Isaiah 36:2

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Isaiah 36:2 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Judah's confrontation with the mighty Assyrian Empire under King Sennacherib. This verse sets the scene for the dramatic events that follow, detailing the arrival of the Assyrian envoy and army at the doorstep of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following their conquest of much of the Near East and their successful campaign against other cities in Judah, including the strategically important city of Lachish, the Assyrians turned their attention to Jerusalem. King Sennacherib, rather than leading the final assault himself from Lachish, sent a high-ranking official known by the title Rabshakeh. This title likely means 'chief cupbearer' or a similar high administrative/military role, indicating a trusted representative with authority to negotiate and deliver ultimatums. The choice of location, "the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field," was significant. This area was just outside the city walls, near a crucial part of Jerusalem's water supply, making it a strategic point for intimidation and negotiation. It was also a public place, ensuring the Assyrian message would be heard by the people of Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • The Imminent Threat: The arrival of a "great army" led by the Rabshakeh signals the immediate and overwhelming danger facing Jerusalem. It underscores the vulnerability of Judah despite Hezekiah's reforms.
  • Psychological Warfare: By sending a high official to a public location outside the walls, the Assyrians aimed to demoralize the people and king of Jerusalem through threats and propaganda before a full siege began.
  • Strategic Locations: The specific mention of the "upper pool" highlights the importance of water sources during ancient sieges and the Assyrians' understanding of Jerusalem's potential weaknesses.

Linguistic Insights

The title Rabshakeh (רַבְשָׁקֵה) is not a personal name but a high military or administrative rank in the Assyrian court, suggesting a position of significant authority and diplomatic skill. The location "the conduit of the upper pool" and "the fuller's field" are specific geographical markers outside ancient Jerusalem, confirming the historical accuracy of the account.

Related Scriptures

This historical event is also detailed in 2 Kings 18:17 and 2 Chronicles 32:9, providing parallel accounts of Sennacherib's invasion and the Rabshakeh's arrival. The Rabshakeh's subsequent intimidating speech is recorded in the verses that follow, starting from Isaiah 36:4. The location "conduit of the upper pool" is also mentioned in a prophecy concerning King Ahaz in Isaiah 7:3.

Reflection and Application

Isaiah 36:2 reminds us that facing overwhelming threats is a reality of life, both historically and personally. Hezekiah and Jerusalem were confronted by a physically superior force using intimidation tactics. This narrative serves as a backdrop for demonstrating faith in the face of fear. It encourages us to consider where we place our trust when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges – in human might or in divine power. The subsequent chapters show Hezekiah's response and God's miraculous intervention, offering a powerful lesson on the importance of seeking God in times of crisis.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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 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.
← Back