Silent Strength in the Face of Adversity
"But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not." - Isaiah 36:21
In the rich tapestry of scripture, Isaiah 36:21 stands as a profound testament to the power of silence in the midst of turmoil. The verse reads: "But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not." Here, the backdrop is one of impending confrontation, where the people of Judah are threatened by the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, who sends a blasphemous challenge to their faith and resilience.
At first glance, one might wonder, why remain silent when faced with accusations or threats? Isn’t there a time for defense? Shouldn't we stand up and proclaim our truths when attacked? However, this passage reveals a deeper layer of strategy and divine wisdom. The silence of the people reflects their trust in God’s sovereignty. It shows a remarkable restraint, an understanding that, at times, our response should not come from a place of fear or desperation but from a heart anchored in faith.
Throughout the scriptures, we are frequently presented with instances where silence becomes a tool of divine purpose. Jesus modeled this in the New Testament when He remained silent before His accusers. In Matthew 27:12-14 (KJV), it says, "And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly." In both cases, silence reflects a deep confidence in God's justice and timing.
This theme carries a profound lesson for us today. In our own lives, we are often bombarded by voices that seek to shake our faith. Whether those voices come as criticism from others, internal doubts, or the weight of our circumstances, silence can be an act of faith. When we choose to respond minimally—or not at all—it can demonstrate a reliance on God rather than on our capacity to defend ourselves.
The directive "for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not" serves as a dual reminder. First, it reveals authority in our decisions and responses; sometimes, we must accept not reacting based on others’ expectations or pressures. Second, it reminds us of the higher authority—God—who does not call us to vindicate ourselves but to trust Him with our battles.
In the face of opposition, our silence may serve another purpose: it allows us to hear the still, small voice of God. In moments of quiet, we create space to receive wisdom and strength from the Lord. In Psalm 46:10 (KJV), we are encouraged, "Be still, and know that I am God..." This calls us to cease striving and to recognize God’s sovereign power over our situations. The unspoken words of the people in Judah echoed their understanding that battle wasn’t theirs but God's (2 Chronicles 20:15).
Moreover, silence can be an act of preparation. By refraining from immediate responses, we allow ourselves to reflect and gather our thoughts, making sure our subsequent words align with God's truths rather than our emotional reactions. It fosters a sincere attitude that ultimately can point others back to Christ in our responses, transforming potentially volatile situations into opportunities for grace.
In conclusion, the silence held by the people of Judah serves as a powerful model for us today. It beckons us to evaluate our instinct to defend, react, or dispute. In our trials, let us commit to the wisdom of holding our peace. Let our quietude be filled with prayer and trust in God’s perfect plan. Just as the Lord fought for Israel then, so too does He fight our battles today—often in the sound of silence.
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Isaiah 36:21 - "But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."
"But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not." - Isaiah 36:21
Acts 21:36 - "For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him."
Genesis 36:21 - "And Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan: these are the dukes of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom."
Joshua 21:36 - "And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,"
Exodus 36:21 - "The length of a board was ten cubits, and the breadth of a board one cubit and a half."
Job 36:21 - "Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction."
Isaiah 5:21
Isaiah 5:21
Isaiah 36:14 - "Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you."
Matthew 21:36 - "Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise."
Isaiah 36:19 - "Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?"
Isaiah 36:13 - "Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria."
Isaiah 3:21 - "The rings, and nose jewels,"
Ezekiel 36:21 - "¶ But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went."
Isaiah 36:3 - "Then came forth unto him Eliakim, Hilkiah's son, which was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder."
"For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him." - Acts 21:36
Isaiah 36:17 - "Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards."
Isaiah 36:20 - "Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?"
Isaiah 36:15 - "Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria."
Isaiah 36:9 - "How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?"
Isaiah 57:21 - "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."
Isaiah 38:21 - "For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover."
Isaiah 36:4 - "¶ And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?"
Isaiah 36:10 - "And am I now come up without the LORD against this land to destroy it? the LORD said unto me, Go up against this land, and destroy it."
Isaiah 36:1 - "Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them."
Isaiah 36:22 - "¶ Then came Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, that was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh."
Luke 21:36 - "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
Isaiah 36:18 - "Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?"
Isaiah 37:36 - "Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses."