2 Kings 18:31

KJV

Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make [an agreement] with me by a present, and come out to me, and [then] eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern:

KJV (with Strong's)

Hearken {H8085} not to Hezekiah {H2396}: for thus saith {H559} the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}, Make {H6213} an agreement with me by a present {H1293}, and come out {H3318} to me, and then eat {H398} ye every man {H376} of his own vine {H1612}, and every one {H376} of his fig tree {H8384}, and drink {H8354} ye every one {H376} the waters {H4325} of his cistern {H953}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't listen to Hizkiyahu.' For this is what the king of Ashur says: 'Make peace with me, surrender to me. Then every one of you can eat from his vine and fig tree and drink the water in his own cistern;

Berean Standard Bible

Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree, and drink water from his own cistern,

American Standard Version

Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make your peace with me, and come out to me; and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig-tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 18:31 captures a critical juncture during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, presenting the cunning words of Rabshakeh, King Sennacherib's field commander. This verse unveils a calculated psychological maneuver designed to dismantle King Hezekiah's authority and compel the people of Judah into surrender. Rabshakeh extends a deceptive offer of immediate peace and prosperity—the alluring promise of enjoying one's own land and resources—contingent upon abandoning trust in Hezekiah and capitulating to Assyrian dominion. This false security stands in stark contrast to the genuine and miraculous deliverance that God ultimately provides, highlighting the profound spiritual and political stakes of the moment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of Rabshakeh's verbose and manipulative speech, delivered in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem from the city's walls (2 Kings 18:17-37). It immediately follows his audacious claim that Yahweh Himself had commissioned Assyria to destroy Judah (2 Kings 18:25) and his dismissive warnings against relying on Egypt for aid (2 Kings 18:21). The offer of undisturbed enjoyment of "his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern" represents the rhetorical climax of his appeal, meticulously crafted to exploit the populace's deepest desires for relief from the grueling siege. This pivotal speech sets the stage for Hezekiah's profound spiritual crisis, his desperate and humble prayer, and God's awe-inspiring intervention, thereby accentuating the stark dichotomy between human deception and divine faithfulness that permeates the subsequent narrative. The flow of the narrative transitions from Assyrian intimidation and psychological warfare to Judah's moment of profound spiritual testing, culminating in God's powerful vindication of His name and His covenant with His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the late 8th century BC, the Neo-Assyrian Empire stood as the preeminent military and political power in the ancient Near East, notorious for its ruthless military campaigns, sophisticated administrative structures, and pioneering use of psychological warfare. King Sennacherib had already laid waste to vast swathes of Judah, conquering numerous fortified cities, with Jerusalem remaining as his ultimate, coveted prize. Assyrian imperial policy typically involved the forced deportation of conquered populations to break their national identity, assimilate them, and preempt future rebellions, rendering Rabshakeh's offer of remaining on their land a particularly seductive, yet ultimately hollow, promise. King Hezekiah, distinguishing himself from many of his predecessors, had embarked on a sweeping religious reformation, systematically purging idolatry and resolutely calling his people to place their exclusive trust in the Lord. Rabshakeh's strategic decision to address the common people directly in Hebrew, rather than communicating through Hezekiah's officials, was a deliberate and cunning maneuver designed to circumvent the king's authority and sow seeds of fear, division, and despair among the populace—a widely employed ancient Near Eastern tactic to erode a besieged city's morale before a full-scale assault.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several profound key themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Deceptive Promises versus Divine Truth**. Rabshakeh's tempting offer of "peace" under Assyrian suzerainty is a profound lie, a mirage that would inevitably lead to subjugation, exile, and the loss of identity. This stands in stark contrast to the genuine peace and enduring security found solely in trusting God, as vividly demonstrated by [God's miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - God's Miraculous Deliverance of Jerusalem") from the Assyrian threat. Secondly, the verse underscores the pervasive theme of **Undermining Leadership and Faith**. Rabshakeh's opening imperative, "Hearken not to Hezekiah," constitutes a direct and audacious challenge to the king's legitimate authority and his unwavering call for faith in God. This reveals the enemy's insidious strategy to isolate individuals from their spiritual and political leaders, a tactic that echoes the broader biblical theme of spiritual warfare, where the adversary relentlessly seeks to sow doubt, division, and disobedience. Finally, it explores the inherent tension between **Immediate Gratification and Enduring Faithfulness**. The Assyrian proposal promises immediate comfort and an end to the debilitating hardships of the siege, appealing directly to the human desire for an easy escape from suffering. However, true security and ultimate deliverance for Judah lay not in capitulation but in God's unfailing promise, which Hezekiah steadfastly championed, thereby demonstrating that genuine faithfulness often necessitates enduring hardship for the sake of a greater, God-ordained outcome, powerfully exemplified in [Hezekiah's humble prayer before the Lord](/2_kings/19-14 "2 Kings 19:14 - Hezekiah Spreads Sennacherib's Letter Before the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This Hebrew verb (H8085) signifies "to hear intelligently, listen, obey." In this context, rendered as the emphatic negative imperative "Hearken not," it functions as a direct command to disobey and disregard. Rabshakeh is not merely suggesting they ignore Hezekiah's words, but actively reject his counsel and authority. This undermines Hezekiah's leadership and, by extension, the people's trust in him and the God whom he represents, aiming to sever the bond of loyalty and faith.
* **Present (Hebrew, _Bᵉrâkâh'_):** Derived from the root בָרַךְ (H1293), meaning "to bless," this word (H1293) typically refers to a benediction, prosperity, or blessing. Here, it is used in the sense of a "present" or "tribute," specifically a payment or bribe offered to secure terms of surrender. Rabshakeh employs this term to cloak a demand for submission in the guise of a mutually beneficial "agreement," implying a "blessing" of peace that is, in reality, entirely on Assyria's terms, leading to subjugation rather than genuine prosperity.
* **Vine... fig tree... cistern (Hebrew, _gephen'_... _tᵉʼên'_... _bôwr'_):** These terms (H1612, H8384, H953 respectively) are deeply resonant symbols of agricultural abundance, domestic security, and self-sufficiency in ancient Israel. The idiomatic expression to "eat every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern" universally conveyed a period of profound peace, prosperity, and undisturbed dwelling in one's own land. While often used positively in prophetic literature to describe divine blessing, Rabshakeh cunningly twists this cherished cultural ideal into a seductive lure, promising a false security contingent upon capitulation to the oppressor, rather than reliance on God's covenantal protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hearken not to Hezekiah:"** This is Rabshakeh's calculated opening, a direct and public challenge to King Hezekiah's authority and credibility. By commanding the people to disregard their king, Rabshakeh aims to create a wedge between the ruler and his subjects, sowing distrust and undermining Hezekiah's steadfast call for faith and resistance. It is a deliberate attempt to dismantle the people's spiritual and political leadership, isolating them from their source of strength and divine counsel.
* **"for thus saith the king of Assyria,"** Rabshakeh immediately appeals to the superior, undeniable authority of his own monarch, Sennacherib. This phrase functions as a formal, almost divine, declaration, imbuing the subsequent offer with an air of irresistible legitimacy and overwhelming power. It strategically positions Assyria as the ultimate arbiter of Judah's fate, starkly contrasting Sennacherib's perceived might with Hezekiah's apparent vulnerability.
* **"Make [an agreement] with me by a present, and come out to me,"** This clause specifies the precise terms of surrender. The "present" signifies the tribute or bribe required for this "peace," while "come out to me" is the unequivocal command to capitulate—to abandon the safety of Jerusalem's formidable walls and submit entirely to Assyrian authority. It is an insidious invitation to forsake their defenses and place their trust in the enemy's deceptive "generosity."
* **"and [then] eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern:"** This constitutes the alluring core of Rabshakeh's deceptive promise. It paints an idyllic, immediate picture of peace, prosperity, and undisturbed domestic life. By invoking the deeply cherished imagery of the vine, fig tree, and cistern—symbols of undisturbed agricultural and personal well-being—Rabshakeh promises that by surrendering, they will avert the horrors of siege and retain their land and livelihood. This was a profound lie, as Assyrian policy typically involved mass deportation, but it was an extraordinarily powerful psychological appeal to a people suffering under the duress of a prolonged siege.

#### Literary Devices
Rabshakeh's speech, and particularly this verse, masterfully employs several potent literary devices primarily for **Propaganda** and **Psychological Warfare**. His direct address to the common people in their native language, bypassing Hezekiah's officials, is a calculated act of **Subversion**, meticulously designed to incite internal rebellion and erode loyalty from within. The offer itself is a prime example of **Deception**, presenting a seemingly benevolent and desirable outcome that is, in reality, a treacherous trap leading to eventual subjugation and exile. There is profound **Irony** in the promise of "peace" and "security" emanating from an invading, brutal empire, the very source of their distress now offering a false solution. The strategic use of the "vine and fig tree" imagery is powerful **Symbolism**, tapping into a deeply ingrained cultural ideal of peace and prosperity. However, in this context, it becomes a twisted symbol, a **Seductive Lure** meticulously crafted to exploit the people's profound longing for normalcy and an end to suffering. The entire verse functions as a stark **Contrast** between the immediate, tangible, yet ultimately false promise of Assyria and the unseen, yet true, deliverance offered by God through Hezekiah's unwavering faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a profound theological lesson on the critical importance of discerning truth from deception, especially when confronted with overwhelming external pressures or internal anxieties. Rabshakeh's offer is a classic biblical example of temptation: a seemingly appealing, immediate solution that promises relief from hardship but ultimately leads to spiritual and physical bondage. It illuminates the constant spiritual warfare believers face, where the enemy often disguises harmful intentions with attractive promises of comfort, security, or freedom from struggle. The challenge for believers is to see beyond the immediate allure and recognize the ultimate, often hidden, cost, understanding that true peace and enduring security are found solely in God's faithfulness and provision, not in compromising with the world's systems or its false prophets. This narrative calls believers to cultivate profound spiritual discernment, trusting God's Word and His appointed leaders even when the path of faith appears arduous or costly.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone")
* [Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - A Way That Seems Right to a Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The insidious nature of Rabshakeh's offer in 2 Kings 18:31 resonates deeply with the spiritual battles and temptations we encounter in contemporary life. Just as the Assyrian commander sought to undermine Hezekiah's leadership and the people's trust in God with seemingly attractive promises of ease and prosperity, so too does the enemy of our souls present enticing offers that promise immediate comfort, freedom from struggle, or worldly success, often at the profound cost of our faithfulness and spiritual integrity. We are continually called to exercise discernment: to critically examine the source and ultimate cost of these "peace" offerings. Are they genuinely from God, leading to true life, freedom, and spiritual flourishing, or are they deceptive lures designed to draw us away from His truth and into spiritual compromise and bondage? This passage challenges us to introspect deeply: do we prioritize immediate gratification and perceived security, or do we patiently trust in God's sovereign plan and His promised deliverance, even when the path of obedience is fraught with difficulty and uncertainty? Our faith is tested not only in moments of overt persecution but also in the subtle whispers that promise an easier way if we simply "hearken not" to God's revealed Word or the wise counsel of His faithful spiritual leaders.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently tempted to "hearken not" to God's Word or the counsel of faithful spiritual leaders in favor of an easier, worldly solution?**
* **What "vine and fig tree" offers—promises of immediate comfort, security, or success—are currently tempting you to compromise your faith or trust in God's provision?**
* **How can you cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize and resist deceptive promises, choosing instead to trust implicitly in God's ultimate deliverance and His perfect timing?**

### FAQ
**Why did Rabshakeh speak in Hebrew, and what was the significance of this tactic?**

Answer: Rabshakeh deliberately chose to speak in Hebrew (specifically the Judaean dialect) rather than Aramaic, which was the common diplomatic language of the era. This was a crucial and calculated psychological warfare tactic. By bypassing Hezekiah's officials and directly addressing the common people of Jerusalem who were listening from the city wall, Rabshakeh aimed to undermine the king's authority, sow widespread fear and division among the populace, and encourage them to surrender without Hezekiah's consent. It was a direct attempt to break their morale and loyalty, making them believe that Hezekiah was leading them to inevitable destruction and that Assyria offered a better, more immediate, and less painful solution. This tactic highlights the Assyrians' sophisticated understanding of psychological manipulation in ancient warfare.

**What is the significance of the phrase "eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful and deeply ingrained idiom in ancient Israelite culture, symbolizing peace, prosperity, security, and undisturbed domestic life. It represents an ideal time when each family could enjoy the fruits of their own labor and land without fear of invasion, oppression, or displacement. It was frequently used in prophetic literature to describe periods of divine blessing, such as the peace and prosperity experienced under Solomon's reign ([1 Kings 4:25](/1_kings/4-25 "1 Kings 4:25 - Peace and Prosperity Under Solomon")), or the idyllic conditions of the messianic age ([Micah 4:4](/micah/4-4 "Micah 4:4 - Peace Under One's Vine and Fig Tree")). Rabshakeh's deployment of this imagery was a cunning deception, twisting a cherished symbol of God-given peace and security into a seductive lure for surrender, promising a false and temporary security under the oppressor's terms rather than God's enduring protection.

**Did the people of Judah surrender to Assyria based on Rabshakeh's offer?**

Answer: No, the people of Judah did not surrender. Despite the immense psychological pressure and the seductive nature of Rabshakeh's offer, King Hezekiah remained steadfast in his faith and refused to capitulate. In response to the Assyrian threats, Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and sent messengers to the prophet Isaiah for divine guidance. Both Hezekiah and Isaiah fervently prayed to the Lord, and God miraculously intervened. In a single night, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw his forces and return to Nineveh, where he was later assassinated (as powerfully recorded in [2 Kings 19:35-36](/2_kings/19-35-36 "2 Kings 19:35-36 - God's Miraculous Deliverance and Sennacherib's Demise")). This miraculous deliverance profoundly underscored that true security and lasting peace come from trusting God, not from compromising with or submitting to the enemy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The deceptive offer of Rabshakeh in 2 Kings 18:31, promising a false peace and fleeting security under the oppressor's terms, finds its ultimate spiritual parallel and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Rabshakeh, acting as a type of the ultimate deceiver, Satan, offers a counterfeit "peace" that inevitably leads to spiritual bondage, death, and separation from God. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ offers true, lasting, and eternal peace, not through compromise with the world's fallen systems or its empty promises, but through radical submission to God's will and His ultimate, atoning sacrifice on the cross. The "vine and fig tree" imagery, so cunningly twisted by Rabshakeh into a symbol of false, conditional security, is gloriously transformed in Christ into a promise of genuine spiritual life and flourishing. Jesus unequivocally declares, "I am the true vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")), inviting all believers to abide in Him for authentic spiritual fruitfulness and unshakable security, a reality infinitely superior to the temporary, conditional comfort offered by the enemy. Just as King Hezekiah courageously resisted the temptation to "hearken not" to God's divine counsel, Jesus Himself famously triumphed over the devil's insidious temptations in the wilderness, steadfastly refusing to compromise His divine mission for worldly power or immediate gratification ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")). The miraculous victory over the Assyrian threat profoundly foreshadows Christ's ultimate and decisive triumph over sin, death, and the devil. He is the one who truly delivers us from the domain of darkness and faithfully transfers us into His marvelous kingdom of light ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). In Christ alone, we discover the true "rest for our souls" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), a profound peace that the world cannot possibly give, and an eternal security that is immutably rooted in His finished work, not in any fleeting, deceptive offer of this fallen world.

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 Kings 4:25

And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.

1 Kings 4:20

¶ Judah and Israel [were] many, as the sand which [is] by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.

Zechariah 3:10

In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.

Proverbs 18:16

¶ A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

Genesis 33:11

Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took [it].

Genesis 32:20

And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob [is] behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.