Overview

Isaiah 36 records a critical historical event in Judah’s history when the powerful Assyrian army, led by King Sennacherib, besieged Jerusalem. The chapter details how Sennacherib’s chief commander, the field commander (Rabshakeh), delivered a message of intimidation to King Hezekiah and the people of Judah. The Assyrians sought to undermine their confidence in God by mocking their faith and urging them to surrender. The chapter presents a stark contrast between human arrogance and divine sovereignty. The Assyrians, filled with pride and military strength, believed no god could save Jerusalem from their might. However, the passage sets the stage for God’s intervention, emphasizing that true security comes from trusting in the Lord, not in human alliances or military power.

This chapter is significant because it illustrates a common spiritual battle: the temptation to doubt God when faced with overwhelming circumstances. The enemy seeks to instill fear and convince God’s people that He is unable or unwilling to save them. Yet, Isaiah 36 is a reminder that faith must remain steadfast even in the face of opposition. The theological significance of this passage underscores God’s sovereignty, the power of prayer, and the importance of unwavering trust in His promises.

Historical and Literary Context

Isaiah 36 takes place during the reign of King Hezekiah, one of the last righteous kings of Judah. The historical background is critical to understanding this passage. In 701 B.C., the Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, launched a military campaign against Judah after having already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and many other nations. The Assyrian army had a reputation for cruelty and military dominance, making them one of the most feared forces of their time.

The Assyrian invasion was part of a larger historical conflict where Judah was caught between the powerful empires of Assyria and Egypt. King Hezekiah had initially sought an alliance with Egypt for protection, but the Assyrians saw this as rebellion and responded with military aggression. The events recorded in Isaiah 36 are also documented in 2 Kings 18 and 2 Chronicles 32, giving a fuller picture of the crisis.

Literarily, Isaiah 36 marks a transition from Isaiah’s earlier prophecies to a historical narrative. The chapter is written as a historical account, breaking from the poetic and prophetic style of the preceding chapters. The direct speech of the Assyrian field commander reveals the tactics of intimidation and psychological warfare that are often used against God’s people. His speech is full of half-truths, deceit, and blasphemy, all intended to weaken the resolve of the people of Judah.

This chapter serves as a prelude to the miraculous deliverance that follows in Isaiah 37, where God decisively demonstrates His power over Assyria. The literary structure builds tension, presenting the Assyrian threat in full force before shifting to divine intervention. The contrast between human arrogance and God’s authority is a key literary and theological theme throughout this passage.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

The sovereignty of God is the dominant theme in Isaiah 36. The Assyrians believed their military strength made them unstoppable, but they did not account for the power of the true and living God. This chapter sets up the theological truth that no earthly kingdom, no matter how powerful, can stand against the purposes of God. Even the mightiest rulers are subject to His authority, reinforcing passages such as Daniel 2:21, which declares that God “deposes kings and raises up others.”

The power of faith and trust in God is another critical theme. The people of Judah were faced with a choice: believe the words of their enemy or trust in the promises of God. The field commander mocked their reliance on God, asking in Isaiah 36:7, “But if you say to me, ‘We are depending on the Lord our God’—isn’t he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah removed?” His argument twisted the truth, misrepresenting Hezekiah’s reforms as an offense to God rather than an act of obedience. This reveals how the enemy often distorts God’s truth to shake believers’ faith.

The nature of spiritual warfare is another doctrinal point emphasized in this chapter. The tactics used by the Assyrian commander—fear, lies, and discouragement—mirror how Satan works against believers today. He seeks to instill doubt, convince God’s people that He is powerless, and persuade them to rely on worldly solutions instead of trusting in the Lord. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that they are in a spiritual battle, not against flesh and blood, but against the forces of darkness.

The futility of trusting in human alliances is also highlighted. The Assyrians mock Judah’s reliance on Egypt, calling Pharaoh a “splintered reed of a staff” in Isaiah 36:6. This rebuke actually aligns with Isaiah’s previous warnings that trusting in Egypt would lead to disaster. Judah’s real hope was not in military alliances but in God. This reinforces the biblical principle found in Psalm 20:7, which states, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

The importance of silence and waiting on God is another key theme. When the Assyrian commander finished his speech, Hezekiah’s officials remained silent, following his instructions in Isaiah 36:21, “But the people remained silent and said nothing in reply, because the king had commanded, ‘Do not answer him.’” This demonstrated obedience and wisdom. Instead of reacting in fear or arguing with the enemy, they took their concerns directly to Hezekiah, who in turn sought the Lord. This reflects the principle of Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Isaiah 36 ultimately sets the stage for God’s divine intervention. The threats of Assyria are real, but they are not greater than the power of God. This chapter teaches that believers must not be intimidated by opposition, no matter how overwhelming it seems. Instead, they are to trust in God’s power, remain steadfast in faith, and bring their concerns to Him. This passage is a reminder that the battle is the Lord’s, and He alone determines the outcome.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Isaiah 36:1

“In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them.”

This verse sets the historical context for the chapter. Sennacherib, the powerful king of Assyria, had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and many surrounding nations. He had also captured the fortified cities of Judah, leaving only Jerusalem standing. This verse highlights the serious threat facing Judah and King Hezekiah.

• Doctrinal Insight: This passage reinforces the biblical theme that God’s people often face trials and opposition, but He remains in control. In John 16:33, Jesus reminds His followers that they will have trouble in this world, but they should take heart because He has overcome the world.
• Application: Christians must be prepared for seasons of testing and opposition. Just as Judah faced a seemingly invincible enemy, believers may encounter trials that appear overwhelming. However, faith in God provides strength and deliverance.

Isaiah 36:2-3

“Then the king of Assyria sent his field commander with a large army from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. When the commander stopped at the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field, Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder went out to him.”

The Assyrian king sent his field commander (Rabshakeh) to deliver an intimidating message to Hezekiah’s officials. The location of this meeting, the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, is significant because it was the same place where Isaiah had met Hezekiah’s father, Ahaz, to warn him about trusting foreign alliances (Isaiah 7:3). This setting serves as a reminder that Judah was once again at a crossroads—would they trust in God or seek human solutions?

• Doctrinal Insight: The repetition of locations in Scripture emphasizes that God continually gives His people opportunities to trust Him. This reflects how God repeatedly calls believers to depend on Him rather than worldly strength.
• Application: When faced with crises, believers should reflect on past lessons and choose to trust God rather than repeating past mistakes.

Isaiah 36:4-7

“The field commander said to them, ‘Tell Hezekiah: This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: On what are you basing this confidence of yours?'”

The field commander begins his speech by questioning Judah’s confidence. He mocks Hezekiah’s trust in both Egypt and God, attempting to undermine the people’s faith. In verse 7, he even distorts the truth about Hezekiah’s religious reforms, suggesting that removing the high places dishonored God rather than restored true worship.

• Doctrinal Insight: The enemy often uses half-truths and fear to shake believers’ faith. Satan used similar tactics in the Garden of Eden when he asked, “Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1). The Assyrian commander’s strategy is a classic example of spiritual warfare, where the enemy distorts truth to create doubt.
• Application: Christians must be discerning and stand firm against deception. When doubts arise, they should return to the truth of God’s Word and refuse to be swayed by fear or manipulation.

Isaiah 36:8-10

“Come now, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them! How then can you repulse one officer of the least of my master’s officials?”

The field commander mocks Judah’s weakness by offering them horses, knowing they lack the military strength to fight back. In verse 10, he goes further, claiming that the Lord Himself sent Assyria to attack Judah. This statement was a mix of truth and deception—while God did allow Assyria to rise as a dominant force (Isaiah 10:5-6), He did not command them to destroy Jerusalem.

• Doctrinal Insight: This passage highlights the danger of misinterpreting God’s actions. Many times, people assume hardship means abandonment, but Scripture teaches that trials often serve a greater purpose (Romans 8:28). The Assyrian commander’s claim was a distortion of God’s sovereign plan.
• Application: Believers must seek wisdom when interpreting circumstances. Not every difficulty means God is against them. Instead of listening to the enemy’s lies, they should trust in God’s faithfulness.

Isaiah 36:11-12 

“Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the field commander, ‘Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Don’t speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.’”

Hezekiah’s officials asked the Assyrian commander to speak in Aramaic, the language of diplomacy, so that the common people wouldn’t hear and panic. However, the commander deliberately continued in Hebrew to spread fear and discourage the people.

• Doctrinal Insight: Fear is one of Satan’s greatest weapons. He seeks to plant doubt and discouragement among God’s people, just as the Assyrian commander did. But God calls His people to faith, not fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
• Application: Christians must guard against fear-driven decisions. When faced with intimidation, they should choose faith over fear and stand firm in God’s promises.

Isaiah 36:13-20 

“Who of all the gods of these countries has been able to save their lands from me? How then can the Lord deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”

The commander openly mocks God, comparing Him to the powerless idols of other nations. This blasphemy sets the stage for God’s dramatic response in the next chapter. The Assyrian’s arrogance represents the pride that leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18).

• Doctrinal Insight: This passage foreshadows other biblical moments where enemies mock God and face judgment. Similar arrogance was seen in Pharaoh before the Exodus (Exodus 5:2) and in Goliath before David’s victory (1 Samuel 17:45-47). God ultimately defends His name and His people.
• Application: When faced with opposition to their faith, believers must not be discouraged. The world may mock God, but He remains sovereign and in control.

Isaiah 36:21-22 

“But the people remained silent and said nothing in reply, because the king had commanded, ‘Do not answer him.’ Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder went to Hezekiah, with their clothes torn, and told him what the field commander had said.”

Hezekiah wisely instructed the people to remain silent rather than engage in debate. The officials tore their clothes in grief, recognizing the seriousness of the situation, and took the matter to the king. This sets up the events of Isaiah 37, where Hezekiah turns to God in prayer.

• Doctrinal Insight: Silence in the face of provocation can be an act of wisdom. Jesus Himself remained silent before His accusers (Matthew 26:62-63). Hezekiah’s decision to take the matter to God rather than react in fear illustrates the biblical principle of seeking God first (Matthew 6:33).
• Application: Believers must learn when to remain silent and when to speak. Not every attack requires a response. Instead of reacting in fear or anger, they should take their concerns to God in prayer and trust Him to act.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Isaiah 36 foreshadows the ultimate battle between faith and fear, a theme that finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Assyrian field commander sought to undermine Judah’s trust in God, just as Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness by questioning God’s faithfulness and power. Jesus, like Hezekiah, refused to be shaken by the enemy’s lies and stood firm in the truth of God’s Word. This passage reminds believers that Christ, as the ultimate King, did not fall to the enemy’s intimidation but overcame every temptation and attack through His perfect trust in the Father.

The siege of Jerusalem mirrors the greater spiritual battle for humanity. The Assyrian commander claimed that no god had saved other nations, so Judah’s God would also fail. This arrogance represents the world’s rejection of Christ, as seen in the mockery He faced before His crucifixion. Just as Hezekiah refused to submit to Assyrian threats, Jesus did not submit to the pressures of the religious leaders or the Roman authorities, choosing instead to fulfill God’s redemptive plan through the cross.

The silence of Hezekiah’s officials when confronted by the enemy echoes the silence of Jesus before His accusers. Jesus, like the people of Judah, did not respond to provocation but entrusted Himself to God’s justice. His ultimate victory over sin and death parallels how God would later deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrians. Just as God proved His power by saving Judah, Christ demonstrated His ultimate authority by rising from the grave, securing the eternal deliverance of His people.

The broader redemptive story reflected in Isaiah 36 is that, though the enemy boasts of victory, God alone has the final say. The threats of the world, sin, and Satan cannot stand against the power of Christ. He is the true King who leads His people through every trial, ensuring that those who trust in Him will never be put to shame.

Connection to the Father

Isaiah 36 reveals the Father’s sovereignty over the nations, showing that even the most powerful earthly rulers are subject to His authority. The Assyrians believed their strength was unmatched, but they failed to recognize that their victories were permitted by God’s hand. The Father is the one who raises and brings down nations, demonstrating His ultimate control over history. This aligns with the biblical truth that no kingdom or ruler can stand against God’s divine plan.

The Father’s faithfulness is evident in how He allows His people to be tested but never abandons them. The siege of Jerusalem was a moment of crisis, yet it was also an opportunity for Judah to trust in the Lord rather than human strength. The Father often allows trials to refine His people, drawing them closer to Him. This principle is seen throughout Scripture, as God repeatedly calls His people to trust Him fully rather than relying on worldly security.

The Father’s protection is emphasized in how Hezekiah instructed the people to remain silent. This reflects how God fights for His people when they place their trust in Him. He is not a distant deity but an involved Father who defends His children. His role as a refuge and fortress is echoed in Psalm 46:1, where He is described as “an ever-present help in trouble.” The events of Isaiah 36 set the stage for the Father’s miraculous intervention in the next chapter, where He will deliver Judah from the Assyrian threat, proving His power and faithfulness.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 36 highlights the spiritual battle that takes place when the enemy tries to instill fear and doubt in God’s people. The Holy Spirit is the one who strengthens believers to stand firm in faith, guiding them in truth when faced with deception. Just as Judah needed discernment to recognize the lies of the Assyrian commander, believers today need the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to recognize and resist the enemy’s attacks. The Spirit gives clarity, reminding God’s people of His promises and empowering them to stand on His Word.

The silence of the people in response to the enemy’s threats reflects the Spirit’s work in producing self-control and wisdom. Rather than reacting in fear or engaging in futile arguments, they obeyed Hezekiah’s command to remain silent, a lesson in patience and trust. This mirrors how the Holy Spirit teaches believers to respond to trials—not with panic or self-reliance but with quiet confidence in God’s power.

The role of the Spirit in Isaiah 36 also points to how He intercedes for believers in times of crisis. Romans 8:26-27 describes how the Spirit prays on behalf of God’s people when they do not know what to pray. While Judah faced an overwhelming enemy, the Spirit today strengthens believers in their battles, providing peace and assurance that God is in control. The passage serves as a reminder that in moments of fear and uncertainty, the Spirit is present, guiding and comforting God’s people as they wait on His deliverance.

Connection to God’s Love

Isaiah 36 reveals God’s love through His faithfulness and care for His people. Though they were surrounded by enemies and faced an overwhelming threat, God did not abandon them. His love is seen in how He allows trials but also provides a way of deliverance. Even when His people are taunted, mocked, and tempted to despair, He remains their protector and provider.

The fact that Judah was not immediately destroyed, despite their past failures, speaks to God’s patience and mercy. His love is not conditional on their perfection but is based on His covenant promises. Though the Assyrians mocked Judah for trusting in God, His love would soon be demonstrated in His miraculous deliverance. This foreshadows how God’s love is ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ, who endured mockery and rejection but secured salvation for His people.

God’s love is also evident in His call to faith. Hezekiah’s response to the crisis—choosing to trust in the Lord rather than surrendering—demonstrates that God desires His people to rely fully on Him. His love does not remove all trials but gives His people the strength to endure them, knowing He is always working for their good. This is the same love that Jesus speaks of in John 16:33, where He assures His followers that they will have trouble in the world but can take heart because He has overcome it.

Isaiah 36 is ultimately a testimony to God’s unwavering love and commitment to His people. Even when the world seeks to intimidate and destroy, God’s love stands as a shield, ensuring that those who trust in Him will never be forsaken. His love is greater than any earthly power, and His protection is secure for those who remain faithful to Him.

Sermon Outline and Flow: 

Title: “Trusting God in the Face of Intimidation”

Introduction

Begin by acknowledging that everyone faces moments when fear, doubt, and opposition seem overwhelming. Whether it’s a financial crisis, a health struggle, or pressure from the world to compromise faith, believers often encounter situations that test their trust in God. Isaiah 36 presents such a moment in Judah’s history when the mighty Assyrian army besieged Jerusalem, taunting the people and mocking their faith in God.

Introduce the central question: When we face intimidation and trials, where do we place our trust? This chapter teaches that while the enemy seeks to instill fear, God calls us to remain steadfast, trusting in His power rather than human strength.

I. The Enemy’s Tactics: Fear and Deception

Explain how the Assyrian field commander sought to shake Judah’s confidence by using intimidation, half-truths, and psychological warfare. He mocked their trust in God and tried to convince them that their situation was hopeless. He also misrepresented Hezekiah’s religious reforms, suggesting that removing the high places dishonored God rather than restoring true worship.

• Illustration: Compare this to how the world today tries to undermine faith. News headlines, social media, and popular culture often suggest that trusting in God is foolish. Just as the Assyrians ridiculed Judah, the world ridicules biblical values, pressuring believers to conform.
• Application: Christians must recognize that Satan operates in the same way today—through lies, fear, and discouragement. The best defense is knowing God’s truth, just as Jesus used Scripture to counter Satan’s temptations in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). When facing doubts, believers should turn to God’s Word rather than the voices of the world.
• Transition: While the enemy seeks to instill fear, God calls us to stand firm in faith.

II. The Temptation to Compromise: The World’s False Promises (Isaiah 36:11-17)

Describe how the Assyrian commander offered a deceptive alternative to trusting God. He claimed that surrendering to Assyria would bring peace and security, promising that they would “eat their own vine and fig tree.” This was a lie designed to lure Judah into abandoning their faith.

• Illustration: Use the analogy of a counterfeit. Counterfeit money looks real but has no true value. In the same way, the world offers “security” apart from God—wealth, success, or approval—but these things cannot provide real peace. True security is found only in trusting God.
• Application: When faced with pressure to compromise—whether in the workplace, relationships, or personal integrity—believers must remember that the world’s promises are empty. Faithfulness to God, even in difficulty, leads to true peace and eternal security.
• Transition: The Assyrians offered what seemed like an easy way out, but Hezekiah and his people knew that surrendering to the enemy meant forsaking God. Their response teaches us an important lesson.

III. The Power of Silence: Trusting God Instead of Reacting in Fear (Isaiah 36:18-21)

Highlight how the people of Judah obeyed Hezekiah’s command to remain silent in the face of the enemy’s mockery. They did not argue, defend themselves, or panic—they waited on God.

• Illustration: Compare this to Jesus before His accusers. When mocked and falsely accused, He remained silent, trusting in the Father’s justice (Matthew 26:62-63). Sometimes, faith is best demonstrated not through argument but through quiet confidence in God.
• Application: When facing opposition, criticism, or pressure, believers should resist the urge to react impulsively. Instead of engaging in arguments or being driven by fear, they should take their concerns to God, trusting Him to fight their battles. This applies to dealing with workplace conflicts, cultural pressure, or personal struggles—silence before the enemy and prayer before God is a powerful response.
• Transition: What do we do when faced with overwhelming pressure? The next step is critical—taking the problem directly to God.

IV. Bringing the Battle to God: Seeking Him in Times of Crisis (Isaiah 36:22)

Explain that after hearing the enemy’s threats, Hezekiah’s officials went to the king, and Hezekiah, in turn, sought the Lord. This moment sets the stage for Isaiah 37, where Hezekiah takes the matter directly to God in prayer.

• Illustration: Share a personal testimony or biblical example of someone who turned to God in a desperate moment and experienced His deliverance. For instance, Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 faced a vast army, but instead of panicking, he prayed, and God delivered Judah without them having to fight.
• Application: In times of crisis, the first response should be prayer, not panic. When facing fear, uncertainty, or opposition, believers must take their concerns directly to God rather than trying to solve things in their own strength. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us that prayer brings peace beyond understanding.
• Transition: The story of Isaiah 36 does not end in defeat—God was preparing to act. This teaches us that faithfulness in times of testing brings ultimate victory.

Conclusion: A Call to Trust in God Alone

Summarize the key lessons from Isaiah 36:

• The enemy will always try to undermine faith through fear, deception, and intimidation.
• The world offers false promises of security, but only God provides real peace.
• Sometimes, the best response to opposition is silence and steadfast trust.
• When faced with trials, taking the problem to God in prayer is the key to victory.

Call the congregation to examine their own faith:

• Are there areas where fear is overpowering trust in God?
• Are they being tempted to compromise their faith for worldly security?
• How can they learn to remain silent before the enemy and bring their battles to God?

Close with a prayer of commitment, asking God to strengthen faith, provide wisdom in trials, and lead His people to trust Him completely.

Illustrations and Examples

1. A Storm and an Anchor

A ship in a storm is tossed by the waves, but if it has a strong anchor, it remains steady. Trusting in God is like being anchored in the storm—no matter how fierce the winds of opposition, faith keeps us secure.

2. A Child Trusting a Parent

A small child, when afraid, instinctively runs to their father for protection. Judah had to learn to do the same—rather than turning to Egypt or human strength, they needed to turn to God, just as believers today must trust in Him as their refuge.

3. The Power of Silence in Battle

During World War II, soldiers were sometimes ordered to remain silent while waiting for the right moment to act. Speaking too soon could reveal their position to the enemy. Spiritually, there are times when silence is a strategy of faith—trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see the outcome.

Application for Today’s Christian

Isaiah 36 teaches that believers must recognize spiritual battles for what they are—attempts by the enemy to shake their trust in God. When confronted with doubt, intimidation, or deception, they should hold onto the truth of God’s Word rather than reacting in fear.

This passage encourages Christians to resist worldly compromises. The enemy always offers a shortcut—an easier path that avoids dependence on God—but such choices lead to spiritual defeat. Instead, believers must stand firm in faith, even when obedience seems difficult.

Prayer must be the first response in every crisis. Hezekiah’s officials did not try to negotiate with the Assyrians or take matters into their own hands; they sought God’s direction. Christians today must develop the same habit, bringing every fear, challenge, and decision to God in prayer before taking action.

Ultimately, Isaiah 36 reminds believers that God is greater than any opposition they may face. No army, no ruler, no circumstance is beyond His power. Trusting in Him, rather than human strength, is the key to victory in every battle.

Reflection Questions

1. What were the key strategies the Assyrian commander used to intimidate Judah? How does this reflect the ways Satan tries to weaken our faith today?
2. Have you ever faced a situation where someone or something tried to shake your confidence in God? How did you respond, and what did you learn from it?
3. What are some common lies the world tells believers to discourage them from trusting in God? How can we counter these lies with Scripture?
4. When the Assyrian commander mocked Judah’s faith, Hezekiah’s officials remained silent. How can we apply this principle in our own spiritual battles? Are there times when silence is the best response?
5. Have you ever been tempted to compromise your faith in order to make things easier? What was the outcome?
6. How can we develop stronger faith so that we remain firm in God’s promises even when faced with fear and intimidation?
7. Instead of reacting immediately, Hezekiah and his officials took the situation to God. How can we apply this principle when facing difficulties in our own lives?