### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term **Rabshâqêh** `{{H7262}}`, which means **chief butler**, is the title for a Babylonian official. It appears **16 times** across **16 unique verses** in the Bible. In scripture, it functions as the specific title for a high-ranking emissary of the Assyrian king during his campaign against Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the **Rabshakeh** `{{H7262}}` is a key figure sent by the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Assyria** `{{H804}}` to confront King **Hezekiah** `{{H2396}}` of Judah. He arrives at Jerusalem with a **great** `{{H3515}}` **army** `{{H2426}}` and takes a strategic position by the **conduit** `{{H8585}}` of the upper **pool** `{{H1295}}` [[Isaiah 36:2]]. From there, he delivers a defiant message intended to undermine Hezekiah’s **confidence** `{{H986}}` in the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[2 Kings 18:19]]. To maximize fear among the populace, he ignores the officials' pleas to speak in the **Syrian language** `{{H762}}` and instead cries out with a **loud** `{{H1419}}` **voice** `{{H6963}}` in the **Jews' language** `{{H3066}}` so the people on the **wall** `{{H2346}}` can understand his threats [[2 Kings 18:28]]. His speech is seen as an act of **reproach** `{{H2778}}` against the **living** `{{H2416}}` **God** `{{H430}}`, prompting Hezekiah's servants to report his words and for a **prayer** `{{H8605}}` to be lifted up for the **remnant** `{{H7611}}` [[Isaiah 37:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The narrative surrounding `{{H7262}}` is enriched by several key related words:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This word establishes the source of Rabshakeh's authority. He does not speak for himself but for "the great **king** `{{H4428}}`, the **king** `{{H4428}}` of Assyria" [[Isaiah 36:4]], acting as a royal mouthpiece.
* `{{H113}}` **ʼâdôwn** (master, lord): This clarifies Rabshakeh's position as a servant sent by his **master** `{{H113}}`. His taunts question whether Hezekiah's master, the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`, is any more powerful than his own earthly **master** `{{H113}}` [[Isaiah 36:12]].
* `{{H2778}}` **châraph** (reproach, defy): This is the primary action of the Rabshakeh. He is sent specifically to **reproach** `{{H2778}}` the **living** `{{H2416}}` **God** `{{H430}}`, making his mission an act of direct blasphemy and defiance [[2 Kings 19:4]].
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (word, matter): The entire encounter centers on the power and impact of "the **words** `{{H1697}}` of Rabshakeh" [[2 Kings 18:37]]. His speech is his primary weapon, designed to break the will of Jerusalem's defenders.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of the Rabshakeh's appearance is significant, illustrating several core principles:
* **Arrogance of Earthly Power:** Rabshakeh is the embodiment of human pride and imperial arrogance. His message from the "great **king** `{{H4428}}` of Assyria" `{{H804}}` is a direct challenge from a human empire to the sovereignty of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
* **The Test of Faith:** The Rabshakeh’s taunts are a deliberate psychological attack meant to destroy Judah's **confidence** `{{H986}}` in God's ability to deliver them. The incident serves as a critical test of faith for **Hezekiah** `{{H2396}}` and his people.
* **Blasphemy and Divine Response:** The conflict is framed as a personal affront to God. The Rabshakeh's mission to **reproach** `{{H2778}}` the **living** `{{H2416}}` **God** `{{H430}}` with his **words** `{{H1697}}` is what ultimately provokes a divine response, as the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` promises to **reprove** `{{H3198}}` the very **words** `{{H1697}}` he **heard** `{{H8085}}` [[Isaiah 37:4]].
### Summary
In summary, **Rabshâqêh** `{{H7262}}` is not merely a historical title but a symbol of defiant, godless power. He acts as the voice of an earthly empire that seeks to intimidate God's people and blaspheme His name. The biblical account uses his confrontational and arrogant **words** `{{H1697}}` to create a dramatic test of faith, ultimately showcasing the futility of challenging the **living** `{{H2416}}` **God** `{{H430}}` and the power of responding to such threats with **prayer** `{{H8605}}`.
TRV