Topical Bible: Letters: Rabshakeh to Hezekiah

◄ Letters: Rabshakeh to Hezekiah ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the letters from Rabshakeh to Hezekiah is a significant episode in the biblical narrative, found primarily in the books of 2 Kings and Isaiah. This event occurs during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, a period marked by political turmoil and the threat of Assyrian expansion under King Sennacherib.

Historical Context

Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, reigned as the king of Judah from approximately 715 to 686 BC. He is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh, as well as for his political maneuvers to resist Assyrian domination. The Assyrian Empire, under the rule of Sennacherib, was a formidable force, having already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and many other nations.

The Assyrian Threat

The narrative unfolds as Sennacherib campaigns against Judah, capturing fortified cities and threatening Jerusalem. In an attempt to intimidate Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, Sennacherib sends his field commander, Rabshakeh, to deliver a message. This encounter is recorded in 2 Kings 18:17-37 and Isaiah 36:2-22.

Rabshakeh, speaking in Hebrew to ensure the people of Jerusalem understand, questions their reliance on Egypt and their faith in Yahweh. He mocks Hezekiah's trust in God, claiming that no god of any nation has been able to withstand the might of Assyria. Rabshakeh's speech is designed to sow doubt and fear, urging the people to surrender.

Hezekiah's Response

Upon hearing Rabshakeh's words, Hezekiah responds with humility and faith. He tears his clothes, covers himself with sackcloth, and goes to the house of the LORD. He sends Eliakim, Shebna, and the leading priests, also clothed in sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah, seeking divine guidance and intervention (2 Kings 19:1-2; Isaiah 37:1-2).

Isaiah delivers a message of reassurance from the LORD, stating that Sennacherib will not enter Jerusalem. The LORD promises to defend the city for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David (2 Kings 19:6-7; Isaiah 37:6-7).

The Letter from Sennacherib

Despite Isaiah's prophecy, Sennacherib sends a letter to Hezekiah, reiterating his threats and questioning the power of Yahweh to save Jerusalem. Hezekiah takes the letter to the temple and spreads it before the LORD, praying earnestly for deliverance (2 Kings 19:14-19; Isaiah 37:14-20).

Hezekiah's prayer is a profound expression of faith, acknowledging the sovereignty of God over all kingdoms and pleading for His intervention so that all nations may know that He alone is God.

Divine Intervention

In response to Hezekiah's prayer, Isaiah conveys the LORD's message of deliverance. The LORD declares that Sennacherib will not enter the city or shoot an arrow there. Instead, he will return by the way he came, and the LORD will defend Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:32-34; Isaiah 37:33-35).

That very night, the angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw and return to Nineveh, where he is later assassinated by his own sons (2 Kings 19:35-37; Isaiah 37:36-38).

Theological Significance

The episode of Rabshakeh's letters to Hezekiah underscores the themes of faith, divine sovereignty, and deliverance. Hezekiah's reliance on God, in the face of overwhelming odds, serves as a testament to the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God to His promises. The narrative highlights the futility of human arrogance and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 37:9-14
And he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is come forth to make war with you. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Deliverance from Assyria
... will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the ... To Isaiah was given the message for
Hezekiah: "Thus saith ... hearing the report, Sennacherib wrote "letters to rail ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 30 deliverance from assyria.htm

Nineveh.
... city; and there were explanations in the wedge-shaped letters of the ... way sent a
blasphemous message by his servant, Rabshakeh, to summon Hezekiah to submit ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ix nineveh.htm

The Minstrel
... That horrible Rabshakeh's letter"you read it, and then you ... say, "O Lord, thou hast
seen letters like this before; for thy servant Hezekiah showed thee ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/the minstrel.htm