2 Kings 18:19-20
And the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: On what do you rest this trust of yours? Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust, that you have rebelled against me?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This isn't just a question about Hezekiah's military strategy; it's a sharp jab at his source of confidence. The Rabshakeh is deliberately probing for the weakness in Hezekiah's trust, trying to expose it as foolish and misplaced before the people. He's not asking what Hezekiah trusts in, but on what he rests it, implying it's a shaky foundation.
The Assyrian official, Rabshakeh, is standing outside Jerusalem's walls, having already conquered many other cities. He's directly confronting King Hezekiah's officials, launching a psychological warfare campaign designed to break their spirit and convince them to surrender. He's essentially mocking their reliance on Egypt and God, demanding to know what makes them think they can stand against the mighty Assyrian Empire.
A powerful enemy is at your gates, shouting insults and demands. They want to know why you're not terrified, why you're not surrendering. What is the real source of your confidence?
The Rabshakeh, the Assyrian king's chief envoy, stands before Jerusalem, not just as a military threat, but as a master manipulator. His question, "On what do you rest this trust of yours?" isn't just a demand for information; it's a psychological assault. He's trying to dismantle the courage of Hezekiah and his people by attacking the very foundation of their hope.
Think about it: this isn't an anonymous voice. This is the 'great king, the king of Assyria,' speaking through his representative. The Assyrians were known for their brutal efficiency and their boastful propaganda. The Rabshakeh is essentially saying, 'You think you're safe? You think your God will save you? Look at who you're up against!' His goal is to instill fear and desperation, to make their trust seem foolish and their situation hopeless.
The enemy's question forces a critical examination. Are you leaning on something that looks strong but will ultimately crumble under pressure?
The Rabshakeh's question is a profound probe into the nature of faith. Hezekiah has apparently placed his trust in something – likely God, perhaps in alliance with Egypt (though Isaiah warns against this). The Assyrian commander aims to expose this trust as either misplaced or entirely absent. He wants to see if Hezekiah's confidence is in God, in human strength, or in political maneuvering.
The danger here is relying on secondary sources of security when the primary one is God Himself. Human alliances, military might, or even our own perceived strengths can seem like solid ground, but they are ultimately temporary and unreliable. The Rabshakeh is baiting them to reveal their 'Plan B,' insinuating that their reliance on God is naive and that a 'realistic' approach would involve appeasement or a desperate military stand.
True trust isn't blind; it's informed by who God is and what He has promised. It's about resting our entire weight on Him, knowing that He is the only truly unshakeable foundation.
Understand the original words
marad · Hebrew Verb
In ancient Near Eastern political contexts, a formal declaration of autonomy or refusal to pay tribute to a suzerain power, often interpreted as an act of treason or defiance against the reigning authority.
bittachon · Hebrew Noun
A firm conviction or reliance upon a person, object, or concept; in Scripture, it often pertains to the spiritual posture of placing one's confidence in God versus human strength or idols.
The taunting words of the Rabshakeh echo the sheer terror of facing the mighty Assyrian Empire, a power that had already destroyed the Northern Kingdom. Hezekiah's defiant stand, questioning where Judah's trust lies, highlights the dramatic choice between human power and divine deliverance.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
Assyria conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many citizens. This event looms large for the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
c. 715 BC
Hezekiah's Reign Begins
Hezekiah ascends the throne in Judah. He will later undertake religious reforms and attempt to break free from Assyrian dominance.
c. 705 BC
Assyrian Succession Crisis
King Sargon II of Assyria dies, and his son Sennacherib takes the throne. This period of instability may have encouraged Hezekiah's rebellion.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
Sennacherib launches a massive campaign into the Levant, subduing rebellious kingdoms. His army approaches Jerusalem.
This verse shows the Assyrian official silencing the people, emphasizing their intimidation tactics that are directly contrasted by Hezekiah's trust in God.
Psalm 20:7This psalm directly addresses the futility of trusting in chariots and horses, echoing the Rabshakeh's taunt and highlighting the contrast with those who trust in the Lord's name.
Isaiah 36:4-5This passage provides the same account from Isaiah's perspective, reinforcing the Rabshakeh's arrogant challenge and setting the stage for God's powerful intervention.
Jeremiah 17:5-8This passage contrasts those who trust in mere humans with those who trust in the Lord, offering a theological framework for Hezekiah's predicament and the ultimate outcome of his faith.
This isn't just a question about Hezekiah's military strategy; it's a sharp jab at his source of confidence. The Rabshakeh is deliberately probing for the weakness in Hezekiah's trust, trying to expose it as foolish and misplaced before the people. He's not asking what Hezekiah trusts in, but on what he rests it, implying it's a shaky foundation.
The Assyrian official, Rabshakeh, is standing outside Jerusalem's walls, having already conquered many other cities. He's directly confronting King Hezekiah's officials, launching a psychological warfare campaign designed to break their spirit and convince them to surrender. He's essentially mocking their reliance on Egypt and God, demanding to know what makes them think they can stand against the mighty Assyrian Empire.
The Assyrian official, Rabshakeh, is standing outside Jerusalem's walls, having already conquered many other cities. He's directly confronting King Hezekiah's officials, launching a psychological warfare campaign designed to break their spirit and convince them to surrender. He's essentially mocking their reliance on Egypt and God, demanding to know what makes them think they can stand against the mighty Assyrian Empire.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 2 Kings 18:19-20 is available in the Sola app.
c. 701 BC
Siege of Jerusalem
Sennacherib's forces surround Jerusalem, demanding Hezekiah's surrender. The Rabshakeh delivers Assyria's arrogant ultimatum.
c. 701 BC
Plague Decimates Assyrian Army
According to the biblical account, a divine plague strikes the Assyrian camp, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw his army from Jerusalem.
"And the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: On what do you rest this trust of yours? Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust, that you have…" — This isn't just a question about Hezekiah's military strategy; it's a sharp jab at his source of confidence. The Rabshakeh is deliberately probing for the weakness in Hezekiah's trust, trying to ex…
