What is the meaning of Isaiah 36:21?

But the people remained silent

• Isaiah 36:13–20 shows the Assyrian spokesman ridiculing God’s power, yet “the people remained silent” (Isaiah 36:21).

• 2 Kings 18:36 repeats the scene, confirming its historicity.

• Exodus 14:14 and Psalm 46:10 echo the principle: silence expresses confidence that God Himself will act.

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and did not answer a word

• Repetition stresses absolute restraint—no rebuttal, no self-defense.

• Proverbs 26:4 warns, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly.”

• Proverbs 17:28 observes that silence can display wisdom.

• James 1:19 calls believers to be “slow to speak,” exactly what the people modeled.

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for Hezekiah had commanded

• Obedience, not fear, drove their silence. The king’s directive aligned with faith in God.

• 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 captures Hezekiah urging the nation to rely on the LORD.

• Romans 13:1 and Hebrews 13:17 teach that honoring godly leaders is part of honoring God.

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Do not answer him

• The specific order underscores strategic restraint: debate would only amplify Assyrian propaganda.

• Isaiah 53:7 and Matthew 27:12-14 show Christ embodying the same silent trust when accused.

• 1 Peter 2:23 notes that Jesus “did not retaliate,” illustrating that God often vindicates His people when they refuse to engage in verbal combat.

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summary

Isaiah 36:21 presents disciplined faith: the people’s silence under taunt, their obedience to Hezekiah, and their refusal to argue all declare that they expected God—not clever words—to defeat the enemy.