What does Isaiah 36:11 teach about addressing different audiences effectively? Verse in Focus “Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rab-shakeh, ‘Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it; do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.’” (Isaiah 36:11) Historical Snapshot • Assyria’s field commander (the Rab-shakeh) taunted Jerusalem in Hebrew so the common people would hear, fear, and pressure King Hezekiah to surrender. • Judah’s officials tried to shift the conversation into Aramaic, a diplomatic trade language understood by leaders but not by most citizens, thereby shielding the populace from demoralizing propaganda. Principles for Addressing Different Audiences • Know your audience’s language level – Eliakim and his colleagues recognized that Hebrew would reach—and unsettle—those on the wall, while Aramaic would limit the audience to trained officials. • Choose vocabulary that serves, not sabotages – Language can either edify (Ephesians 4:29) or undermine (Proverbs 18:21). Judah’s leaders sought words that protected morale. • Respect boundaries of information – Sensitive content is not for every ear (Proverbs 12:23). Publicly broadcasting fear-laden rhetoric would have harmed national resolve. • Anticipate how listeners might act on what they hear – The officials foresaw panic; effective communicators gauge potential responses (Proverbs 27:12). • Exercise stewardship over influence – Speech wields power over hearts (James 3:5-6). Limiting the Rab-shakeh’s language limited his sway. • Tailor approach without compromising truth – Paul practiced this balance: “I have become all things to all men” (1 Corinthians 9:22) while never altering the gospel’s substance. Practical Takeaways for Today • Match message and medium – Church announcements differ from counseling sessions; boardroom language differs from children’s ministry lessons. • Guard the vulnerable from unnecessary harm – Filter details when young believers or children are present (Matthew 18:6). • Use clarity to build up – Ezra’s priests “read from the Book of the Law… explaining it so that they understood” (Nehemiah 8:8). Clarity strengthens faith; confusion breeds fear. • Season words with grace and insight – “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:5-6). Adapt tone and detail for each setting while remaining truthful. • Recognize strategic moments to limit or share information – Jesus withheld some truths until disciples could bear them (John 16:12). Timing matters. Summary Isaiah 36:11 highlights that wise communicators discern who is listening, select language accordingly, and steward information to protect and edify. Effective ministry and leadership today follow the same pattern: speak truth, but tailor delivery so each audience hears what is helpful, not harmful. |
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