What is the meaning of 2 Kings 18:36? But the people remained silent Rabshakeh’s taunts echoed over the Jerusalem wall, yet every citizen kept quiet. Their silence was more than fear; it was an act of faith. By refusing to trade insults, they acknowledged that victory would come from the Lord, not from clever rebuttals (cf. Isaiah 36:21, Psalm 46:10, Exodus 14:14). and did not answer a word The verse stresses total restraint—“not a word.” • This collective hush displayed unity; no one broke ranks. • It also shielded hearts from doubt, preventing Rabshakeh’s rhetoric from taking root (cf. Proverbs 4:23). • Scripture often links silence with wisdom: “Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent” (Proverbs 17:28). for Hezekiah had commanded Hezekiah’s leadership shines here. • He recognized that debate with blasphemers produces confusion (Proverbs 26:4). • Earlier he had pointed the people to God’s strength, not their own (2 Chronicles 32:7-8). • His command underscores that godly authority sometimes tells us what not to say (James 1:19). “Do not answer him.” The king’s order carries several practical lessons: 1. Guard the tongue; words can escalate conflict (Proverbs 15:1). 2. Let God’s promise, not the enemy’s threat, be final (Isaiah 37:6-7). 3. Follow the pattern later exemplified by Christ, who “did not answer him, not even to a single charge” (Matthew 27:12). summary 2 Kings 18:36 highlights a faith-filled silence. Jerusalem’s people, under Hezekiah’s wise command, chose trust over debate. Their quiet confidence left room for the Lord to act, reminding us that sometimes the strongest testimony is the word we withhold. |
    |