Why did Eliakim request to speak in Aramaic instead of Hebrew in Isaiah 36:11? Setting the Scene Isaiah 36 recounts the tense moment when Assyria’s field commander (Rabshakeh) stands at Jerusalem’s wall, demanding surrender. Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah represent King Hezekiah. Verse 11 reads: “Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rab-shakeh, ‘Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it; do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.’ ” Two Languages, Two Audiences • Hebrew (literally “the language of Judah”)—the mother-tongue of the common people on the wall. • Aramaic—a diplomatic trade language understood by officials throughout the Near East, but not normally by ordinary Judeans. Motives Behind Eliakim’s Request • Protect morale: – The leaders feared panic if the populace heard the enemy’s threats firsthand. – Proverbs 12:25 reminds us, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down.” Public fear could cripple the will to resist. • Maintain order and focus: – Panic could spark disorder inside the city, undermining Hezekiah’s preparations (2 Chronicles 32:2-8). – Physical defense requires inner unity; loose lips endanger lives (cf. Nehemiah 4:14). • Preserve confidence in God’s promises: – Hezekiah had rallied the nation to trust the LORD (2 Chronicles 32:7-8). Allowing Assyrian propaganda to echo in Hebrew would undercut that faith. – Romans 10:17 teaches, “Faith comes by hearing.” What the people heard mattered. The Enemy’s Strategy Rabshakeh refused the request (Isaiah 36:12-20). Why? • Psychological warfare—demoralize the defenders before a single arrow was loosed. • Sow doubt in God’s power—“Has any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?” (v. 18). • Encourage betrayal—“Make peace with me... and eat every one of his vine” (v. 16). His tactics mirror Satan’s—undermine trust, spread lies, lure with half-truths (Genesis 3:1-5; John 8:44). Lessons for Today • Guard the gate of your ears. Not every voice deserves a platform. • Leadership carries the duty to shield others from faith-destroying messages. • Discernment in communication—speak truth plainly to those who need it; withhold destructive words that serve only to frighten. • God honors faith under pressure. Hezekiah sought the LORD, and God routed Assyria without Judah lifting a sword (Isaiah 37:36-38). Key Takeaways • Eliakim’s request flowed from loving concern for God’s people, not cowardice. • Language choice was a strategic act of shepherding hearts. • The incident underscores the power of words—whether to erode or to build faith. • Trusting God and safeguarding community morale go hand-in-hand when facing spiritual or literal battles. |
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