Isaiah 36:2

KJV

And the king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem unto king Hezekiah with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} sent {H7971} Rabshakeh {H7262} from Lachish {H3923} to Jerusalem {H3389} unto king {H4428} Hezekiah {H2396} with a great {H3515} army {H2426}. And he stood {H5975} by the conduit {H8585} of the upper {H5945} pool {H1295} in the highway {H4546} of the fuller's {H3526} field {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From Lakhish the king of Ashur sent Rav-Shakeh to Hizkiyahu in Yerushalayim with a large army. He positioned himself by the aqueduct from the Upper Pool, which is by the road to the Launderers' Field.

Berean Standard Bible

And the king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeh, with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. And he stopped by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field.

American Standard Version

And the king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem unto king Hezekiah with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller’s field.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 36:2 meticulously sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation between the formidable Neo-Assyrian Empire and the kingdom of Judah under King Hezekiah. This verse details the strategic deployment of Sennacherib's chief envoy, Rabshakeh, who, leading a vast and imposing army, departed from the recently subjugated city of Lachish to arrive at the very gates of Jerusalem. Their calculated positioning by the vital conduit of the upper pool in the public highway of the fuller's field was not merely a military maneuver but a potent act of psychological warfare, designed to demoralize the city's inhabitants and undermine their resolve before any full-scale siege.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the precise narrative opening of a pivotal historical interlude within the book of Isaiah, specifically [Isaiah 36-39](/isaiah/36-39 "Isaiah 36-39 - Historical Interlude: Sennacherib's Invasion and Hezekiah's Illness"). These chapters provide a crucial historical anchor for Isaiah's prophetic messages, paralleling accounts found in [2 Kings 18-20](/2_kings/18-20 "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"). The preceding chapters in Isaiah are filled with pronouncements of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations, interspersed with promises of future restoration and divine deliverance for those who trust in Yahweh. The detailed account of Sennacherib's invasion, beginning here, functions as a real-world test case for Isaiah's core theological message: that Judah's only true security lies in faithful reliance on God, not in political alliances or military might. The specific arrival of the Rabshakeh in [Isaiah 36:2](/isaiah/36-2 "Isaiah 36:2 - Rabshakeh's Arrival") immediately precedes his infamous and blasphemous speech (beginning in [Isaiah 36:4](/isaiah/36-4 "Isaiah 36:4 - Rabshakeh's Speech Begins")), which aims to break Jerusalem's will through intimidation and theological deception.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was dominated by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, an unparalleled military and political force that had systematically subjugated much of the ancient Near East through brutal campaigns and effective psychological warfare. In 701 BCE, Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, launched a devastating campaign against Judah, having already conquered numerous fortified cities, including the strategically vital Lachish, which fell after a prolonged siege. Jerusalem, as the capital and last major stronghold of Judah, was the ultimate target. The "Rabshakeh" was not a personal name but an Assyrian title (likely "chief cupbearer" or "chief butler"), denoting a high-ranking official with significant diplomatic, administrative, and military authority, often tasked with delivering ultimatums and conducting psychological operations. The chosen location—"the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field"—was highly significant. This area was outside the city walls, near a crucial water source for Jerusalem, and a public thoroughfare. This strategic choice ensured that the Assyrian message would be heard by a wide audience, maximizing its intimidating effect and highlighting the Assyrians' control over Jerusalem's vital resources. Notably, this was the same location where the prophet Isaiah had previously met King Ahaz decades earlier ([Isaiah 7:3](/isaiah/7-3 "Isaiah 7:3 - Isaiah Meets Ahaz at the Fuller's Field")), adding a layer of historical irony and theological resonance to the scene.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 36:2](/isaiah/36-2 "Isaiah 36:2 - Rabshakeh's Arrival") introduces and reinforces several prominent themes central to the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it vividly portrays the **overwhelming power and imminent threat** posed by the Assyrian Empire, emphasizing Judah's vulnerability and the seemingly insurmountable odds they faced. This sets the stage for the crucial theme of **divine deliverance**, highlighting that God's miraculous intervention, not human strength, would be Jerusalem's only hope. Secondly, the specific details of the Rabshakeh's mission and his chosen public location underscore the theme of **psychological warfare** and the destructive power of words used to instill fear, doubt, and despair. The Assyrians aimed to break Jerusalem's will and faith before a full military assault. Finally, the narrative implicitly raises the profound theme of **trust in God versus reliance on human strength or political alliances**. Hezekiah's earlier reforms and defensive preparations are now challenged by an overwhelming force, compelling him and his people to confront where their ultimate security truly lies. This question of trust is a foundational message throughout Isaiah, particularly evident in passages like [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children and Reliance on Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rabshakeh (Hebrew, _Rabshâqêh'_):** This term (H7262) is an Assyrian title, not a personal name, derived from words meaning "chief" and "to give drink." It denotes a high-ranking official, typically translated as "chief cupbearer" or "chief butler." In this military context, it signifies a powerful diplomatic and military envoy, empowered to speak directly on behalf of the Assyrian king. Sennacherib's decision to send a Rabshakeh underscores the gravity of the situation and the Assyrians' intent to intimidate Jerusalem with a figure of significant authority and persuasive power.
* **great army (Hebrew, _kâbêd chêyl'_):** The adjective "great" (H3515, _kâbêd_) literally means "heavy" but is used figuratively to convey "numerous," "imposing," or "severe." When combined with "army" (H2426, _chêyl_), it paints a picture of a formidable, overwhelming, and heavily equipped military force. This description emphasizes the immense disparity in power between the Assyrian invaders and the besieged Judeans, highlighting the human impossibility of resisting such a might without divine intervention.
* **conduit of the upper pool (Hebrew, _tᵉʻâlâh ʻelyôwn bᵉrêkâh'_):** "Conduit" (H8585, _tᵉʻâlâh_) refers to an artificial channel or watercourse, "upper" (H5945, _ʻelyôwn_) indicates its elevated position, and "pool" (H1295, _bᵉrêkâh_) denotes a reservoir or cistern. This precise geographical marker identifies a critical component of Jerusalem's water supply system. Its mention highlights the Assyrians' strategic understanding of siege warfare, as they targeted a vital resource to exert pressure and demonstrate their control over the city's lifeline, thereby intensifying the psychological impact of their presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem unto king Hezekiah with a great army."** This opening clause immediately establishes the key players: the aggressor, King Sennacherib of Assyria, and the target, King Hezekiah of Judah in Jerusalem. The mention of "Rabshakeh" specifies the high-ranking envoy, signaling the official and high-stakes nature of the encounter. The detail "from Lachish" is crucial, as it signifies the recent conquest of this major Judean fortress, amplifying the sense of an unstoppable Assyrian advance and demonstrating their military prowess. The inclusion of "a great army" underscores the overwhelming military might accompanying the diplomatic mission, designed to instill fear and demonstrate the futility of resistance.
* **"And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field."** This clause precisely locates the Rabshakeh's position outside Jerusalem. The "conduit of the upper pool" identifies a critical water source, essential for Jerusalem's survival during a siege, implying the Assyrians' awareness of Jerusalem's vulnerabilities and their intent to exploit them. The "highway of the fuller's field" indicates a public, accessible area outside the city walls, likely a place where people gathered or passed by. This deliberate choice of location ensured that the Rabshakeh's message would be delivered publicly, maximizing its psychological impact on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, not just on King Hezekiah and his officials.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 36:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact and convey the gravity of the unfolding events. **Realism** and **Historical Detail** are paramount, as the verse meticulously names specific individuals (Sennacherib, Hezekiah, Rabshakeh), precise geographical locations (Lachish, Jerusalem, the upper pool, the fuller's field), and military realities (a great army, strategic positioning). This grounding in verifiable historical fact lends immense credibility and gravity to the impending confrontation. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the dramatic arrival of the Rabshakeh and the "great army" at Jerusalem's doorstep clearly signals the impending siege and the intense psychological and military confrontation that will follow, setting the stage for the Rabshakeh's intimidating speeches and the subsequent divine intervention. Furthermore, the specific mention of the "conduit of the upper pool" and the "fuller's field" carries a significant degree of **Symbolism**. The water source symbolizes Jerusalem's lifeblood and vulnerability, now directly threatened by the enemy, while the public field represents the open, direct, and public challenge being issued to the city and its people, a calculated display of power and intimidation designed to break their will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 36:2 serves as a stark and powerful reminder of the reality of overwhelming external threats that can confront God's people, forcing a critical decision between reliance on human strength and unwavering trust in divine power. The arrival of the Assyrian army, though an instrument of God's judgment against Judah's persistent sin, is also portrayed as an arrogant and blasphemous oppressor, setting the stage for a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and His unique ability to deliver. Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds and the sophisticated psychological warfare employed by the enemy, the unfolding narrative will pivot to show that God alone is the ultimate deliverer of His people, not through conventional military might, but through His miraculous and decisive intervention. This pivotal moment tests Hezekiah's faith and the nation's commitment to the Lord, echoing Isaiah's consistent prophetic call for absolute trust in Yahweh alone, even in the face of existential threats.

* [2 Kings 18:17](/2_kings/18-17 "2 Kings 18:17 - Parallel Account of Rabshakeh's Arrival")
* [2 Chronicles 32:9](/2_chronicles/32-9 "2 Chronicles 32:9 - Sennacherib's Invasion and Rabshakeh's Message")
* [Isaiah 7:3](/isaiah/7-3 "Isaiah 7:3 - Isaiah Meets Ahaz at the Fuller's Field")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid scene depicted in Isaiah 36:2 resonates deeply with the challenges and spiritual battles we face in our contemporary lives. Just as ancient Jerusalem faced a physically superior force employing intimidation and psychological tactics, we too encounter overwhelming circumstances, whether personal crises, societal pressures, spiritual attacks, or the insidious whispers of doubt, all of which seek to demoralize us and undermine our faith. This verse compels us to honestly consider where our trust truly lies when confronted with seemingly insurmountable odds. Do we succumb to fear, human reasoning, and despair, or do we, like Hezekiah, turn to God in prayer and humble dependence, believing in His sovereign power? The strategic location chosen by the Assyrians—a public place near a vital water source—highlights how adversaries often target our most vulnerable points and seek to broadcast their threats widely, aiming to erode our confidence. This narrative encourages us to recognize the spiritual battles we face, to guard our hearts and minds against the enemy's lies and intimidation, and to remember that our ultimate security rests not in our own strength, resources, or clever strategies, but in the unfailing power and faithfulness of God, who is able to deliver even when all human hope seems lost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great armies" or overwhelming threats are you currently facing in your life that seem to challenge your sense of security or faith?**
* **How do you typically respond to intimidation, psychological pressure, or discouraging voices from external sources?**
* **In what ways might the "conduit of the upper pool" symbolize a vital, yet vulnerable, aspect of your own life or faith that an adversary might target?**
* **How does Hezekiah's subsequent response (as seen in later chapters of Isaiah) inform your understanding of how to face seemingly impossible situations with faith?**

### FAQ
**Who was Rabshakeh, and why was he sent instead of King Sennacherib himself?**

Answer: Rabshakeh was not a personal name but an Assyrian military and administrative title, likely meaning "chief butler" or "chief cupbearer." This was a high-ranking official, indicating that he was a trusted and authoritative representative of King Sennacherib. Sennacherib sent Rabshakeh, rather than leading the final assault himself, for several strategic reasons. Firstly, it allowed Sennacherib to remain at the siege of Lachish, a crucial stronghold, while still exerting pressure on Jerusalem. Secondly, sending a high-ranking envoy like Rabshakeh was a potent form of psychological warfare; his authority and the accompanying "great army" were meant to intimidate King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem into surrendering without a prolonged siege. Rabshakeh's role was to deliver the Assyrian ultimatum and demoralize the Judeans through a public display of power and persuasive, often blasphemous, rhetoric, as seen in his extended speech in [Isaiah 36:4-20](/isaiah/36-4-20 "Isaiah 36:4-20 - Rabshakeh's Blasphemous Speech").

**Why was the "conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field" a significant location for this confrontation?**

Answer: This location was highly strategic for several reasons. The "conduit of the upper pool" was a vital part of Jerusalem's water supply system, especially crucial during a siege. By positioning themselves there, the Assyrians demonstrated their knowledge of Jerusalem's vulnerabilities and their ability to threaten its most essential resource, thereby increasing psychological pressure. The "highway of the fuller's field" was a public area outside the city walls, likely a place where people gathered or passed by. This ensured that the Rabshakeh's intimidating message would be delivered publicly, reaching not only King Hezekiah and his officials but also the common people of Jerusalem. This public display was designed to maximize fear and encourage surrender, as also seen in the earlier prophetic encounter between Isaiah and King Ahaz at this very location in [Isaiah 7:3](/isaiah/7-3 "Isaiah 7:3 - Isaiah Meets Ahaz at the Fuller's Field").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The arrival of the Rabshakeh and the Assyrian army at Jerusalem's gates, threatening the very heart of God's chosen people, profoundly foreshadows the spiritual warfare that believers face and the ultimate, decisive victory secured through Christ. Just as Jerusalem was the earthly city where God's presence dwelt among His people, the church is now the spiritual dwelling place of God's Spirit, a heavenly Jerusalem ([Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). The Rabshakeh's lies, intimidation tactics, and blasphemous rhetoric, designed to undermine faith and trust in God ([Isaiah 36:10](/isaiah/36-10 "Isaiah 36:10 - Rabshakeh's Deception")), find their ultimate counterpart in Satan, the accuser of the brethren, who relentlessly seeks to devour and deceive God's people ([1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Resist the Devil")). Hezekiah's humble response of prayer and unwavering reliance on God in the face of an overwhelming foe ([Isaiah 37:1-4](/isaiah/37-1-4 "Isaiah 37:1-4 - Hezekiah's Prayer and God's Promise")) powerfully points to Christ, who perfectly trusted His Father even unto death on the cross, conquering sin, death, and all spiritual enemies not by military might but by obedient sacrifice and profound humility ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem by the angel of the Lord ([Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes Down the Assyrians")) serves as a powerful type of Christ's ultimate victory over all spiritual principalities and powers, securing eternal salvation and unwavering protection for His church ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). In Christ, we have a greater King who has faced down the ultimate enemy and guarantees our spiritual security, providing an unwavering hope that far surpasses any earthly deliverance.

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 7:3

Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field;

2 Chronicles 32:9

¶ After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, (but he [himself laid siege] against Lachish, and all his power with him,) unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all Judah that [were] at Jerusalem, saying,

2 Chronicles 32:23

And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.

2 Kings 18:17

¶ And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which [is] in the highway of the fuller's field.

2 Kings 18:37

Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with [their] clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

Isaiah 22:9

Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool.

Isaiah 22:11

Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago.