2 Kings 18:19

KJV

And Rabshakeh said unto them, Speak ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence [is] this wherein thou trustest?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Rabshakeh {H7262} said {H559} unto them, Speak {H559} ye now to Hezekiah {H2396}, Thus saith {H559} the great {H1419} king {H4428}, the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}, What confidence {H986} is this wherein thou trustest {H982}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Rav-Shakeh addressed them: "Tell Hizkiyahu: 'Here is what the great king, the king of Ashur, says: "What makes you so confident?

Berean Standard Bible

The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours?

American Standard Version

And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 18:19 captures the pivotal moment when Rabshakeh, the chief general of Sennacherib, King of Assyria, confronts King Hezekiah of Judah. This verse initiates a calculated act of psychological warfare, as Rabshakeh, speaking on behalf of the formidable Assyrian Empire, directly challenges the foundation of Hezekiah's trust and confidence, aiming to undermine Judah's morale and compel their surrender without further military engagement. It sets the stage for a profound theological confrontation between the perceived might of human empires and the ultimate sovereignty of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the narrative of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah, specifically in 2 Kings 18-19. Chapter 18 opens by describing Hezekiah's righteous reign, his reforms, and his rebellion against Assyrian overlordship, which was an act of faith in Yahweh ([2 Kings 18:1-7](/2_kings/18-1 "Hezekiah's Righteous Reign and Rebellion")). Following Judah's refusal to pay tribute, Sennacherib launched a devastating campaign, conquering many fortified cities ([2 Kings 18:13](/2_kings/18-13 "Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah")). Hezekiah initially attempted to appease Sennacherib with a heavy tribute ([2 Kings 18:14-16](/2_kings/18-14 "Hezekiah's Tribute to Sennacherib")), but this failed to halt the Assyrian advance on Jerusalem. Rabshakeh's appearance in verse 17, along with other high-ranking officials, marks the beginning of a direct verbal assault, designed to break Judah's will to resist. The immediate verses following this challenge detail Rabshakeh's extended speech, filled with threats, boasts, and blasphemies against Judah's God, all intended to persuade the people to surrender ([2 Kings 18:20-35](/2_kings/18-20 "Rabshakeh's Speech to Jerusalem")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was dominated by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, a ruthless and highly efficient military power that employed terror tactics and mass deportations to maintain control over its vast territories. Sennacherib's invasion of Judah (c. 701 BCE) was part of Assyria's broader strategy to consolidate its western provinces and suppress any revolts. Jerusalem, though fortified, was a small kingdom compared to the Assyrian juggernaut. The Rabshakeh (Hebrew: רַבְשָׁקֵה, _ravshaqeh_), meaning "chief cupbearer" or "chief officer," was a high-ranking Assyrian official, likely a military commander and diplomat, fluent in Aramaic (the diplomatic language of the time) and Hebrew, allowing him to directly address the people of Jerusalem. His public address was a common Assyrian psychological tactic, aimed at demoralizing the besieged population by highlighting the futility of resistance and the overwhelming power of Assyria, often by disparaging the local deities and leaders.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate the narrative of 2 Kings 18-19. Firstly, it underscores the **clash of kingdoms and worldviews**: the human-centric, militaristic power of Assyria versus the God-centered faith of Judah. Rabshakeh's question directly challenges the concept of **divine trust and sovereignty**, forcing Hezekiah and the people to confront the object and validity of their confidence. It highlights the theme of **psychological warfare** as a potent weapon, demonstrating how fear and doubt can be used to undermine resolve. Furthermore, it sets the stage for the ultimate demonstration of **God's faithfulness and omnipotence**, as the narrative will pivot from human boasting to divine intervention, showcasing that true security is found not in human strength or alliances, but in reliance upon the Lord, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms, such as in [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord") and [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalm/118-8 "Psalm 118:8-9 - It is better to trust in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Confidence (Hebrew, _mivṭāḥ'_):** The Hebrew word מִבְטָח (_mivṭāḥ_), derived from the root בָּטַח (_bāṭaḥ_) meaning "to trust," "to rely upon," or "to be secure," signifies a deep-seated reliance, security, or hope. Rabshakeh's rhetorical question, "What confidence [is] this wherein thou trustest?" is not merely an inquiry about the object of Hezekiah's trust, but a scathing denunciation of its very foundation and validity. He implies that Hezekiah's reliance is baseless, foolish, and will inevitably lead to Judah's destruction. The word encapsulates the theological tension of the passage: Is Hezekiah's trust in Yahweh a legitimate source of security, or is it a delusional hope in the face of overwhelming Assyrian might? The Assyrians, who trusted in their military strength and gods of conquest, could not fathom a trust in an unseen God who did not manifest in conventional military power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Rabshakeh said unto them, Speak ye now to Hezekiah,"**: This opening clause establishes the speaker, Rabshakeh, and his immediate audience—the high-ranking officials sent by Hezekiah to negotiate or receive the Assyrian message. The command "Speak ye now to Hezekiah" indicates that the message is specifically for the king, but the public setting (implied by the presence of the people on the wall in [2 Kings 18:26](/2_kings/18-26 "Rabshakeh's Public Address")) suggests it's also intended to be overheard and demoralize the populace. It highlights the direct, confrontational nature of Assyria's diplomatic strategy.
* **"Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria,"**: This is the formal, authoritative introduction of the message, emphasizing the source of the pronouncement: Sennacherib, the "great king." This title was a common self-designation for powerful Near Eastern monarchs, asserting their supremacy over all other rulers. By repeating "the king of Assyria," Rabshakeh underscores the vast power and undisputed authority of his master, contrasting it implicitly with Hezekiah, who is merely the king of a small, besieged kingdom. This phrase is designed to instill fear and awe, setting the stage for an undeniable decree.
* **"What confidence [is] this wherein thou trustest?"**: This is the core of Rabshakeh's challenge, a direct, rhetorical question aimed at the very heart of Hezekiah's strategy and faith. It's accusatory and mocking, designed to expose what Rabshakeh perceives as the utter foolishness of Hezekiah's reliance. The question forces Hezekiah (and the reader) to consider the object and nature of his trust. Is it in military alliances (like Egypt, which Rabshakeh will mock later), in Judah's own meager resources, or in the unseen God of Israel? Rabshakeh's tone implies that whatever the object of Hezekiah's trust, it is utterly inadequate against the might of Assyria.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Rhetorical Question** to challenge Hezekiah's faith and judgment, immediately putting him on the defensive and highlighting the perceived futility of his position. This is a key element of **Psychological Warfare**, a dominant literary and thematic strategy throughout Rabshakeh's speech. By publicly questioning Hezekiah's "confidence," Rabshakeh aims to sow seeds of doubt and fear among the people of Jerusalem, hoping to achieve surrender without a costly siege. There is also a subtle use of **Irony** at play, as Rabshakeh, in his boastful questioning of Hezekiah's trust, unwittingly sets the stage for God to demonstrate the *true* source of confidence and power, ultimately turning Assyria's perceived invincibility into a display of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The challenge posed by Rabshakeh in 2 Kings 18:19 transcends its immediate historical context to address the timeless theological question of where humanity places its ultimate trust. Rabshakeh's taunt, "What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?", forces a confrontation between reliance on human strength, political alliances, or material resources, and a radical, unwavering faith in the unseen, omnipotent God. This moment highlights the recurring biblical theme that true security and deliverance come not from human might or wisdom, but from absolute dependence on Yahweh. The Assyrian's challenge, intended to mock and intimidate, inadvertently becomes an opportunity for God to vindicate His name and demonstrate that His power far surpasses that of any earthly empire or idol. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God often allows His people to be brought to the brink of human impossibility so that His divine intervention might be unmistakably clear.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.")
* [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalm/118-8 "Psalm 118:8-9 - It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Kings 18:19 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. We, too, face "Rabshakehs" in our lives—voices of doubt, overwhelming circumstances, or societal pressures that question the validity of our faith and the source of our hope. These challenges compel us to examine the object of our own "confidence." Do we place our ultimate trust in our financial security, our intellect, our relationships, political systems, or in the ever-shifting sands of human opinion? Or is our confidence firmly rooted in the unchanging character and promises of God? This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation, urging us to resist intimidation and to respond to the world's taunts not with fear or compromise, but with a quiet, unwavering reliance on the Lord, knowing that He alone is our rock and our fortress. Just as Hezekiah turned to God in prayer and witnessed miraculous deliverance, we are reminded that our steadfast trust in God, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, will ultimately be vindicated.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Rabshakehs" in your life that challenge the source of your confidence or question your faith?**
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself tempted to trust in human strength or resources more than in God?**
* **How does the narrative of Hezekiah's response (in 2 Kings 19) encourage you to respond to overwhelming challenges?**

### FAQ
**Who was Rabshakeh, and why was his message so impactful?**

Answer: Rabshakeh was a high-ranking official and military commander in the Assyrian army under King Sennacherib. His title, often translated as "chief cupbearer" or "chief officer," indicates a position of significant authority and trust, suggesting he was a skilled diplomat and orator. His message was impactful because he delivered it publicly, in Hebrew, directly to the people of Jerusalem and Hezekiah's officials, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels. This was a deliberate act of psychological warfare, designed to demoralize the besieged population. By questioning Hezekiah's "confidence" and boasting of Assyria's overwhelming power and past conquests, Rabshakeh aimed to sow fear, division, and despair, convincing Judah that resistance was futile and surrender was their only option. His speech was a masterclass in intimidation, carefully crafted to undermine their morale and faith in their God, as detailed in [2 Kings 18:28-35](/2_kings/18-28 "Rabshakeh's Blasphemous Speech").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The challenge of Rabshakeh to Hezekiah's "confidence" finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Hezekiah's trust was in Yahweh who delivered Judah from a physical enemy, the New Testament reveals that our ultimate confidence is placed in Christ, who delivers us from spiritual enemies far more formidable than Assyria. Just as Rabshakeh mocked Judah's reliance on an unseen God, the world often mocks the believer's faith in a crucified and resurrected Savior. However, Jesus is the very embodiment of God's faithfulness and the ultimate object of our trust. He is the true King, whose authority surpasses all earthly powers and principalities ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All things created through Christ")). His victory on the cross disarmed the spiritual forces of evil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), demonstrating that our confidence in Him is not misplaced but is the only true and eternal security. In Christ, we find the ultimate vindication of our faith, for He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and guarantees our deliverance, not just from physical threats, but from sin and death itself ([Romans 8:37-39](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37-39 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")). He is our unshakable hope, the one in whom we can place all our confidence, for He is faithful and true ([Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - Hold Fast to the Confession of Our Hope")).

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

Isaiah 36:4

And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence [is] this wherein thou trustest?

Daniel 4:30

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

2 Kings 19:10

Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

2 Kings 18:29

Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you out of his hand:

2 Kings 18:30

Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

2 Kings 18:22

But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: [is] not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?

2 Chronicles 32:10

Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem?