Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the LORD: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the young men of the king of Assyria have reviled me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God reveals that the Assyrian messengers weren't just servants, but "young men" or "youths" – a deliberate insult implying their words were immature and childish, not worthy of true fear. More importantly, God doesn't just dismiss their blasphemy; He declares it an attack against Him, framing the entire crisis as a matter of His own honor.
Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the LORD: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the young men of the king of Assyria have reviled me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Hezekiah has just received a terrifying ultimatum from the Assyrian commander, Rabshakeh, delivered with contempt for God. Hezekiah's response isn't to fight back, but to humbly send messengers to the prophet Isaiah for guidance, torn between his own fear and his trust in the Lord. Isaiah immediately delivers God's powerful message of reassurance, not just to Hezekiah but directly back to the Assyrian emissaries, telling them not to fear the arrogant words spoken against the Lord.
When the words of enemies are hurled like stones, who do they really hit? And how does God react?
The king of Assyria's messengers spewed out hateful words, not just against Hezekiah and Jerusalem, but directly against God Himself. They mocked His power, questioning His ability to save. Notice how Isaiah doesn't just tell Hezekiah to ignore these insults. Instead, he identifies the true target: 'wherewith the young men of the king of Assyria have reviled me.' God feels every insult directed at Him. He takes blasphemy personally, and that's why He's so invested in responding.
Facing overwhelming opposition, where do we find the authority and courage to stand firm?
In the face of the Assyrian army's threats and insults, King Hezekiah was understandably terrified. But God didn't send a soft message of comfort; He sent a powerful declaration: 'Thus says the LORD.' This phrase is more than just a sign-off; it's an assertion of divine authority. When God speaks, His words carry the weight of reality. They aren't suggestions or possibilities; they are the absolute truth that shapes the future. Even though the enemy's words were loud and frightening, God's Word was louder and more authoritative.
Why would a mighty king send his 'young men' to deliver such a threatening message?
The Bible uses a specific word here for the king of Assyria's messengers – 'young men' or 'youths.' This isn't just a neutral description; it's a subtle but powerful insult in return. By calling them 'youths,' the text diminishes their status and the weight of their threats. It implies they are mere boys, not seasoned diplomats or formidable warriors, acting out a childish, though wicked, role. God, through Isaiah, is showing He doesn't take these insults seriously. He sees the weakness behind the bluster, and He uses language to underscore that their menacing words are ultimately hollow and contemptible.
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Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people. It is the name by which He revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
An emotional state of terror or dread. Biblically, the command "do not fear" is often given by God to His people as a response to His presence, power, and promise of protection.
gadaph · Hebrew Verb
To speak with contempt, insult, or blasphemy. In a biblical context, it frequently refers to challenging the honor, power, or authority of God.
The historical context reveals that the Assyrian threat was a terrifying reality, not an abstract fear. The taunts of Rabshakeh were meant to shatter Hezekiah's faith, but Isaiah's message reframes the conflict: it's not merely a military struggle, but a spiritual battle where God Himself is insulted and will defend His honor.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire under Sargon II, marking a significant expansion of Assyrian power into the region.
c. 705 BC
Sennacherib becomes King of Assyria
Sennacherib succeeds his father Sargon II and continues Assyria's aggressive expansionist policies. He will later invade Judah.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades the Kingdom of Judah, conquering many fortified cities and besieging Jerusalem.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Rabshakeh's Blasphemous Demand
Assyrian official Rabshakeh delivers a taunting and blasphemous message to King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, urging surrender and mocking their trust in the Lord.
c. 701 BC
Divine Deliverance of Jerusalem
The Assyrian army besieging Jerusalem is miraculously struck down by an angel of the Lord overnight, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw. Jerusalem is saved.
Just as the Assyrian servants' words were meant to instill fear, Goliath's taunts aimed to paralyze the Israelite army with dread and to mock God.
Psalm 73:2-3This psalm reflects a similar struggle with seeing the wicked prosper and seeing the 'proud' (like the Assyrian king's servants) seemingly succeed, questioning God's justice.
Jeremiah 1:17This passage highlights God's direct commission to Jeremiah to speak His word fearlessly, paralleling Isaiah's own role in delivering God's message against overwhelming opposition.
2 Kings 18:30This verse shows Rabshakeh’s direct blasphemy against the LORD, the God of Israel, setting the stage for Isaiah's prophetic rebuke and reassurance to Hezekiah.
Romans 8:31Paul's powerful declaration, 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' echoes the core reassurance Isaiah gives Hezekiah, emphasizing that divine support trumps any earthly threat.
barnesIsaiah 37:6: "And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me."
Wherewith the servants ... - Hebrew, נערי na‛ărēy - The 'youth,' or the young men. The word properly denotes boys, youths, young men; and is used here probably by way of disparagement, in contradistinction from an embassy that would be truly respectable, made up of aged men. Have b…
cambridgeIsaiah 37:6: "And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me."
6 . the servants ] Lit “the youths.” Cf. 1 Kings 20:14 . 6, 7 . Isaiah’s answer far exceeds the king’s request. He does not need now to pray, for he is already in possession of the Divine message for this crisis.
God reveals that the Assyrian messengers weren't just servants, but "young men" or "youths" – a deliberate insult implying their words were immature and childish, not worthy of true fear. More importantly, God doesn't just dismiss their blasphemy; He declares it an attack against Him, framing the entire crisis as a matter of His own honor.
King Hezekiah has just received a terrifying ultimatum from the Assyrian commander, Rabshakeh, delivered with contempt for God. Hezekiah's response isn't to fight back, but to humbly send messengers to the prophet Isaiah for guidance, torn between his own fear and his trust in the Lord. Isaiah immediately delivers God's powerful message of reassurance, not just to Hezekiah but directly back to the Assyrian emissaries, telling them not to fear the arrogant words spoken against the Lord.
King Hezekiah has just received a terrifying ultimatum from the Assyrian commander, Rabshakeh, delivered with contempt for God. Hezekiah's response isn't to fight back, but to humbly send messengers to the prophet Isaiah for guidance, torn between his own fear and his trust in the Lord. Isaiah immediately delivers God's powerful message of reassurance, not just to Hezekiah but directly back to the Assyrian emissaries, telling them not to fear the arrogant words spoken against the Lord.
"Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the LORD: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the young men of the king of Assyria have reviled me." — God reveals that the Assyrian messengers weren't just servants, but "young men" or "youths" – a deliberate insult implying their words were immature and childish, not worthy of true fear. More import…
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Last reviewed October 2026