Isaiah 36:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Rabshakeh {H7262} stood {H5975}, and cried {H7121} with a loud {H1419} voice {H6963} in the Jews' language {H3066}, and said {H559}, Hear {H8085} ye the words {H1697} of the great {H1419} king {H4428}, the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Rav-Shakeh stood up and, speaking loudly in Hebrew, said: "Hear what the great king, the king of Ashur, says!

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out loudly in Hebrew: “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria!

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 36:13 captures a dramatic and pivotal moment during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, where the Rabshakeh, a high-ranking official of King Sennacherib, strategically addresses the besieged inhabitants. Standing prominently before the city walls, he employs a calculated act of psychological warfare by loudly proclaiming his master's demands in the Hebrew language, aiming to bypass Judah's leadership and directly undermine the morale and faith of the common people. This verse sets the stage for a profound confrontation between the perceived invincible might of the Assyrian Empire and the sovereign power of the Lord, testing King Hezekiah's and Judah's trust in God amidst overwhelming external threats and the deceptive power of human words.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 36-39 functions as a crucial historical interlude within the larger prophetic book of Isaiah, providing a narrative account of events during the reign of King Hezekiah that powerfully validate Isaiah's prophetic messages of divine judgment and ultimate deliverance. These chapters parallel significant historical accounts found in [2 Kings 18-20](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-20 - Hezekiah's Reign and Assyrian Invasion") and [2 Chronicles 32](/2_chronicles/32 "2 Chronicles 32 - Sennacherib's Invasion and Hezekiah's Faith"), offering a multi-faceted perspective on this critical period. Specifically, Isaiah 36-37 details Sennacherib's relentless invasion of Judah and his formidable siege of Jerusalem, which occurred around 701 BC. Having already conquered many fortified cities throughout Judah, Sennacherib dispatches his most trusted officials, including the Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem with a message meticulously designed to induce surrender through intimidation and fear. The Rabshakeh's public address, initiated in this verse, is a calculated maneuver to sow discord and panic among the populace, deliberately bypassing traditional diplomatic channels to directly challenge the people's loyalty to King Hezekiah and, more critically, their unwavering faith in Yahweh. This sets the stage for a spiritual battle as much as a military one.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th and early 7th centuries BC were profoundly shaped by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, a formidable military and political power renowned for its brutal conquest tactics, systematic deportations, and sophisticated psychological warfare. King Sennacherib's campaign against Judah in 701 BC was not an isolated incident but an integral part of Assyria's broader imperial strategy to consolidate absolute control over the strategically vital Levant region. The Rabshakeh, an Assyrian military title rather than a personal name, signified a chief spokesman or high-ranking officer, vested with significant authority to negotiate, deliver ultimatums, and represent the king's will. His momentous decision to speak in "the Jews' language" (Hebrew) was exceptionally significant; while Aramaic was the widely accepted lingua franca for diplomatic communication among officials across the Near East, speaking Hebrew ensured his message of Assyrian might and Jerusalem's impending doom would be directly and intimately comprehended by the common people gathered on the city walls. This deliberate tactic aimed to profoundly demoralize the population and incite internal rebellion or immediate surrender, a common and highly effective Assyrian strategy designed to avoid the costly and protracted nature of a full-scale siege.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces and amplifies several key themes that permeate the broader narrative of Isaiah and the historical accounts. Firstly, it prominently highlights **psychological warfare and intimidation** as a primary and devastating tactic of the Assyrian Empire. The Rabshakeh's loud, public address, delivered with strategic intent in the native tongue, was a deliberate attempt to instill paralyzing fear and erode trust, a theme powerfully echoed in Sennacherib's later blasphemous letter to Hezekiah (cf. [Isaiah 37:10-13](/isaiah/37-10 "Isaiah 37:10-13 - Sennacherib's Blasphemous Letter")). Secondly, the passage underscores **the immense power of words**, demonstrating with chilling clarity how language can be wielded as a potent weapon to challenge faith, undermine loyalty, and sow discord. The Rabshakeh's carefully chosen words aim to discredit Judah's God, contrasting His perceived weakness with the overwhelming power of "the great king" of Assyria. This sets up a crucial and profound theological conflict between human arrogance and **divine sovereignty**, a central and recurring theme throughout the entire book of Isaiah, where the Lord's ultimate authority over all earthly powers and nations is consistently and triumphantly affirmed (e.g., [Isaiah 40:15-17](/isaiah/40-15 "Isaiah 40:15-17 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations")). Finally, the scene profoundly explores the **testing of faith** as King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem are forced to make an existential choice: succumb to overwhelming human threats and the seductive logic of surrender, or steadfastly trust in the unseen, yet all-powerful, God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rabshakeh (Hebrew, _Rabshâqêh'_):** This term is not a personal name but an Assyrian military title, specifically meaning "chief butler" or "chief officer." As a high-ranking official, the Rabshakeh possessed significant authority and was empowered to speak directly on behalf of King Sennacherib. His presence and the weight of his address underscore the Assyrian king's direct involvement and the extreme seriousness of the ultimatum being delivered to Jerusalem.
* **cried (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to call out to" or "to proclaim," this verb emphasizes that the Rabshakeh's address was far from a quiet negotiation; it was a public, authoritative, and attention-grabbing declaration. The use of _qârâʼ_ suggests a deliberate act of making a formal, loud announcement, designed to be heard by a wide audience and to command immediate and unwavering attention, signaling the gravity of his message.
* **Jews' language (Hebrew, _Yᵉhûwdîyth'_):** This refers specifically to Hebrew, the native language spoken by the people of Judah. The Rabshakeh's strategic choice to speak Hebrew, rather than Aramaic (which was the common diplomatic language understood by officials across the region), was a highly calculated move. It indicates his explicit intention to bypass the Judean leadership and directly influence the morale of the common citizens, sowing fear, distrust, and panic from within the city walls.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Rabshakeh stood":** This phrase signifies a deliberate and formal posture, indicating the commencement of a significant public address rather than a casual interaction. Standing prominently before the city walls conveys authority, readiness to deliver an important message, and a clear demand for the undivided attention of his audience, setting a solemn and confrontational tone.
* **"and cried with a loud voice":** This detail highlights the intentionality and forcefulness of his communication. The Rabshakeh did not merely speak; he shouted, ensuring his message would penetrate the defenses and be heard by the maximum number of people on the walls of Jerusalem. This "loud voice" was a key element of the psychological warfare, designed to instill profound fear, overwhelm the listeners, and project the overwhelming power of the Assyrian Empire.
* **"in the Jews' language":** This is a crucial and cunning strategic detail. By choosing to speak in Hebrew, the common language of the people of Judah, the Rabshakeh bypassed the Judean officials (who were proficient in Aramaic, the diplomatic language of the day) and directly targeted the morale of the populace. His aim was to create internal panic, sow seeds of distrust in their leadership, and undermine their faith, thereby pressurizing them to surrender from within.
* **"and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria":** This is the core of his opening declaration, a direct and audacious demand for attention ("Hear ye") coupled with an assertion of absolute authority. By referring to Sennacherib as "the great king," the Rabshakeh elevates his master above all other rulers, including Judah's King Hezekiah, and implicitly challenges the sovereignty and power of Judah's God. It is a direct, intimidating challenge to Jerusalem's will to resist, designed to portray Assyria's power as irresistible and God's power as insufficient.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is profoundly imbued with **Psychological Warfare**, as the Rabshakeh's entire performance—his posture, loud voice, and choice of language—is meticulously designed to break the will of Jerusalem's inhabitants through sheer intimidation and demoralization. His public address serves as a direct, verbal assault on their morale and resolve. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** at play, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative: the perceived immense power, arrogance, and earthly dominion of "the great king, the king of Assyria" is starkly contrasted with the implied vulnerability of besieged Jerusalem and, ultimately, with the unseen but omnipotent power of Judah's God. The Rabshakeh's boastful declaration also serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the dramatic and decisive confrontation between human might and divine intervention that will define the subsequent chapters of Isaiah. Furthermore, the use of **Direct Address** ("Hear ye") immediately draws the audience into the unfolding drama, making the threat intensely personal and immediate, demanding a response from those on the walls.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 36:13 serves as a potent illustration of the perennial conflict between human arrogance and divine sovereignty. The Rabshakeh's boastful proclamation, presenting Sennacherib as the "great king" whose words must be obeyed without question, is a direct, blasphemous challenge to the authority and supremacy of Yahweh, the true King of Israel and the Lord of all creation. This scene underscores that the battle confronting Judah is not merely military but fundamentally spiritual, an ultimate test of their faith in God's unwavering ability to deliver them from an overwhelming human threat. It highlights the deceptive and corrosive power of fear-mongering and the critical importance of discerning whose "words" we truly heed—the intimidating pronouncements of worldly powers, which often promise destruction, or the steadfast, life-giving promises of God. Ultimately, the narrative that follows demonstrates with stunning clarity that no earthly king, no matter how "great" or how mighty their army, can stand against the Lord of Hosts, who alone holds ultimate power, exercises perfect control, and faithfully delivers His people.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Power of the Tongue")
* [2 Chronicles 32:7-8](/2_chronicles/32-7 "2 Chronicles 32:7-8 - Hezekiah's Encouragement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene depicted in Isaiah 36:13 resonates profoundly with the timeless human experience of facing overwhelming challenges and being confronted by intimidating voices. Just as the Rabshakeh sought to demoralize Jerusalem by speaking loudly and directly in their own language, we too often encounter "loud voices" in our lives—whether from pervasive societal pressures, relentless media narratives, gnawing personal anxieties, or even the insidious whispers of spiritual adversaries—that aim to sow deep doubt, paralyzing fear, and debilitating despair. These voices relentlessly attempt to undermine our trust in God's unfailing promises and His sovereign ability to deliver us from seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This powerful passage calls us to a critical discernment: whose words are we truly listening to, and whose authority do we ultimately acknowledge? It serves as a profound reminder that God's power infinitely transcends any earthly threat or human boast. It encourages us to stand firm in unwavering faith, echoing King Hezekiah's later posture of humble yet resolute trust in God (cf. [Isaiah 37:14-20](/isaiah/37-14 "Isaiah 37:14-20 - Hezekiah's Prayer")), and to actively choose to speak words of truth, hope, and faith, rather than succumbing to the fear-mongering narratives of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "loud voices" or intimidating messages are currently challenging your faith, peace, or sense of security?**
* **How does the Rabshakeh's strategy of psychological warfare, using direct communication to sow fear, compare to tactics used to undermine faith and trust in God today?**
* **In what specific, practical ways can you choose to "hear the words" of the Great King (God) and His promises over the "words" of worldly threats and anxieties?**

### FAQ
**Who was Rabshakeh, and what was his role?**

Answer: Rabshakeh was not a personal name but an Assyrian military title, often translated as "chief cupbearer" or "chief officer." He was a high-ranking official and a key spokesman for King Sennacherib, entrusted with significant authority. His role was multifaceted: to deliver the Assyrian king's demands, engage in diplomatic negotiations (though often with an intent to intimidate), and, as vividly seen in this passage, to conduct psychological warfare aimed at demoralizing the enemy and securing surrender without the necessity of a prolonged and costly siege. He was a master of propaganda, skillfully using words as a potent weapon to achieve military objectives.

**Why did Rabshakeh choose to speak in "the Jews' language" (Hebrew) instead of Aramaic?**

Answer: Rabshakeh's choice to speak Hebrew was a deliberate, highly strategic, and cunning move. Aramaic was the common diplomatic language of the time, understood by officials and kings across the ancient Near East. By speaking Hebrew, Rabshakeh intentionally bypassed the Judean officials and directly addressed the common people of Jerusalem who were gathered on the city walls. His clear intention was to sow fear, panic, and division among the populace, undermining their morale and trust in King Hezekiah and their God. This direct communication aimed to pressure them to surrender from within, a tactic explicitly noted by Hezekiah's officials in [Isaiah 36:11](/isaiah/36-11 "Isaiah 36:11 - Officials Request Aramaic"), who recognized the danger of his message reaching the common people.

**What was the significance of Rabshakeh calling Sennacherib "the great king"?**

Answer: Calling Sennacherib "the great king" was a bold assertion of Assyrian supremacy and a direct, calculated challenge to Judah's sovereignty and, more profoundly, to the authority of Yahweh, the God of Israel. In the ancient Near East, "great king" was a specific title claimed by powerful emperors who ruled over numerous lesser kings or vassal states. By using this title, Rabshakeh aimed to diminish King Hezekiah's standing and to present Sennacherib as an irresistible, universal force, implicitly challenging the people to abandon their trust in their own king and God in favor of submission to the mighty Assyrian Empire. This sets up the profound theological confrontation that unfolds in the subsequent chapters, where God dramatically demonstrates His true greatness and absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and their boasts (cf. [Isaiah 37:23-29](/isaiah/37-23 "Isaiah 37:23-29 - God's Judgment on Sennacherib")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Rabshakeh's boastful proclamation of "the great king, the king of Assyria" serves as a powerful Old Testament type for the ultimate challenge posed by the "prince of this world" (Satan) and the formidable forces of sin and death. Just as Rabshakeh sought to intimidate and demoralize God's people with the perceived invincibility of an earthly empire, so too does the adversary seek to overwhelm humanity with the apparent finality of death and the crushing weight of sin, often using fear and deceptive words. Yet, the true and eternal "Great King" is not Sennacherib, but Jesus Christ, who came not with chariots and armies, but with the divine power of truth, self-sacrificial love, and redemptive grace. He is the one who, through His perfect life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection, has definitively disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities that once held humanity captive, triumphing over them decisively by the cross (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Powers")). Where Rabshakeh's words brought only fear, despair, and the threat of subjugation, Christ's words bring eternal life, profound hope, and liberating freedom, for He is the living Word of God through whom all things were made and sustained (cf. [John 1:1-4](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-4 - The Word Became Flesh")). His sovereignty is not limited by earthly boundaries or military might, but extends over all creation, offering true and lasting deliverance to all who hear His voice and trust implicitly in Him (cf. [John 10:27-28](/john/10-27 "John 10:27-28 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")).

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

2 Chronicles 32:18

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.

Ezekiel 31:3

Behold, the Assyrian [was] a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs.

Ezekiel 31:10

¶ Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height;

Psalms 17:10

They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.

Psalms 17:13

Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, [which is] thy sword:

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:

2 Kings 18:32

Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us.