2 Chronicles 32:18

KJV

Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that [were] on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then they cried {H7121} with a loud {H1419} voice {H6963} in the Jews' speech {H3066} unto the people {H5971} of Jerusalem {H3389} that were on the wall {H2346}, to affright {H3372} them, and to trouble {H926} them; that they might take {H3920} the city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They were shouting loudly in the language of the Judeans to the people of Yerushalayim who were on the wall in order to terrify them and make them fearful, so that they could capture the city.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Assyrians called out loudly in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them in order to capture the city.

American Standard Version

And they cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ language unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 32:18 captures a pivotal moment during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, where King Sennacherib's officials employed a calculated psychological assault. By shouting threats and blasphemies in the Hebrew language directly to the people on the city walls, their intent was not merely to convey terms of surrender, but to induce terror, sow confusion, and ultimately break the will of the defenders, thereby achieving the city's capitulation without a direct, costly military engagement. This verse highlights the enemy's strategic use of fear as a weapon against a people encouraged by their king to trust in the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King Hezekiah's reign, specifically detailing the Assyrian invasion of Judah under Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:1-23). Prior to this, Hezekiah had taken proactive measures to fortify Jerusalem and secure its water supply, but crucially, he had also rallied his people, reminding them of God's presence and power, declaring, "with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles" ([2 Chronicles 32:8](/2_chronicles/32-8 "2 Chronicles 32:8 - Hezekiah's Encouragement")). The immediate preceding verses (2 Chronicles 32:9-17) describe Sennacherib's initial attempts at intimidation through letters, filled with taunts and blasphemies against Judah's God. Verse 18 then escalates this psychological warfare, describing the *oral* delivery of these threats directly to the populace, designed to bypass Hezekiah's officials and directly undermine the people's faith and resolve. This intense moment of human desperation and divine challenge sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention and deliverance in [2 Chronicles 32:20-21](/2_chronicles/32-20 "2 Chronicles 32:20-21 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Chronicles 32 unfold during the late 8th century BC, a period dominated by the formidable Neo-Assyrian Empire. King Sennacherib's campaign against Judah in 701 BC was a significant historical event, well-documented in both biblical and Assyrian records. Assyrian military strategy was renowned for its brutality and psychological tactics, often aiming to demoralize enemies into surrender before a full-scale assault. This involved public displays of cruelty, deportation, and, as seen here, sophisticated propaganda. The use of "the Jews' speech" (Hebrew) was a deliberate and culturally astute move. While Aramaic was becoming the lingua franca of the ancient Near East for diplomatic communication, speaking in the local vernacular ensured that the threats were immediately understood by the common people on the wall, maximizing their terrifying effect and fostering internal dissent. The Rabshakeh, a high-ranking Assyrian official, was a master of such psychological operations, designed to exploit fear and doubt.
* **Key Themes:** Several profound themes emerge from this verse and its broader context. **Psychological Warfare** is paramount, illustrating the enemy's intent to break morale and sow fear as a primary means of conquest, rather than solely relying on military might. This tactic directly challenges the theme of **Trust Versus Fear**, as the Assyrians sought to instill despair, directly opposing Hezekiah's call for the people to place their confidence in God. The verse also underscores **The Power of Words**, demonstrating how words, whether used for blasphemy and intimidation by the Assyrians or for encouragement and faith by Hezekiah, can be potent forces in spiritual and physical battles. Ultimately, the narrative highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, as God's intervention (as seen in [2 Chronicles 32:21](/2_chronicles/32-21 "2 Chronicles 32:21 - The Lord Destroys the Assyrian Army")) demonstrates His ultimate control over human affairs and His faithfulness to those who trust Him, even when faced with overwhelming human arrogance and power, as exemplified by Sennacherib's defiance of Yahweh (cf. [Isaiah 36:18-20](/isaiah/36-18 "Isaiah 36:18-20 - Rabshakeh's Challenge to God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"loud voice" (Hebrew, _qôl gādôl'_):** This phrase emphasizes the public, overwhelming, and unmistakable nature of the Assyrian taunts. It was not a whispered threat but a shouted proclamation, designed to be heard by every person on the wall, creating an atmosphere of terror and helplessness. The volume itself was part of the intimidation.
* **"Jews' speech" (Hebrew, _yəhûḏîṯ'_):** This refers specifically to the Hebrew language, the native tongue of the people of Judah. The detail is crucial, highlighting the Assyrians' deliberate strategy to bypass any potential translation or softening of their message by Hezekiah's officials. They aimed for direct, unmediated communication with the common populace, intending to sow panic and division from within.
* **"affright" (Hebrew, _ḥāṯaṯ'_):** This verb means "to be broken," "to be dismayed," or "to be terrified." It speaks to the psychological impact the Assyrians sought to achieve – to shatter the morale and courage of the defenders, causing them to lose heart and become utterly fearful.
* **"trouble" (Hebrew, _bāhal'_):** This word conveys the idea of being "alarmed," "dismayed," or "thrown into confusion." It suggests a state of agitation and disarray, where clear thinking and unified action become difficult. The Assyrians desired to create internal chaos and panic, making resistance impossible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech":** This clause identifies the agents of the psychological attack (Sennacherib's officials, particularly the Rabshakeh) and their method. The "loud voice" signifies the public and overwhelming nature of their taunts, while "in the Jews' speech" indicates a deliberate tactical choice to communicate directly and effectively with the common people of Jerusalem in their native tongue.
* **"unto the people of Jerusalem that [were] on the wall":** This specifies the direct target of the Assyrian intimidation. By addressing the people on the wall, the Assyrians bypassed King Hezekiah and his advisors, aiming to create fear and dissent among the populace, hoping they would pressure their leaders to surrender.
* **"to affright them, and to trouble them":** This articulates the immediate psychological objectives of the Assyrian strategy. "Affright" speaks to instilling deep terror and breaking their spirit, while "trouble" refers to causing confusion, disarray, and panic. These were calculated efforts to demoralize the defenders.
* **"that they might take the city":** This reveals the ultimate strategic goal behind the psychological warfare. The Assyrians hoped that by terrifying and confusing the people, they could achieve the surrender of Jerusalem without having to engage in a costly and protracted physical assault, thus saving resources and lives.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in 2 Chronicles 32:18 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the intensity of the moment. **Psychological Warfare** is the overarching strategy depicted, where the Assyrians' loud, direct, and native-tongue address aims to achieve victory through demoralization rather than direct combat. This is reinforced by **Direct Address**, as the enemy speaks directly to the common people, bypassing the usual diplomatic channels, thereby creating a sense of immediacy and personal threat. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, implicitly setting the Assyrians' fear-mongering tactics against Hezekiah's earlier words of encouragement and trust in God, highlighting the spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of Jerusalem's inhabitants. Furthermore, the scene serves as **Foreshadowing**, as the Assyrians' ultimate failure to take the city through these means foreshadows God's miraculous intervention, demonstrating that divine power will ultimately triumph over human arrogance and intimidation. The vivid description of the "loud voice" and the specific target "on the wall" also employs **Sensory Language**, drawing the reader into the scene of terror and tension.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the spiritual battle against fear and the importance of discerning the voices that seek to undermine faith. The Assyrians' strategy was not merely military; it was a spiritual assault, designed to make the people doubt God's power and presence. In essence, it was a test of faith for Jerusalem. The narrative teaches that true security and deliverance come not from human strength or the absence of threats, but from unwavering trust in God's sovereign power and His commitment to His people. When faced with overwhelming odds and intimidating voices, the believer's response should be to cling to God's promises, knowing that He fights on behalf of His own. This episode serves as a timeless reminder that God is greater than any earthly power or psychological tactic.

* [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation")
* [Isaiah 36:13-20](/isaiah/36-13 "Isaiah 36:13-20 - Rabshakeh's Taunts Against Jerusalem and God")
* [Deuteronomy 20:3-4](/deuteronomy/20-3 "Deuteronomy 20:3-4 - God Fights for Israel in Battle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene depicted in 2 Chronicles 32:18 resonates deeply with the challenges believers face today. We, too, often encounter "loud voices" that seek to "affright" and "trouble" us – voices of doubt, fear, anxiety, criticism, or overwhelming circumstances. These can come from within, from societal pressures, or from spiritual adversaries. Like the people of Jerusalem, we are called to discern these voices, to recognize their true intent (to paralyze us with fear and prevent us from moving forward in faith), and to resist succumbing to panic. This verse encourages us to remember where our true strength and help come from: not from our own resilience, but from the Lord our God, who is with us to fight our battles. Our application involves actively choosing to stand firm in faith, to anchor ourselves in God's promises, and to refuse to allow intimidation to dictate our actions or beliefs. It's a call to spiritual courage, trusting that even when the enemy's tactics are designed to demoralize and defeat, God's protection and provision are steadfast.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "loud voices" in your life seek to "affright" or "trouble" you today, and how do you tend to respond to them?**
* **How does the Assyrian strategy of psychological warfare parallel tactics used against believers in the modern world (e.g., media, social pressures, spiritual attacks)?**
* **In what ways can we, like Hezekiah, encourage ourselves and others to trust in God's presence and power when facing overwhelming odds or intimidating circumstances?**
* **What specific promises of God can you cling to when the enemy attempts to sow fear and confusion in your heart?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Assyrians speak in "the Jews' speech" (Hebrew) rather than Aramaic or Assyrian?**

Answer: The Assyrians' choice to speak in "the Jews' speech" (Hebrew) was a deliberate and shrewd tactical decision, demonstrating their understanding of psychological warfare. While Aramaic was increasingly used for international diplomacy and communication across the ancient Near East, speaking in Hebrew ensured that their threats and blasphemies were immediately and directly understood by the common people on the wall of Jerusalem, bypassing any potential translation or softening of the message by Hezekiah's officials. This direct address was designed to maximize the psychological impact, sow panic, create internal division, and ultimately break the morale of the populace, hoping to force a surrender without the need for a costly and difficult physical assault on the fortified city. It was a direct appeal to the fears of the ordinary citizens.

**What was the ultimate outcome of this psychological warfare against Jerusalem?**

Answer: Despite the Assyrians' sophisticated psychological tactics and their attempts to "affright" and "trouble" the people, their efforts ultimately failed. The people of Jerusalem, encouraged by King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, remained steadfast in their trust in the Lord. As recorded in [2 Chronicles 32:20-21](/2_chronicles/32-20 "2 Chronicles 32:20-21 - God's Miraculous Deliverance"), Hezekiah and Isaiah prayed, and the Lord intervened miraculously. That very night, an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw in shame and return to Nineveh, where he was later assassinated. This outcome powerfully demonstrated God's sovereignty over human arrogance and His faithfulness to protect those who trust in Him, proving that no human power or psychological tactic can prevail against the Lord of Hosts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Assyrian attempt to "affright" and "trouble" Jerusalem through a "loud voice" in "the Jews' speech" foreshadows the spiritual warfare believers face, ultimately pointing to the triumph of Christ. Just as Jerusalem faced an enemy seeking to conquer by fear, humanity was held captive by the "loud voice" of sin, death, and the devil, which constantly accused and intimidated. Jesus Christ, however, is the ultimate King who stood firm against every form of psychological and spiritual assault. He faced the temptations of Satan in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness")), the accusations of religious leaders, and the roar of the crowd demanding His crucifixion ([Luke 23:21](/luke/23-21 "Luke 23:21 - Crucify Him!")). Yet, through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross, He disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His resurrection is the definitive silencing of all voices of fear and condemnation, proclaiming victory over death itself ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). For believers, Christ's victory means that we are no longer subject to the "affrighting" and "troubling" voices of the enemy, for "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) has already won the decisive battle, empowering us to stand firm in faith through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:37-39](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37-39 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 17:10

And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

Nehemiah 6:9

For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, [O God], strengthen my hands.

Isaiah 36:13

Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.

2 Kings 18:26

Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand [it]: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that [are] on the wall.

2 Kings 18:28

Then Rabshakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and spake, saying, Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria:

1 Samuel 17:26

And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who [is] this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?