2 Kings 18:28 – “Then the commander stood and called out in Hebrew, ‘Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria!'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the Assyrian field commander, often referred to as the Rabshakeh, addresses the people of Jerusalem directly. He chooses to speak in Hebrew, the language of the people, to ensure that everyone understands his message. By doing so, the commander bypasses Judah’s officials, aiming his words directly at the common people. His intention is to undermine the leadership of King Hezekiah by offering an alternative narrative—that of the “great king” of Assyria. This was a strategic move designed to sow doubt, fear, and confusion among the population, convincing them that resistance was futile and that surrender to Assyria was their only option.
Historical Context
At this point in history, Assyria was the dominant military power in the region, having already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel. King Sennacherib of Assyria had sent his armies to besiege Jerusalem, the capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Hezekiah, the king of Judah, had made the decision to rebel against Assyrian domination, and Jerusalem was now under threat of invasion. The Assyrian field commander was using psychological warfare, attempting to break the will of the people by speaking to them in their own language and presenting Assyria as an unstoppable force. His message was intended to erode trust in Hezekiah’s leadership and in Judah’s ability to withstand the siege.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights the battle between fear and faith. The commander represents the voice of the world, which often speaks loudly and clearly, trying to convince God’s people that their trust in Him is misplaced. He uses fear and intimidation to shake their confidence in both their earthly leader, Hezekiah, and in God. The choice to speak in Hebrew symbolizes how the enemy often tries to get as close as possible to our hearts and minds, using language and tactics that are familiar to us in order to break our faith. However, Scripture consistently teaches that God’s people are called to stand firm in their faith, even when the voices of doubt and fear seem overwhelming.
Literary Analysis
The structure of the verse is simple yet powerful. The commander’s decision to speak in Hebrew is a deliberate attempt to make his message resonate more deeply with the people. By invoking the authority of the “great king” of Assyria, the commander is positioning Sennacherib as a figure of ultimate power and authority, in contrast to Hezekiah and, implicitly, to God. The command “Hear the word” mimics the language of prophetic speech, which would have been familiar to the people of Judah. This adds to the weight of his words, making his message seem authoritative and final. The literary technique here is manipulation through language, using familiar forms to instill fear and submission.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 36:13: This verse provides a parallel account of the same event, where the Assyrian commander speaks in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem, using the same tactics of fear and intimidation.
- Psalm 46:1-3: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” This passage encourages believers to trust in God’s power and protection, even when the world seems overwhelming.
- Isaiah 37:6-7: God, through the prophet Isaiah, reassures Hezekiah that he should not fear the threats of the Assyrian king, for God Himself would defend Judah.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that the world often speaks loudly and convincingly, trying to make us doubt our faith in God. The Assyrian commander’s voice represents the voices we hear in our own lives that question whether trusting in God is worth it. These voices may come in the form of fear, uncertainty, or worldly logic that seems stronger than faith. However, just as the people of Jerusalem were called to stand firm in their trust in God, Christians are called to reject the voices of fear and intimidation. We are encouraged to place our trust in God’s power and promises, knowing that no worldly authority can overrule His plan.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how He cares for His people even in the midst of intimidation and fear. While the Assyrian commander tried to instill fear, God remained faithful to His people. He didn’t abandon them to Assyria’s threats; instead, He intervened on their behalf, as we see later in the story when He delivers Judah from the siege. God’s love is protective and steadfast. Even when the world seems to offer stronger or louder voices, His love is a constant source of strength and security. His desire is for His people to trust in Him, even when the world tries to convince them otherwise.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse foreshadows the way Jesus would later face similar challenges from the world. Just as the Assyrian commander spoke boldly and authoritatively to the people of Judah, trying to shake their faith, Jesus faced opposition from religious and political leaders who questioned His authority. Yet, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission, demonstrating that true power and authority come from God alone. In John 10:27-28, Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” In the face of fear, Christians are reminded to listen to Jesus’ voice above all others, trusting in His promises of eternal life and protection.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are the voices in your life that try to make you doubt your faith or fear the future? How can you turn to God for strength in these moments?
- How does the Assyrian commander’s tactic of speaking in Hebrew reflect the ways the world tries to manipulate or intimidate believers today?
- In what ways can this verse encourage you to stand firm in your trust in God, even when the world seems to offer stronger, louder messages of fear or doubt?
- How does Jesus’ example of standing firm against opposition inspire you to listen to His voice and trust in His promises, even when other voices seem more convincing?