Isaiah 36:21

Isaiah 36:21 (KJV) presents a powerful moment of disciplined silence in the face of extreme provocation, highlighting the wisdom of King Hezekiah.

Context of Isaiah 36:21

This verse is set during a critical period in Judah's history, specifically the Assyrian invasion under King Sennacherib around 701 BC. The Assyrian army, led by its high-ranking official, the Rabshakeh (a title, not a name, meaning "chief cupbearer" or "chief officer"), had surrounded Jerusalem. The Rabshakeh stood before the city walls, speaking loudly in Hebrew to demoralize the people and undermine their trust in King Hezekiah and the Lord God. He taunted them, questioning their alliances and their faith. The officials of Hezekiah, Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah, along with the people on the wall, heard every word of the Assyrian's blasphemous and intimidating speech. This dramatic scene is also recounted in 2 Kings 18:36 and 2 Chronicles 32:15, underscoring its historical significance.

Key Themes and Messages

• Strategic Silence: The core message of this verse is the intentional and disciplined silence observed by Hezekiah's people. This was not a silence born of fear or inability to speak, but a deliberate act commanded by their king. It prevented the Assyrians from gaining an advantage through verbal sparring or further demoralizing the populace.
• Wisdom in Leadership: King Hezekiah's commandment demonstrates profound wisdom. He understood that engaging the Rabshakeh in a war of words would only play into the enemy's hands, potentially leading to confusion, doubt, or further blasphemy. His instruction to "Answer him not" was a strategic move to preserve morale and maintain focus on God.
• Trust in Divine Intervention: Underlying Hezekiah's command was a deeper trust that the battle was ultimately the Lord's. By refusing to answer the human taunts, they implicitly placed their reliance on God to respond to the Assyrian's challenge, as seen in God's subsequent message through the prophet Isaiah.
• Resistance to Intimidation: The silence was a form of resistance. It denied the Rabshakeh the satisfaction of a reaction, frustrating his attempts to provoke and intimidate.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "held their peace" comes from the Hebrew word heḥĕrîšū (הֶחֱרִישׁוּ), which signifies a deliberate act of keeping silent, often in the face of provocation or in anticipation of divine action. It implies a conscious decision not to speak, rather than a mere absence of noise. This intentional silence is a powerful demonstration of obedience and faith.

Practical Application

Isaiah 36:21 offers timeless principles for navigating challenges and provocations today:

• Responding to Taunts: Sometimes, the most powerful response to insults, slander, or baseless accusations is no response at all. Engaging in verbal battles often escalates conflict and distracts from the real issue.
• Discerning When to Speak: This verse teaches the importance of discerning when silence is more effective than words. Not every challenge requires a verbal defense, especially when dealing with those whose intention is simply to provoke or demoralize.
• Trusting God with Your Battles: Like Hezekiah, we are called to trust that God is capable of defending His name and His people. When we refuse to engage in unnecessary arguments, we leave room for God to act on our behalf, as He did for Jerusalem (see Isaiah 37:36).
• Wise Leadership and Self-Control: Hezekiah's example reminds leaders and individuals alike of the importance of self-control and strategic thinking in moments of crisis, guiding others towards a response rooted in faith rather than fear or anger.