Isaiah study & commentary

 Isaiah 36:1-6

This chapter covers the same events seen in 2 Kings 18:13-20:19.  This is when King Hezekiah had to deal with the Assyrians coming to Judah, and specifically Jerusalem in 701_B.C.  Hezekiah rebelled against the Assyrians; but he also conducted religious reforms and observed proper worship of Yahweh.  The blessing from God allowed him to take a stand in these difficult times.  Hezekiah had paid a tribute which essentially was an act of submitting to them.  But the Assyrians sent an army; this may be the betrayal spoken of in Is 33:1.  The Rabshakeh was a 'cup bearer' for Sennacherib, an official representative looking for surrender.  The meeting between Assyria and Hezekiah took place at the same place Isaiah spoke to Ahaz in 7:3 bringing to mind the events of that day. 

The Chief steward was Eliakim; Shebna was the former chief steward (demoted 22:15) and Joah the recorder; these are the officials that joined Hezekiah.  The faith of these officials would be tested.  This was a kind of terrorism on their faith.  Faith must be built up, established and strengthened on the good days, so it will stand on days like this.    Egypt is portrayed as a broken staff that would pierce them when leaned upon.   

Isaiah 36:7-10
Hezekiah had cleaned up the high places and broken down the pagan altars in obedience and setting the nation toward temple worship as the Lord had commanded.  The Assyrians put doubt in the minds of Judah; did taking away the high places cause this problem?  This probably divided the loyalty of Judah as well as weakened their resolve and commitment.  The commander taunted the leaders of Judah and claimed that the Lord himself told him to march against the country and destroy it.  Isaiah knew this to be true and had been prophesying that very thing.  Net bible notes rephrases this passage this way:

"In your weakened condition you obviously need military strength. Agree to the king's terms and I will personally give you more horses than you are capable of outfitting. If I, a mere minor official, am capable of giving you such military might, just think what power the king has. There is no way the Egyptians can match our strength. It makes much better sense to deal with us."^[1]

Isaiah 36:11-12
Hezekiah's men asked the Rabshakeh to speak in Aramaic so the Jews wouldn't understand.  This was the normal language of trade and business.  However, the commander was shrewd and wanted the Jews to overhear.  He felt that since they would end up eating their own excrement and drinking their urine they had a right to hear this business.  It wasn't unusual that during a siege the people of the city would be starved to cannibalism and worse.

Isaiah 36:13-22

The Assyrian commander spoke directly to the people and told them not to believe it when Hezekiah told them it would all be all right.  He pointed out that no one has been able to stand against them and no god had saved anyone else, so why would Jerusalem be any different.  The Northern kingdom had not been saved.  The Syrian gods could not help the Syrians.  He offered peace that allowed them food and comfort when they faced starvation, thirst, misery and possible death.  The sense of self preservation would drive any man to begin compromising and considering this offer.  But Hezekiah had commanded them to be silent; while this may have presented a strong and united front to the Assyrians, the leaders tore their clothes in grief and despair. 

But the Assyrian march would end; they had crossed the line.  Questioning the pact with Egypt was one thing; questioning Hezekiah's army or leadership was understandable.  But when they said no God could stand against them and their god he made it personal with Yahweh.

©2018 Doug Ford