends out three officials to speak with the commander (two of those officials we met back in Isa. 22, Eliakim and Shebna).

This meeting is not a two-way discussion.  Rather it involves the Rabshakeh making intimidating statements first to the Judean delegation and then loudly for all the people on the wall to hear.  The question he asks is one we all need to ask of ourselves: what confidence is this in which you trust?  In this case the commander has a good intelligence network.  He known some people trust Egypt (v6,9), others hope Hezekiah will have a good plan (v5).  But the real issue he raises is the thought some have that they should trust the LORD.  He raises three arguments as to why this is not a good idea.

·        In v7 he wonders why God would help them since Judah, under Hezekiah, had destroyed all the high places where they worshipped the LORD.  Of course this shows the typical humanistic view of religion, a failure to understand that Hezekiah did this in obedience to God.

·        In v10 the commander rightfully points that he and his army have been on a mission given them by Israel’s God.  It’s true.  Assyria was God’s instrument of judgment on His idolatrous people.

·        The Rabshakeh’s problem comes when he out-and-out challenges the ability and faithfulness of Israel’s God (v13-20).  He speaks as if the LORD was just another regional or national god, rather than the Creator of heaven and earth.  

The people on the wall kept quiet during all this, as Hezekiah commanded.  But you can imagine for many these words were intimidating and that some might have voted to take the offer of horses and just give up.  But this situation, and similar ones that we face in our lives, are the exact time when we can be sure that God will move to honor His holy Name!  For now I would encourage you to answer the question about confidence.  What is your hope for a bright tomorrow?  Your money?  Your friends?  Your personality?  Or the true God?