Topical Bible: Hypocrisy: Rabshakeh

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Introduction

Hypocrisy, a term denoting the act of pretending to have beliefs, virtues, or feelings that one does not truly possess, is a recurring theme in the Bible. It is often associated with deceit and insincerity, and is condemned throughout Scripture. One of the notable biblical figures associated with hypocrisy is Rabshakeh, an Assyrian official who served under King Sennacherib. His encounter with the people of Judah, as recorded in the books of 2 Kings and Isaiah, provides a vivid illustration of hypocrisy in action.

Biblical Account

Rabshakeh appears in the biblical narrative during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The Assyrian army, led by King Sennacherib, laid siege to Jerusalem. Rabshakeh was sent as a spokesman to deliver a message to Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem. The account is detailed in 2 Kings 18:17-37 and Isaiah 36:2-22.

Rabshakeh's speech is a classic example of hypocrisy. He presents himself as a bearer of truth and reason, yet his words are laced with deceit and manipulation. He begins by questioning the trustworthiness of Hezekiah's reliance on God, saying, "Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he cannot deliver you from my hand" (2 Kings 18:29). Rabshakeh's intent is to undermine the people's faith in God and their king, while simultaneously presenting the Assyrian king as a more reliable savior.

Tactics of Hypocrisy

1. Deception and Manipulation: Rabshakeh's speech is filled with half-truths and lies. He claims that the Lord Himself had sent the Assyrians to destroy Judah (2 Kings 18:25), a statement designed to sow doubt and fear among the people. This tactic is a hallmark of hypocrisy, where the hypocrite uses deceit to achieve their own ends.

2. Feigning Concern: Rabshakeh pretends to care for the welfare of the people of Jerusalem, offering them peace and prosperity if they surrender (2 Kings 18:31-32). This false concern is a common trait of hypocrites, who often disguise their true intentions with a veneer of benevolence.

3. Mockery of Faith: Rabshakeh mocks the faith of the Israelites, comparing the God of Israel to the gods of other nations that Assyria had conquered (2 Kings 18:33-35). This ridicule is intended to belittle the people's beliefs and erode their confidence in divine deliverance.

Response to Hypocrisy

The response of Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem to Rabshakeh's hypocrisy is instructive. Instead of engaging with his deceitful rhetoric, Hezekiah turns to God in prayer, seeking divine intervention (2 Kings 19:1-4). The prophet Isaiah reassures Hezekiah, conveying God's promise of deliverance (2 Kings 19:6-7). This reliance on God, rather than succumbing to the manipulative tactics of a hypocrite, is a powerful testament to faith and trust in divine providence.

Conclusion

Rabshakeh's encounter with the people of Judah serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hypocrisy. His actions exemplify the deceit and insincerity that characterize hypocritical behavior. The biblical narrative underscores the importance of discernment and faith in the face of such duplicity, reminding believers to place their trust in God rather than the empty promises of those who seek to deceive.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 18:17-37
And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller's field.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Marah; Or, the Bitter Waters Sweetened
... in their hearts, really against God, but they added to this the hypocrisy and the ...
Take thy case to God, O heir of trouble; unroll Rabshakeh's letter before the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/marah or the bitter waters.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... people, and his leaving of his foes in the dark; his discovering the uprightness
of the hearts of his sanctified ones, and laying open the hypocrisy of others ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... O the plausible pretences, the golden names, the feigned holiness, the demure
behaviours, mixed with damnable hypocrisy, that attend the persons that have ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm