Isaiah 36:15 kjv
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 36:15 nkjv
nor let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, "The LORD will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria." '
Isaiah 36:15 niv
Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the LORD when he says, 'The LORD will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.'
Isaiah 36:15 esv
Do not let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD by saying, "The LORD will surely deliver us. This city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria."
Isaiah 36:15 nlt
Don't let him fool you into trusting in the LORD by saying, 'The LORD will surely rescue us. This city will never fall into the hands of the Assyrian king!'
Isaiah 36 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 36:4 | "What is this confidence in which you trust?" | Isa 36:4 (Challenges reliance on Egypt) |
| Isa 36:6 | "Behold, you have relied on the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will enter his hand and pierce it." | Isa 36:6 (Metaphor for Egypt's weakness) |
| 2 Kin 18:19 | Similar account, Rabshakeh speaking directly to Hezekiah and people. | 2 Kin 18:19 (Parallel narrative) |
| 2 Chr 32:10 | Similar account, Assyrian boasting. | 2 Chr 32:10 (Parallel narrative) |
| Ps 62:5-6 | "My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my hope is from Him." | Ps 62:5-6 (Contrast in true hope) |
| Jer 17:5-8 | Cursing the one who trusts in man and puts flesh to his arm. | Jer 17:5-8 (Consequences of human trust) |
| Matt 6:24 | "No one can serve two masters..." | Matt 6:24 (Loyalty and allegiance) |
| 1 Cor 10:13 | God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. | 1 Cor 10:13 (God's provision in trial) |
| Ps 20:7 | "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God." | Ps 20:7 (Contrast in sources of strength) |
| Isa 8:12-13 | "Do not say, 'A conspiracy,' Concerning all this Dalilah is called a conspiracy, Nor do you fear its fear or be afraid. The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow..." | Isa 8:12-13 (Call to fear God, not man) |
| Isa 10:5-7 | God using Assyria as a tool of His judgment. | Isa 10:5-7 (Assyria's perceived divine right) |
| Isa 40:31 | "...they shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." | Isa 40:31 (God's strength for the faithful) |
| Hab 2:3 | "For the vision awaits its appointed time... it will surely come, it will not delay." | Hab 2:3 (God's ultimate justice) |
| Ps 118:8-9 | "It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes." | Ps 118:8-9 (The value of trusting God) |
| Isa 14:24-27 | God's sovereign plan against Assyria. | Isa 14:24-27 (God's ultimate control) |
| Ezek 29:6-7 | Prophecy against Egypt's failure. | Ezek 29:6-7 (Egypt's unreliability) |
| Acts 17:25 | God gives life and breath and all things to all people. | Acts 17:25 (God as sustainer) |
| Prov 3:5-6 | Trust in the LORD with all your heart. | Prov 3:5-6 (Principle of trust) |
| Jer 39:4 | Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem. | Jer 39:4 (Outcome of disobedience) |
| Luke 12:32 | "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom." | Luke 12:32 (Encouragement against fear) |
| Rev 6:8 | Four horsemen, one of which represents death. | Rev 6:8 (Symbolism of destruction) |
Isaiah 36 verses
Isaiah 36 15 Meaning
This verse encapsulates a defiant message from Rabshakeh, an Assyrian official, to the people of Jerusalem, delivered on behalf of King Sennacherib. He is essentially presenting an ultimatum: surrender to Assyria, or face destruction. The core meaning is a challenge to their trust in their own leadership and alliances, particularly Egypt, and an assertion of Assyria's overwhelming power and divine mandate. It is a psychological warfare tactic designed to sow despair and division within the city.
Isaiah 36 15 Context
This verse occurs during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under King Sennacherib. Assyria had already conquered many of the fortified cities of Judah. King Hezekiah, initially trying diplomacy, is now facing direct pressure and psychological warfare. Rabshakeh, the Assyrian commander, stands outside the city walls and addresses the people and officials, using persuasive and intimidating language. His purpose is to demoralize Jerusalem into surrendering, bypassing Hezekiah’s authority. The chapter reflects a critical moment of decision and faith for Jerusalem.
Isaiah 36 15 Word Analysis
"Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria,"
- Thus says: Introduces a formal pronouncement. The Hebrew word "kōh" (כֹּה) signifies "thus" or "so." It introduces an authoritative message, common in prophetic and royal speech.
- the great king: "melekh hag-gadōl" (מֶלֶךְ הַגָּדוֹל). Emphasizes Sennacherib's power and status. "Great" (gadōl, גָּדוֹל) denotes significant size, importance, or authority.
- the king of Assyria: "melekh 'aššûr" (מֶלֶךְ אַשּׁוּר). Clearly identifies the speaker's sovereign, highlighting the immense empire he represents. Assyria at this time was a dominant world power, known for its military might and brutality.
"What is this confidence in which you trust?"
- What is this: A rhetorical question used to express contempt and disbelief.
- confidence: "beṭaḥôn" (בִּטָּחוֹן). Refers to trust, reliance, assurance, or hope. Rabshakeh scoffs at the perceived source of their security.
- in which you trust: "tiqṭaḥû" (תִּבְטְחוּ). The Hebrew verb is "bāṭaḥ" (בָּטַח), meaning to trust, lean upon, or take refuge in. The plural form indicates he is addressing the people of Jerusalem.
Isaiah 36 15 Bonus Section
The tactic employed by Rabshakeh, using words as weapons to instill fear and doubt, is a form of psychological warfare. This echoes later biblical narratives where leaders are tempted to rely on human strength and alliances rather than divine assurance. The "broken reed" imagery for Egypt is a potent metaphor, also found in Ezekiel 29:6-7, highlighting Egypt's unreliability and inability to support those who depend on it. The challenge "What is this confidence?" prompts reflection on the true source of security – not political alliances or military might, but faithfulness to God. This adversarial dialogue sets the stage for Hezekiah's response, which involves prayer and seeking the prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah 36 15 Commentary
Rabshakeh's statement is a direct attack on Jerusalem's hope and faith. He demeans their trust, implying it's misplaced and foolish. By invoking his king's grand titles, he aims to showcase overwhelming military superiority, intending to induce fear and a desire for self-preservation at any cost. He belittles any reliance on diplomacy or alliances, particularly pointing to Egypt as a "broken reed." The verse is a testament to how political and military might are often presented as the ultimate sources of security, a deceptive temptation that undermines faith in God. It is a tactic of demoralization, attempting to break the spirit of the besieged city.