2 Kings 18:24

How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?

How then wilt thou turn away {H7725} the face {H6440} of one {H259} captain {H6346} of the least {H6996} of my master's {H113} servants {H5650}, and put thy trust {H982} on Egypt {H4714} for chariots {H7393} and for horsemen {H6571}?

How then can you repulse even one of my master's lowest-ranked army officers? Yet you are relying on Egypt for chariots and riders!

For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?

How then canst thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master’s servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of the infamous taunt delivered by Rabshakeh, the field commander of King Sennacherib of Assyria, during their siege of Jerusalem. King Hezekiah of Judah had rebelled against Assyria (2 Kings 18:7), leading to Sennacherib's devastating invasion of Judah (2 Kings 18:13). Rabshakeh's speech, delivered in Hebrew to be understood by the people on the wall, aimed to demoralize them and undermine their trust in King Hezekiah and the Lord. Here, he challenges Judah's military capability and mocks their reliance on Egypt for assistance, portraying them as utterly helpless against the mighty Assyrian army.

Key Themes

  • False Reliance on Human Power: Rabshakeh highlights Judah's desperate situation, suggesting their reliance on Egypt for chariots and horsemen is foolish and futile. This echoes a recurring prophetic theme in the Old Testament, warning against trusting in human alliances or military might instead of the Lord (see Isaiah 31:1). The question "How then wilt thou turn away..." is a rhetorical challenge, implying Judah's utter inability to resist even a small Assyrian contingent, let alone defeat a major power like Assyria.
  • Assyrian Arrogance and Contempt: Rabshakeh's speech is filled with arrogance, not only in his estimation of Assyrian power but also in his dismissive attitude towards Judah's military and political strategies. By referring to "one captain of the least of my master's servants," he underscores the Assyrian's contempt for Judah's military capabilities, suggesting they are too weak to even face a low-ranking Assyrian officer.
  • The Test of Faith: For Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, this taunt served as a profound test of their faith. Would they succumb to fear and human logic, or would they continue to trust in the Lord for deliverance, as Hezekiah later demonstrated through prayer (2 Kings 19:19)?

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "turn away the face" (Hebrew: hashiv panim) is a rhetorical question designed to emphasize Judah's perceived weakness and inability to resist. It implies that Judah lacks the power to even repel a minor threat, let alone confront the full force of the Assyrian army. Rabshakeh uses this strong imagery to highlight the vast military disparity and to instill fear.

Practical Application

This historical account serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. When facing overwhelming challenges, it's tempting to rely on worldly resources, human wisdom, or alliances that may seem strong but are ultimately insufficient. The narrative emphasizes the importance of placing our trust entirely in God, even when circumstances appear hopeless. Just as Hezekiah turned to the Lord in prayer (2 Kings 19:1) and witnessed divine intervention (2 Kings 19:35), we are called to trust in God's power and provision above all else, remembering that some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 10:8

    For he saith, [Are] not my princes altogether kings?

  • Isaiah 31:3

    Now the Egyptians [are] men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.

  • Jeremiah 42:14

    Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:

  • Jeremiah 42:18

    For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As mine anger and my fury hath been poured forth upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so shall my fury be poured forth upon you, when ye shall enter into Egypt: and ye shall be an execration, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach; and ye shall see this place no more.

  • Deuteronomy 17:16

    But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.

  • Isaiah 31:1

    ¶ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

  • Jeremiah 37:7

    Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to enquire of me; Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.
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