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)
Rabshakeh mocks the idea that mere words or diplomacy can stand against Assyria's might. He's not just dismissing Hezekiah's thoughts, but highlighting the emptiness of any reliance ("a word of the lips") that isn't backed by real power or divine backing. His question forces the issue: on what tangible basis, besides spoken strategy or possibly foreign alliances, does Hezekiah truly believe he can defy the empire?
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)
The Assyrian commander, the Rabshakeh, stands before Jerusalem, issuing a brazen ultimatum to King Hezekiah. He's mocking Hezekiah's perceived reliance on fragile alliances and empty boasts, questioning what real strength or strategy Hezekiah believes he possesses to defy the mighty Assyrian Empire. This taunting challenge comes after Hezekiah has already tried to placate the Assyrians with tribute, making the commander's words a direct assault on his courage and his faith.
Rabshakeh, the Assyrian envoy, mocks Hezekiah's trust in something other than military might. What does he mean by 'mere words'?
The Assyrian envoy, Rabshakeh, confronts Hezekiah's defiance with scorn. He dismisses any reliance on spoken promises or plans as simply 'vain words' or 'a word of the lips.' He implies that true strength for war comes from tangible counsel and power, not just talk. He's essentially saying, 'You can't possibly think that just talking about strategy, or perhaps even praying, is enough to stand against us!' This highlights a crucial distinction: the difference between superficial reliance and a deep, active trust.
Rabshakeh believes that Hezekiah is placing his confidence in earthly alliances, likely with Egypt, which was known for its 'counsel.' But he equates this reliance on human wisdom and power as ultimately empty, a mere 'word of the lips' in the face of Assyria's overwhelming force.
Rabshakeh accuses Hezekiah of rebellion. But what is the core issue he's probing?
Rabshakeh cuts to the chase by asking, 'In whom do you now trust, that you have rebelled against me?' This isn't just about political defiance; it's about the object of Hezekiah's ultimate trust. The Assyrian envoy understands that rebellion against his king, Sennacherib, is rooted in a deeper allegiance.
He implies that Hezekiah must be trusting in someone or something powerful enough to make such a bold move. By framing it this way, Rabshakeh aims to expose Hezekiah's hidden source of confidence. Is it Egypt? Is it some other ally? Or, as Hezekiah himself would argue, is it the Lord God of Israel? This question forces Hezekiah to confront the foundation of his courage and his kingdom's stand against Assyria.
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Understand the original words
etsah · Hebrew Noun
A term used for a course of action, counsel, or wisdom formulated to achieve a specific outcome, often in political or military contexts. In Scripture, it signifies the plans made by human leaders, which are ultimately subject to the sovereign will of God.
geburah · Hebrew Noun
Power, strength, or ability to accomplish a task; in a military context, it refers to the physical force or might of an army. Theologically, it is often contrasted with the divine power of God.
marad · Hebrew Verb
To break away from authority, loyalty, or a covenantal obligation. In the Old Testament, it can refer to political revolt against a king or, more significantly, the spiritual act of turning away from God's covenant.
This dramatic confrontation occurred during a tense military campaign where Assyria, the superpower of the era, sought to reassert its dominance over rebellious vassal states like Judah.
c. 705 BC
Hezekiah Rebels Against Assyria
After the death of Assyrian king Sargon II, Hezekiah stopped paying tribute to his successor, Sennacherib, effectively rebelling against Assyrian rule.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib Invades Judah
Sennacherib launched a punitive expedition into the Levant, conquering many fortified cities in Judah.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Envoy Confronts Jerusalem
The Assyrian commander, the Rabshakeh, stands before Jerusalem and delivers a defiant speech to Hezekiah and the people.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Army Departs Jerusalem
Sennacherib withdraws his main army from Jerusalem after receiving tribute, but the threat to the city remains.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion Ends Abruptly
The Assyrian campaign in the region ends suddenly, with Sennacherib returning to Nineveh. The reason is debated, but biblical accounts suggest divine intervention.
This is the parallel account where the Rabshakeh also mocks Hezekiah's trust in Egypt and his own resources, directly quoting the same taunts about 'mere words' and questioning his reliance.
Isaiah 10:5-6This passage describes God using Assyria as an instrument of His wrath, highlighting the futility of relying on human power or strategy against God's ordained purposes.
Jeremiah 17:5-7This text is a strong parallel about the curse on those who trust in humans and the blessing on those who trust in the Lord, directly addressing the core issue of misplaced trust raised in Isaiah's challenge.
Psalm 20:7This psalm stands in direct contrast to the Rabshakeh's taunt, affirming that while some trust in chariots and horses (military might), believers will trust in the name of the Lord their God, providing a theological counterpoint.
1 Corinthians 1:25-27This New Testament passage echoes the theme that God often chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the strong and wise, showing how human 'wisdom' and 'power' are often insufficient in God's eyes.
barnesIsaiah 36:5: "I say, sayest thou, (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?"
I say, sayest thou - In 2 Kings 18:20 , this is 'thou sayest;' and thus many manuscripts read it here, and Lowth and Noyes have adopted that reading. So the Syriac reads it. But the sense is not affected whichever reading is adopted. It is designed to show to Hezekiah that his reliance, either on his own resources or on Egypt, was vai…
pulpitIsaiah 36:5: "I say, sayest thou, (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?"
Verse 5. - I say. In 2 Kings 18:20 we read, "Thou sayest" for "I say," which gives a better sense. Dr. Kay holds the two forms to be "complementary." I have counsel and strength for war. Either the words of Hezekiah had been reported to Sennacherib, or he rightly divined Hezekiah's thoughts. It was, no doubt, in reliance on the "couns…
Rabshakeh mocks the idea that mere words or diplomacy can stand against Assyria's might. He's not just dismissing Hezekiah's thoughts, but highlighting the emptiness of any reliance ("a word of the lips") that isn't backed by real power or divine backing. His question forces the issue: on what tangible basis, besides spoken strategy or possibly foreign alliances, does Hezekiah truly believe he can defy the empire?
The Assyrian commander, the Rabshakeh, stands before Jerusalem, issuing a brazen ultimatum to King Hezekiah. He's mocking Hezekiah's perceived reliance on fragile alliances and empty boasts, questioning what real strength or strategy Hezekiah believes he possesses to defy the mighty Assyrian Empire. This taunting challenge comes after Hezekiah has already tried to placate the Assyrians with tribute, making the commander's words a direct assault on his courage and his faith.
The Assyrian commander, the Rabshakeh, stands before Jerusalem, issuing a brazen ultimatum to King Hezekiah. He's mocking Hezekiah's perceived reliance on fragile alliances and empty boasts, questioning what real strength or strategy Hezekiah believes he possesses to defy the mighty Assyrian Empire. This taunting challenge comes after Hezekiah has already tried to placate the Assyrians with tribute, making the commander's words a direct assault on his courage and his faith.
"Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust, that you have rebelled against me?" — Rabshakeh mocks the idea that mere words or diplomacy can stand against Assyria's might. He's not just dismissing Hezekiah's thoughts, but highlighting the emptiness of any reliance ("a word of the…
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Last reviewed October 2026