Representing Sennacherib, Rabshakeh the spokesman
for the three Assyrian ambassadors spoke out. Second Kings 18:19-25, describe
the Assyrian’s continuing intimidation. Threateningly, Rabshakeh on behalf of
Sennacherib asked the first rhetorical question in verse 19. He asked, “Say now
to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria, “What is this
confidence that you have? In verse 20. Rabshakeh hinted that they were aware
that Hezekiah was not afraid to defy Assyria because he was relying on God and
the support of Egypt.
In verses 21-25, Rabshakeh continued to taunt
Eliakim and Shebna, and Joah, whom Hezekiah sent as his representatives. He
gave reasons why Judah should surrender and stop resisting. Firstly, he said
that Egypt could not help them. Insultingly he called Egypt a “crushed reed”
that could be easily pierced when someone leans on it. Here he was suggesting
that Egypt was too weak to defend itself against the Assyrian’s strong force much less protect Judah. Secondly, in verse 22, he insinuated that their trust in the covenant LORD their God would also
prove pointless. For Hezekiah had offended God by removing the high places and
making Jerusalem the only place where incense and sacrifices could be offered
to Him. Thirdly, in verses 23-24, mockingly, he insinuated that Judah's limited
resources and men could not stand up against Assyria’s mighty force. Fourthly,
in verse 25, he said that they, the Assyrians were there with the approval of Judah's LORD. It was Him who
had told them to ‘Go up against this land (Judah) and destroy it.”
The Assyrians thought too highly of themselves.
They were boastful and arrogant. Their insults, sarcasm, and mockeries are like
the roars of a lion. They were meant to break the spirit of the Judean. Isn’t
this also the tactic of our adversary the devil? First Peter 5:8 calls him a
roaring lion. Why a roaring lion? A lion would frighten its prey with loud
roars so that the victim would be too petrified to move. Then it would slowly
devour it. For Christians who are not acquainted with the Word of God, our
enemy would plant fearful scenarios and outcomes of the trials we encounter in
life like loud roars to petrify us. Then it would make us distrust God before
it slowly chews us up. It is therefore needful for us to know our God and His
Word well. Knowing God and His Word will enable us to remain steadfast and
immovable in the LORD. We will then be
strengthened to resist the devil’s intimidation. Don’t neglect in building a
strong relationship with God. Make time for Him.
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