2 Kings 18:36

But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.

But the people {H5971} held their peace {H2790}, and answered {H6030} him not a word {H1697}: for the king's {H4428} commandment {H4687} was, saying {H559}, Answer {H6030} him not.

But the people kept still and didn't answer him so much as a word; for the king's order was, "Don't answer him."

But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.”

But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.

Commentary

2 Kings 18:36 (KJV) presents a powerful scene of disciplined silence amidst intense provocation. The verse reads, "But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not." This moment highlights a crucial aspect of King Hezekiah's leadership and the people's trust in his direction.

Context

This verse is set during the severe crisis of the Assyrian invasion of Judah under King Sennacherib. The Assyrian general, the Rabshakeh, had been sent to Jerusalem to intimidate and demoralize the city's inhabitants. Standing outside the walls, he delivered a speech in Hebrew, designed to be understood by the common people, full of taunts against King Hezekiah and blasphemies against the God of Israel. His aim was to sow doubt and fear, urging the people to surrender rather than trust in Hezekiah or the Lord. King Hezekiah, upon hearing the Rabshakeh's words, responded with humility, prayer, and a strategic command to his people: do not engage with the enemy's provocations. This verse demonstrates the immediate and disciplined obedience of the people to their king's instruction.

Key Themes

  • Wisdom in Silence: Hezekiah's command to silence was a strategic masterpiece. Engaging with the Rabshakeh would have only amplified his blasphemous message, escalated tensions, and potentially led to a futile and demoralizing verbal exchange. Silence, in this case, was a demonstration of strength and faith, not weakness.
  • Obedience and Discipline: The people's immediate and unified adherence to the king's unusual command speaks volumes about their discipline and trust in Hezekiah's leadership. In a moment of extreme pressure, they chose restraint over reaction.
  • Trust in God's Intervention: Hezekiah understood that the battle was not merely physical or verbal but spiritual. By commanding silence, he effectively handed the defense over to God. This act of faith was followed by Hezekiah's fervent prayer and the Lord's miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "held their peace" comes from the Hebrew verb heḥĕrîšū (הֶחֱרִישׁוּ), which implies a deliberate act of keeping silent, a disciplined restraint, rather than a mere inability to speak. It signifies a conscious choice to remain quiet in the face of provocation, echoing a sentiment seen in Proverbs 17:28, "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise."

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless wisdom for navigating conflict and provocation. It teaches us the importance of discerning when to speak and when to remain silent. In an age of constant communication and quick reactions, Hezekiah's strategy reminds us:

  • Not Every Battle is Fought with Words: Some provocations are designed to draw us into arguments that distract from the real issue or dishonor God.
  • The Power of Restraint: Choosing not to engage with insults or blasphemy can be a powerful testimony of faith and confidence in God.
  • Trusting God with the Outcome: When faced with overwhelming opposition, our best strategy may be to step back, pray, and allow God to vindicate His name and His people, as He did for Hezekiah and Jerusalem.
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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

  • Psalms 39:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician, [even] to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

  • Matthew 7:6

    Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

  • Amos 5:13

    Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it [is] an evil time.

  • Proverbs 9:7

    He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot.

  • Proverbs 26:4

    ¶ Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

  • Psalms 38:13

    But I, as a deaf [man], heard not; and [I was] as a dumb man [that] openeth not his mouth.

  • Psalms 38:14

    Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth [are] no reproofs.
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