What does Isaiah 36:4 mean?
"¶ 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 36:4
Isaiah 36:4 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "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?"
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Isaiah that details the confrontation between King Hezekiah of Judah and the king of Assyria. The Assyrian army has laid siege to the city of Jerusalem, and their representative, Rabshakeh, is sent to taunt and threaten the people of Judah. In this particular verse, Rabshakeh challenges the confidence that King Hezekiah has placed in his own strength and in the trust that he has in the Lord to deliver them from the impending threat.
The themes present in this verse and the surrounding passage include trust, courage, and faith in God amidst difficult circumstances. King Hezekiah's trust in the Lord is being tested, and the response to that test becomes a central theme throughout the passage. The verse also touches on themes of power and authority, as Rabshakeh speaks on behalf of the great king of Assyria, asserting his dominance over Hezekiah and the people of Judah.
The historical context of this passage is crucial to understanding its significance. The nation of Judah is facing a dire military situation, and King Hezekiah is forced to decide how to respond. The Assyrians were known for their brutality and military prowess, and their siege against Jerusalem was a formidable threat. In the face of such danger, Hezekiah's response to Rabshakeh's challenge holds significant weight.
Symbolism plays a significant role in this verse as well. The "great king, the king of Assyria" is depicted as a symbol of worldly power and might, a force to be reckoned with on a human level. Conversely, King Hezekiah's trust in the Lord represents a reliance on divine strength and deliverance. This contrast in symbolism highlights the overarching theme of faith in the face of overwhelming opposition.
The verse also sparks a broader discussion about the nature of trust and confidence. Rabshakeh's question to Hezekiah challenges the foundation of his trust, forcing Hezekiah to consider where his confidence truly lies. This prompts the reader to reflect on their own sources of trust and confidence, and to consider where they place their faith in times of trouble.
Furthermore, this verse can be seen as a call to courage and resilience in the face of adversity. King Hezekiah's response to Rabshakeh's challenge will ultimately determine the fate of his people, and his unwavering trust in the Lord serves as an example of steadfast faith in the midst of turmoil.
In conclusion, Isaiah 36:4 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of King Hezekiah's confrontation with the Assyrian army. It touches on themes of trust, courage, and faith in God, and prompts the reader to consider where they place their own confidence. The historical context, symbolism, and broader themes present in this verse make it a powerful and thought-provoking passage that continues to resonate with readers today.
Have questions about Isaiah 36:4?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Isaiah 36:4 Artwork
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?"
"¶ 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 36:4
Isaiah 36:21 - "But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."
Mark 4:36-37
Mark 4:36-37
Isaiah 36:14 - "Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you."
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?"
Genesis 36:4 - "And Adah bare to Esau Eliphaz; and Bashemath bare Reuel;"
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."
1 Chronicles 4:36 - "And Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,"
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."
Job 36:4 - "For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee."
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 38:4 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying,"
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?"
Numbers 4:36 - "And those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty."
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."
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."
Isaiah 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?"
Isaiah 36:2 - "And the king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem unto king Hezekiah with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field."
Isaiah 36:6 - "Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him."
Acts 4:36 - "And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,"
Isaiah 40:4
Isaiah 29:4
Psalms 36:4 - "He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil."