How does Isaiah 36:21 demonstrate obedience to God's commands? Setting the Scene: The Siege of Jerusalem • Assyrian field commander shouts threats at the people on the wall (Isaiah 36:13–20). • Fear, intimidation, and blasphemy fill the air. • Isaiah 36:21: “But the people remained silent, and did not answer him a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, ‘Do not answer him.’” Hezekiah’s Clear Command • The king’s directive is simple: “Do not answer.” • His instruction aligns with faith in God rather than human debate (cf. Isaiah 37:1–4). • Hezekiah models leadership that trusts divine help over rhetorical sparring. Silent Lips, Obedient Hearts • Immediate compliance: “The people remained silent.” No hesitation or partial obedience. • Restraint reveals inner submission—“self-control” listed as fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). • Silence avoids giving the enemy leverage (Proverbs 26:4: “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will become like him yourself.”). Obedience Under Pressure: Lessons Learned • True obedience isn’t proven in ease but in crisis. • The people believe God will fight for them (2 Chronicles 32:7–8). • By withholding words, they declare dependence on God’s word (Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”). • They honor delegated authority: respecting the king is ultimately honoring God (Romans 13:1–2). Echoes Throughout Scripture • Exodus 14:14—“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” • James 1:19—“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” • 1 Peter 2:13–15—Submission to authority silences ignorant talk. • Jesus before Pilate: “He gave him no answer” (Matthew 27:14), showing perfect obedience and trust in the Father. Personal Application Today • Resist the impulse to answer every provocation; sometimes obedience means silence. • Submit to godly leadership that points you to trust God’s promises. • Cultivate self-control as a demonstration of faith. • Remember: when we refrain from self-defense and wait on the LORD, we echo the wall-sitters of Isaiah 36:21—people whose obedience invited divine deliverance (Isaiah 37:36). |
    |