Isaiah 36:5
I say, [sayest thou], (but [they are but] vain words) [I have] counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
I say {H559}, sayest thou,(but they are but vain {H8193} words {H1697}) I have counsel {H6098} and strength {H1369} for war {H4421}: now on whom dost thou trust {H982}, that thou rebellest {H4775} against me?
I say: do mere words constitute strategy and strength for battle? In whom, then, are you trusting when you rebel against me like this?
You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me?
I say, thy counsel and strength for the war are but vain words: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou hast rebelled against me?
Cross-References
-
2 Kings 18:7 (4 votes)
And the LORD was with him; [and] he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not. -
2 Kings 24:1 (2 votes)
ΒΆ In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him. -
Jeremiah 52:3 (2 votes)
For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. -
Proverbs 24:5 (2 votes)
A wise man [is] strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. -
Proverbs 24:6 (2 votes)
For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors [there is] safety. -
Nehemiah 2:19 (2 votes)
But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard [it], they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What [is] this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? -
Nehemiah 2:20 (2 votes)
Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.
Commentary
Commentary on Isaiah 36:5 (KJV)
Isaiah 36:5 captures a pivotal moment during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, where the Assyrian field commander, Rabshakeh, attempts to demoralize King Hezekiah and the people of Judah. This verse, presented in the King James Version, highlights Rabshakeh's arrogant dismissal of Judah's potential allies and their own perceived strength, challenging their ultimate source of trust.
Context
This verse is part of a larger narrative found in Isaiah chapters 36 and 37 (and paralleled in 2 Kings 18-19), detailing King Sennacherib of Assyria's campaign against Judah around 701 BC. Having conquered many fortified cities of Judah, Sennacherib sends Rabshakeh to Jerusalem to demand its surrender. Rabshakeh's speech is a masterclass in psychological warfare, designed to sow doubt and fear among the besieged. He speaks directly to Hezekiah's officials and the people on the wall, mocking their reliance on Egypt and questioning their trust in the Lord.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
Isaiah 36:5 offers timeless lessons for believers facing overwhelming challenges:
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.