2 Kings 18:19

The Rabshakeh's Speech

19 Then the Rabshakeh said to them, "Tell Hezekiah this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: 'What are you relying on?[a][b]

2 Kings 18:19 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 18:19

(See Gill on 2 Kings 18:17)

2 Kings 18:19 In-Context

17 Then the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rab-saris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a massive army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced and came to Jerusalem, and they took their position by the aqueduct of the upper pool, which is by the highway to the Fuller's Field.
18 Then they called for the king, but Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the palace, Shebnah the court secretary, and Joah son of Asaph, the court historian, came out to them.
19 Then the Rabshakeh said to them, "Tell Hezekiah this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: 'What are you relying on?
20 You think mere words are strategy and strength for war. What are you now relying on so that you have rebelled against me?
21 Look, you now trust in Egypt, the stalk of this splintered reed, which if a man leans on it will go into his palm and pierce it. This is how Pharaoh king of Egypt is to all who trust in him.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Lit What is this trust which you trust
  • [b]. 2 Kg 18:5; 2 Ch 32:10
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