Who Was Rabshakeh in the Bible?
Historical Context of Rabshakeh
Rabshakeh, a prominent figure in the Bible, appears during the time of the Divided Monarchy. Specifically, he is mentioned in the books of 2 Kings and Isaiah as a high-ranking Assyrian official under King Sennacherib. His interactions with King Hezekiah of Judah highlight a pivotal moment in biblical history, illustrating the conflict between the Assyrian Empire and the kingdom of Judah. The term “Rabshakeh” (רַבְשָׁקֵה) is likely a title meaning “chief cupbearer” or “field commander,” rather than a personal name.
Rabshakeh’s Role in the Siege of Jerusalem
The Assyrian Threat
Rabshakeh first appears in 2 Kings 18:17, where he is sent by King Sennacherib to negotiate the surrender of Jerusalem. The verse states:
“The king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh from Lachish with a great army against Jerusalem, to King Hezekiah. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. When they had come up, they went and stood by the aqueduct from the upper pool, which was on the highway to the Fuller’s Field.”
Rabshakeh’s mission was to intimidate and demoralize the people of Judah, urging them to surrender without a fight. His speeches, recorded in both 2 Kings 18 and Isaiah 36, are filled with arrogance and blasphemy, as he mocks the God of Israel and the faith of the people.
Rabshakeh’s Speech
In 2 Kings 18:19-25 and Isaiah 36:4-10, Rabshakeh addresses the people of Jerusalem, questioning their reliance on Egypt for military support and mocking their trust in God. He says:
“Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: ‘What confidence is this in which you trust? You speak of having plans and power for war; but they are mere words. And in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me?'” (2 Kings 18:19-20).
Rabshakeh’s strategy was psychological warfare, aiming to break the spirit of the people by undermining their faith and trust in Hezekiah and their God.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Rabshakeh’s attempts to intimidate and demoralize the people of Judah serve as a powerful lesson for modern Christians. Despite facing a seemingly insurmountable threat, King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem chose to place their trust in God. In 2 Kings 19:14-19, Hezekiah goes to the temple and prays to the Lord, seeking divine intervention. This act of faith is a reminder to Christians today that no matter how daunting the challenges we face, we must trust in God’s sovereignty and power.
The Power of Prayer
Hezekiah’s prayer in response to Rabshakeh’s threats exemplifies the importance of turning to God in times of crisis. In his prayer, Hezekiah acknowledges God’s supreme authority over all nations and seeks His deliverance. This highlights the necessity of prayer in the life of a believer, especially when confronted with fear and uncertainty. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to present their requests to God through prayer, promising peace that surpasses all understanding.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Protection and Deliverance
Rabshakeh’s story demonstrates God’s protective and delivering power. Despite Rabshakeh’s boasts and the formidable Assyrian army, God intervenes on behalf of His people. In 2 Kings 19:35, we read of the miraculous deliverance:
“And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the Lord went out and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses—all dead.”
This act of divine intervention shows God’s commitment to protecting His people and His ability to deliver them from their enemies. It reassures Christians that God’s love includes His willingness to intervene in their lives in powerful and miraculous ways.
Assurance of God’s Promises
Rabshakeh’s story reinforces the certainty of God’s promises. Despite the threats and intimidation, God’s word through the prophet Isaiah assured Hezekiah of Judah’s deliverance. Isaiah 37:6-7 records God’s message to Hezekiah:
“Do not be afraid of the words which you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Surely I will send a spirit upon him, and he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.”
This promise was fulfilled, showcasing God’s faithfulness and the reliability of His word. For modern Christians, this highlights the importance of holding onto God’s promises in the face of adversity.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Christ as the Ultimate Deliverer
The deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat under Rabshakeh’s command foreshadows the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Just as God saved Jerusalem from physical destruction, Jesus delivers humanity from spiritual destruction. John 3:16 affirms this ultimate act of love and deliverance:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Jesus’ Victory Over Intimidation
Rabshakeh’s story also parallels the way Jesus faced and overcame intimidation and opposition. Throughout His ministry, Jesus encountered threats and opposition from religious leaders and political authorities. Yet, He remained steadfast in His mission, ultimately triumphing over sin and death through His resurrection. This victory empowers Christians to stand firm in their faith, knowing that through Christ, they too can overcome any opposition.
Conclusion
Rabshakeh, as an Assyrian official, represents the arrogance and intimidation of human rulers in contrast to the sovereignty and faithfulness of God. His story during the siege of Jerusalem serves as a powerful reminder for modern Christians to trust in God’s sovereignty, rely on the power of prayer, and hold fast to His promises. Ultimately, the story of Rabshakeh points to the greater deliverance found in Jesus Christ, who offers eternal victory over sin and death.