Isaiah 36:20 meaning
In a dramatic moment within the narrative of Judah's history, a significant ultimatum was posed to the people of Jerusalem by the Assyrian field commander Rabshakeh. His challenge not only questioned the ability of Yahweh to deliver His people but also characterized the plight of the Judeans as a choice between surrendering to Assyria or facing annihilation. This verse encapsulates the overarching theme of trust in God's sovereignty versus reliance on human strength in times of peril. The crux of the message is whether Yahweh, the God of Israel, is indeed superior to the idols of surrounding nations, especially given the defeat of the Northern Kingdom.
As the Judeans grappled with fear amidst an overwhelming Assyrian presence, the blasphemous challenge posed by Rabshakeh served as a pivotal point that tested their faith. Would they place their trust in the promises and power of Yahweh or yield to despair and surrender? This moment underscores the significance of faith in God during adversity, a theme that resonates through the entirety of scripture. The scripture reads: “Who among all the gods of these lands have delivered their land from my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?” (Isaiah 36:20, NASB95).
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Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Isaiah 36:11-22 meaning. The Rabshakeh finishes his propaganda campaign of fearmongering aimed at convincing Jerusalem to surrender to the king of Assyria.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Hosea 13:12-16 meaning. The LORD predicts that a powerful army will destroy Israel’s villages in a brutal manner that includes the slaughter of children and the ripping open of pregnant women.
- Isaiah 36:1-3 meaning. On the heels of several military victories, Sennacherib the King of Assyria sends his trusted advisor "The Rabshakeh" to Jerusalem with the intention of convincing its king, Hezekiah, and its inhabitants to surrender out of fear.
- Isaiah 36:11-22 meaning. The Rabshakeh finishes his propaganda campaign of fearmongering aimed at convincing Jerusalem to surrender to the king of Assyria.