Rabshakeh’s Taunts before Jerusalem
2 Kings 18:17-37
2 K.18.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- תרתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- סריס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- שקה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- לכיש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- חזקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בחיל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כבד: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויעלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויעלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בתעלת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,con
- הברכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- העליונה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- במסלת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,con
- שדה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כובס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:2 (verbal): Parallel narrative of the same scene: the Assyrian officers (Tartan/Rabsaris/Rabshakeh) come from Lachish and stand by the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washerman's (Fuller’s) Field; wording and setting closely mirror 2 Kings 18:17.
- 2 Chronicles 32:9 (verbal): Chronicles' account of Sennacherib's envoys to Hezekiah: same trio of officials sent from Lachish who stand by the upper pool’s conduit—direct parallel report of the event.
- 2 Kings 18:14 (structural): Immediate context within the same chapter: earlier verse describes Hezekiah’s construction of the upper pool and conduit into the city, which is the very location named in 18:17.
- 2 Kings 18:13 (thematic): Sets the broader military context: Sennacherib’s campaign against Judah’s fortified cities and the advance that culminates in sending envoys to Jerusalem (background for the scene in 18:17).
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshekah from Lachish to King Hezekiah with a great army to Jerusalem. They went up and came to Jerusalem, and they ascended and stood by the conduit of the upper pool on the highway of the Washer's Field.
- And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rab‑shakeh from Lachish to King Hezekiah with a heavy force against Jerusalem; and they ascended and came up to Jerusalem and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is on the highway of the Washer's Field.
2 K.18.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אליקים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חלקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ושבנה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויואח: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אסף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המזכיר: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:3 (quotation): Almost verbatim parallel account of the same scene: the Assyrian envoys confront Hezekiah’s court and Eliakim son of Hilkiah, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph are named.
- Isaiah 37:2 (structural): Later parallel in Isaiah’s narrative where Hezekiah sends Eliakim, Shebna and others to Isaiah — same officials functioning in the crisis surrounding Sennacherib’s threat.
- Isaiah 22:15-25 (verbal): Oracle concerning Shebna and Eliakim: Shebna the steward is condemned and Eliakim son of Hilkiah is appointed over the house — thematically and verbally linked to the offices named in 2 Kgs 18:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they called to the king; and Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, came out to them.
- And they called to the king; and Elikam son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder came out to them.
2 K.18.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- שקה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- נא: PART
- אל: NEG
- חזקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מה: PRON,int
- הבטחון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בטחת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:4 (quotation): Nearly identical wording in the parallel Isaiah account of the Rabshakeh's challenge to Hezekiah: the Assyrian envoy asks what confidence Hezekiah trusts in.
- 2 Chronicles 32:9 (quotation): Chronicles retells the same episode and includes the same taunt by the Assyrian commander, echoing the challenge to Hezekiah's trust.
- Psalm 20:7 (thematic): Contrasts human/military confidence with trust in God: 'Some trust in chariots and some in horses…', addressing the issue of where true security lies, which the Rabshakeh mocks.
- Jeremiah 17:5 (thematic): A prophetic warning against trusting in humans rather than God—thematically related to the challenge posed by the Assyrian taunt about misplaced confidence.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the Rabshekah said to them, “Say to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: What confidence is this in which you trust?
- And Rab‑shakeh said to them, “Say to Hezekiah: Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: What is this confidence in which you trust?
2 K.18.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אמרת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אך: PART
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שפתים: NOUN,f,du,abs
- עצה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וגבורה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עתה: ADV
- על: PREP
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- בטחת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- מרדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:4 (quotation): Parallel account of Rabshakeh's speech in Isaiah; reproduces the same taunt/question about whom Judah is trusting in rebelling against Assyria.
- 2 Chronicles 32:9 (quotation): Chronicles retells the Assyrian envoy's challenge to Hezekiah's officials—same challenge about trusting others and rebelling against the king of Assyria.
- Isaiah 31:1 (thematic): Prophetic warning against trusting in Egypt and horses echoes the issue raised by Rabshakeh about reliance on foreign help rather than God.
- Psalm 20:7 (thematic): Contrasts human military confidence ('chariots and horses') with trust in the LORD—a theological counterpoint to the taunt about where Judah's trust lies.
- Jeremiah 17:5 (thematic): Pronounces the curse on those who trust in man rather than God, thematically parallel to the implied critique of Judah's reliance on human allies in Rabshakeh's taunt.
Alternative generated candidates
- You say—only words of the lips—‘Plans and courage for war.’ Now on whom are you relying, that you have rebelled against me?
- You speak only words of lip—‘counsel and bravery for war.’ Now upon whom have you trusted, that you have rebelled against me?
2 K.18.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עתה: ADV
- הנה: PART
- בטחת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- משענת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הקנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הרצוץ: ADJ,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- על: PREP
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יסמך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ובא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בכפו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- ונקבה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כן: ADV
- פרעה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לכל: PREP
- הבטחים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:6 (quotation): Essentially the same speech recorded in Isaiah — Rabshakeh's taunt using the 'broken reed' image appears verbatim in the parallel narrative.
- 2 Chronicles 32:9-12 (verbal): Parallel retelling of Sennacherib/Rabshakeh's message to Hezekiah; similarly insists that Pharaoh of Egypt cannot be relied upon for help.
- Isaiah 31:1-3 (thematic): Condemns seeking help from Egypt and trusting human powers instead of the LORD—same theological critique of reliance on Egypt.
- Isaiah 30:1-3 (thematic): Warns against making alliances with Egypt and describes the futility and danger of depending on foreign aid rather than God, echoing the warning in 2 Kings 18:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now look, you are trusting on a broken reed of a staff—on Egypt; if a man leans on it, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who rely on him.
- Behold, you trust upon this broken reed—upon Egypt—if a man leans upon it, it will go into his hand and pierce it; so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.
2 K.18.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכי: CONJ
- תאמרון: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,m,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- בטחנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,pl
- הלוא: PART
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הסיר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חזקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- במתיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מזבחתיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ליהודה: PREP+PN,masc,sg
- ולירושלם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- המזבח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- תשתחוו: VERB,hitp,impf,2,m,pl
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 12:5, 11-14 (thematic): Commands centralization of worship in 'the place the LORD will choose' and prohibits local high places and private altars—the theological background for Hezekiah's demand that Judah worship at Jerusalem.
- 2 Kings 18:4 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same narrative: explicitly reports Hezekiah's removal of the high places, pillars and Asherah—background to Rabshakeh's rhetorical question about trusting in the LORD.
- 2 Chronicles 31:1-3 (structural): Chronicles' account of Hezekiah's religious reforms (removing high places, restoring proper worship), a retelling of the same reform movement referenced by Rabshakeh.
- Isaiah 36:7-8 (verbal): Isaiah's parallel account reproduces Rabshakeh's taunting speech against Jerusalem and its trust in the LORD and in Hezekiah's religious reforms; the language and argument closely mirror 2 Kings 18:22.
- 1 Kings 12:28-30 (thematic): Account of Jeroboam establishing rival high places (Dan and Bethel) and alternative cultic centers—provides a contrasting precedent to Hezekiah's centralization policy and highlights the political/religious stakes of controlling worship sites.
Alternative generated candidates
- And if you say to me, ‘We rely on the LORD our God’—is it not he whom Hezekiah has taken away his high places and his altars, and said to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘Before this altar you shall bow’?
- And if you say to me, ‘We trust in the LORD our God’—is not he the one of whom Hezekiah removed his high places and his altars, and said to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘Before this altar you shall bow in Jerusalem’?
2 K.18.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- התערב: VERB,hitp,imp,2,m,sg
- נא: PART
- את: PRT,acc
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואתנה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- סוסים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אם: CONJ
- תוכל: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לתת: VERB,qal,inf
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- רכבים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:8 (quotation): Verbatim parallel — Isaiah retells Rabshakeh’s challenge offering to give horses and chariots if riders could be provided.
- Isaiah 36:9-11 (verbal): Continuation of the same speech in Isaiah’s account; repeats the taunt about giving horses and whether Judah can place riders on them.
- 2 Chronicles 32:10-12 (allusion): Chronicles retells the Assyrian envoy’s provocation toward Hezekiah, including the same offer/threat about horses and chariots.
- 2 Kings 18:25 (structural): Immediate literary parallel in the same narrative — the officials’ rebuke and context respond directly to Rabshakeh’s offer in v.23.
Alternative generated candidates
- And now, make a covenant with my master the king of Assyria, and I will give you thousands of horses—if you are able to put riders on them.
- Now therefore make a bargain with my lord the king of Assyria; and I will give you two thousand horses, if you are able on your part to put riders on them.
2 K.18.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואיך: CONJ+ADV
- תשיב: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- פחת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- הקטנים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- ותבטח: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לרכב: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולפרשים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:6 (quotation): Isaiah 36 repeats Rabshakeh’s taunt almost verbatim—challenging trust in Egypt and its chariots and horsemen (direct parallel in the Isaian account of the same episode).
- Isaiah 31:1 (thematic): Isaiah condemns reliance on Egypt and on horses/chariots as misplaced trust in flesh rather than God, echoing the same critique of seeking Egyptian military aid.
- Psalm 20:7 (verbal): Contrasts human military confidence with trust in the LORD: 'Some trust in chariots and some in horses...'—a proverbially similar denunciation of confidence in chariots/horses.
- Psalm 33:16-17 (thematic): Affirms the same theological point that military power (horses, chariots, large armies) cannot secure a king—paralleling the warning against trusting Egypt’s military resources.
Alternative generated candidates
- How then will you turn back one officer of the least of my master’s servants, and rely on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?
- How then will you repulse one officer of my lord’s least servants, and rely on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?
2 K.18.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עתה: ADV
- המבלעדי: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עליתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- על: PREP
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- להשחתו: PREP+VERB,hiph,inf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
- והשחיתה: CONJ+VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:10 (quotation): Parallel account in Isaiah of Rabshakeh’s taunt claiming that YHWH told him to come up and destroy the land — essentially the same spoken charge as in 2 Kings 18:25.
- 2 Chronicles 32:17-19 (structural): Chronicles’ retelling of Sennacherib/Rabshakeh’s message to Jerusalem parallels the narrative and speech verbatim or nearly so, providing a parallel historical account.
- Isaiah 10:5-6 (thematic): Presents Assyria as the instrument of YHWH’s judgment — thematically related to the Assyrian claim in 2 Kings that God sent them to destroy the land.
- Deuteronomy 20:16-18 (thematic): Commands given in warfare to utterly destroy certain nations echo the notion of divine authorization for total destruction expressed in the Assyrian claim.
Alternative generated candidates
- Besides, by the LORD I have come up against this place to destroy it; the LORD said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’”
- Now am I not come up against this land to destroy it? The LORD said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’”
2 K.18.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליקים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חלקיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושבנה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ויואח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- שקה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נא: PART
- אל: NEG
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- ארמית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- שמעים: VERB,qal,part,?,m,pl
- אנחנו: PRON,1,pl
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תדבר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- עמנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- יהודית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- באזני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cstr
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- החמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Isa.36.11 (verbal): Direct parallel/near-quotation — same scene in Isaiah: officials ask the Rabshakeh to speak in Aramaic because they understand, and not in Judean (Hebrew) before the people on the wall.
- 2Chr.32.17-18 (structural): Parallel account of Sennacherib's envoys to Hezekiah; covers the same episode (Rabshakeh's taunting speeches) and corresponds structurally to the material in Kings/Isaiah.
- Ezra 4:7 (thematic): Shows use of Aramaic as the lingua franca/official administrative language in the Persian period — parallels the practical reason for speaking Aramaic so that intended audiences (or excluding others) could/could not understand.
- Dan.2:4 (thematic): Illustrates a similar phenomenon of language choice in public address: the Chaldeans/officials speak to the king in Aramaic, reflecting Aramaic as the common diplomatic/administrative tongue.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah and Shebna and Joah said to the Rabshekah, “Please speak to your servants in the Aramaic language, for we understand it; and do not speak to us in the Judean language in the hearing of the people on the wall.”
- Then Elikam son of Hilkiah and Shebna and Joah said to Rab‑shakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand; do not speak with us in Judean in the hearing of the people on the wall.”
2 K.18.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- שקה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- העל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אדניך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ואליך: CONJ+PREP,2,m,sg
- שלחני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- לדבר: INF,qal
- את: PRT,acc
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- הלא: PART
- על: PREP
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הישבים: PART,qal,ptc,3,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- החמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לאכל: INF,qal
- את: PRT,acc
- צואתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- ולשתות: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- מימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- רגליהם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- עמכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:11-12 (verbal): Direct parallel/quotation: Isaiah 36 retells the same episode and contains nearly identical wording of the Rabshakeh's taunt about those on the wall eating dung and drinking urine.
- 2 Chronicles 32:17-19 (structural): Parallel narrative: Chronicles recounts Sennacherib's emissaries and the crisis in Hezekiah's day, corresponding to the same diplomatic taunts and the surrounding events recorded in Kings.
- Ezekiel 4:12-15 (thematic): Thematic parallel: Ezekiel describes siege conditions and the use of excrement as fuel and food under extreme siege humiliation (baking with dung; later allowance of human excrement if defiled), echoing the image of bodily waste used to portray desperation and degradation.
- Deuteronomy 28:53-57 (thematic): Thematic allusion: The Deuteronomic curse passages depict grotesque horrors and degradation in besieged cities (including cannibalism, loss of bodily dignity), providing the legal/prophetic background for later prophetic and narrative portrayals of siege-induced shame and privation like the Rabshakeh's taunt.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the Rabshekah said to them, “Was it for your sake that my master sent me to speak these words? Is it not for the men who sit on the wall, to eat their own dung and drink their own urine with you?”
- But Rab‑shakeh said to them, “Has my master sent me to speak these words to your master and to you, and not to the men who sit on the wall—who with you will eat their own dung and drink the water that comes from their feet?”
2 K.18.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- שקה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- יהודית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:4 (verbal): Direct parallel account of the Rabshakeh standing and crying out in the language of Judah; essentially the same wording and scene as 2 Kings 18:28.
- Isaiah 36:2 (structural): Sets up the same narrative situation (the Rabshakeh and the Assyrian delegation before Jerusalem) and parallels the opening of the speech recorded in 2 Kings 18.
- 2 Chronicles 32:17 (thematic): Chronicles retells the episode of Sennacherib's envoys/ Rabshakeh taunting Jerusalem; parallels the theme of Assyrian intimidation and the foreign official's speech.
- 2 Kings 19:10 (verbal): Continuation of the Assyrian envoy's speech in the Deuteronomistic history; contains the boastful 'words of the great king, king of Assyria' motif that echoes 2 Kings 18:28.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the Rabshekah stood and cried with a loud voice in the Judean language and said, “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.
- Then Rab‑shakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in Judean and said, “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria!
2 K.18.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- ישיא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- חזקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- יוכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms
- להציל: VERB,qal,inf
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- מידו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:13-20 (quotation): Direct parallel—Isaiah repeats Rabshakeh’s taunt to Jerusalem (same speech urging the people not to trust Hezekiah or rely on the LORD to deliver the city).
- 2 Chronicles 32:17-19 (quotation): Chronicles retells the Assyrian insults against Jerusalem and the exhortation not to be persuaded by Hezekiah, paralleling the message of 2 Kings 18:29.
- Isaiah 37:10-13 (allusion): Sennacherib’s letter and taunting claims about Hezekiah’s inability to save Jerusalem echo the earlier Assyrian message and repeat the same theme of impossibility of deliverance from Assyria’s hand.
- Psalm 20:7 (thematic): Contrasts human/military confidence with trust in God—echoes the underlying issue in 2 Kings 18:29 where the Assyrian message challenges reliance on Hezekiah/Yahweh versus submission to Assyria.
- Jeremiah 17:5 (thematic): Condemns trust in human strength rather than God; thematically parallels the Assyrian taunt that Jerusalem should not trust Hezekiah or his God to save them.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the king: ‘Do not let Hezekiah make you trust—he cannot deliver you from my hand.
- Thus says the king: Do not let Hezekiah mislead you, for he cannot deliver you from my hand.
2 K.18.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- יבטח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- חזקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הצל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יצילנו: VERB,hiph,imprf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- תנתן: VERB,nip,impf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:4 (verbal): Isaiah 36 retells Rabshakeh’s speech to Jerusalem; this verse repeats the same challenge not to trust in the LORD and Hezekiah’s assurances (near-verbatim parallel).
- 2 Chronicles 32:10 (verbal): Chronicles gives a parallel account of Sennacherib’s envoy’s mocking speech, including the injunction not to rely on Hezekiah’s promise that the LORD will deliver the city.
- Psalm 118:8 (thematic): Contrasts Rabshakeh’s attempt to undermine trust in God: the psalm affirms that trusting in the LORD is better than trusting in man, offering the theological counterpoint.
- Jeremiah 17:5 (thematic): Jeremiah pronounces a curse on those who trust in man rather than the LORD, thematically related to the issue of misplaced trust raised in Rabshakeh’s taunt.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, “The LORD will surely save us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.”’”
- Do not let Hezekiah persuade you, saying, ‘The LORD will deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’
2 K.18.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תשמעו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- חזקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- ברכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וצאו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ואכלו: VERB,qal,imp,2,mp
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גפנו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תאנתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ושתו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- בורו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:16 (quotation): A near-verbatim repetition of Rabshakeh’s taunt to Jerusalem: the Assyrian command not to trust Hezekiah and the promise that each will ‘eat his own vine and fig tree and drink water from his own cistern.’
- 2 Chronicles 32:9 (quotation): Chronicles records the same Assyrian provocation with language very similar to 2 Kings, urging the people to reject Hezekiah and accept Assyrian terms so they can eat and drink peacefully.
- 2 Kings 18:28-35 (structural): The larger context in 2 Kings containing Rabshakeh’s full speech; verse 31 is part of this extended Assyrian address aimed at undermining Jerusalem’s confidence.
- Isaiah 37:10-13 (thematic): Sennacherib’s subsequent letter and threats to Hezekiah reprise the same strategy of intimidation—questioning trust in God and demanding surrender—echoing the taunt recorded in 2 Kings 18:31.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not listen to Hezekiah; for thus says the king of Assyria: ‘Make a bargain with me, come out to me, and each of you will eat from his own vine and from his own fig tree, and each will drink water from his own cistern;
- Do not listen to Hezekiah: for thus says the king of Assyria, ‘Make a bargain with me and come out to me; each of you eat from his own vine and each from his own fig tree, and each drink the water of his own cistern.’”
2 K.18.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עד: PREP
- באי: PREP+VERB,qal,ptcp,m,pl
- ולקחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כארצכם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:2,m,pl
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דגן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותירוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכרמים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יצהר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודבש: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחיו: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- תמתו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תשמעו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- חזקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- יסית: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- יצילנו: VERB,hiph,imprf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:16 (quotation): Parallel account of Rabshakeh’s speech in Isaiah 36; the Assyrian envoy warns not to trust Hezekiah and promises that the people may eat of their own vines and fig trees, corresponding closely to 2 Kgs 18:32.
- 2 Chronicles 32:10 (structural): Chronicles retells the Sennacherib episode and the Assyrian taunt to Jerusalem; the same challenge to trust Hezekiah and the offer of peaceful agricultural life appear in this parallel narrative.
- Deuteronomy 8:7-8 (verbal): Deuteronomy’s description of the Promised Land lists wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, olive oil and honey—language nearly identical to the agricultural catalogue in 2 Kgs 18:32.
- Numbers 13:27 (thematic): The spies’ report that the land 'flows with milk and honey' and yields abundant produce echoes the same motif of fertile, desirable land used by the Assyrian envoy to entice the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- until I come and take you away to a land like your own— a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive oil and honey—and you will live and not die. Do not listen to Hezekiah, for he misleads you when he says, “The LORD will save us.”’”},{
- ‘Until I come and take you away to a land like your own—land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, of olive‑oil and honey—and you will live and not die. Do not listen to Hezekiah, for he will seduce you, saying, “The LORD will save us.”’”
2 K.18.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ההצל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- הצילו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הגוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ארצו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,ms
- מיד: PREP
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אשור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:18 (quotation): Nearly identical taunt in Isaiah's parallel account of Rabshakeh's speech — challenges the power of foreign gods to deliver their lands from Assyria.
- 2 Chronicles 32:17 (verbal): Chronicle parallel to the Hezekiah narrative repeating the Assyrian taunts that no foreign god has saved its country from Assyria.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): Poetic critique of idols that cannot speak, see, or save — thematically counters the assumption that other nations' gods can protect them.
- Jeremiah 10:11 (thematic): A polemic against foreign gods and idols, asserting their powerlessness and echoing the theme that such deities cannot deliver nations from real political threats.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do the gods of the nations ever deliver their lands from the hand of the king of Assyria?
- “Has any one of the gods of the nations delivered his land from my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”
2 K.18.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- איה: ADV,interr
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- חמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- וארפד: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- איה: ADV,interr
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ספרוים: PNOUN,m,pl
- הנע: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ועוה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- הצילו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- שמרון: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מידי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:18-20 (quotation): Parallel retelling of the same taunt by the Assyrian envoy (Rabshakeh) mocking the gods of Hamath, Arpad, and Sepharvaim and asking whether they rescued Samaria—the wording closely mirrors 2 Kings 18:34.
- 2 Chronicles 32:17-19 (quotation): Chronicles' account of Sennacherib's envoy repeats the same blasphemous challenge against the gods of the conquered cities, echoing the taunt that their gods did not deliver Samaria.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): A poetic denunciation of idols as powerless objects; thematically connects with Rabshakeh's mockery that the foreign gods could not save their peoples or cities.
- Psalm 135:15-18 (thematic): Another polemic against idols—depicting them as the work of hands and helpless—paralleling the claim that the gods of Hamath, Arpad, and Sepharvaim failed to deliver Samaria.
Alternative generated candidates
- Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand?
- “Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand?
2 K.18.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הארצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הצילו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארצם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- מידי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- יציל: VERB,piel,impf,3,ms
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מידי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:20 (quotation): Isaiah recounts the same taunt of the Assyrian spokesman against Jerusalem, using nearly identical wording challenging which gods of the nations delivered their lands, thus directly parallel and partly quoted material.
- 2 Chronicles 32:17 (quotation): Chronicles retells Rabshakeh’s speech and includes the same challenge to Hezekiah’s people, repeating the rhetorical question about other gods delivering their lands—another direct narrative parallel.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): This psalm contrasts the LORD with impotent idols that have mouths but cannot speak or act—themewise connection to the taunt that other nations’ gods could not save their lands, underscoring the impotence of idols.
- Psalm 135:15-18 (thematic): Like Psalm 115, Psalm 135 depicts idols as powerless and dependent, reinforcing the theme that the gods of the nations do not deliver their peoples, which is the point of the Assyrian taunt in 2 Kings 18:35.
Alternative generated candidates
- Which of all the gods of these countries has delivered its land from my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”
- Which of all the gods of the lands have delivered their land from my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”
2 K.18.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והחרישו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,pl
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולא: CONJ
- ענו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- מצות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- היא: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- לא: PART_NEG
- תענהו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:21 (verbal): Direct parallel account in Isaiah of the Rabshakeh episode; same report that the people were silent because the king had commanded them not to answer.
- 2 Chronicles 32:19 (verbal): Chronicles' retelling of Hezekiah's confrontation with the Assyrian envoy, likewise noting the people's silence under the king's command.
- Matthew 27:12-14 (thematic): Jesus before Pilate remains silent (or gives minimal answer) when accused by authorities; thematically parallels silence in the face of hostile interrogation by political power.
- Isaiah 53:7 (thematic): The Suffering Servant 'opened not his mouth' before his oppressors; parallels the motif of restrained silence under accusation or threat.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the people were silent and answered him not a word, for the king's command was, “Do not answer him.”
- And the people were silent and did not answer him a word; for the king had commanded, “Do not answer him.”
2 K.18.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אליקים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חלקיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ושבנא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויואח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אסף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המזכיר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- חזקיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קרועי: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- בגדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויגדו: VERB,piel,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- שקה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 36:22 (verbal): Near-verbatim parallel account in Isaiah: same three officials (Eliakim son of Hilkiah, Shebna the scribe, Joah son of Asaph) come to Hezekiah with torn clothes to report the Rabshakeh’s words.
- 2 Kings 19:1 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Hezekiah’s reaction to Rabshakeh’s message (tearing clothes, seeking counsel/prayer) and the officials’ report to the king.
- Isaiah 37:2 (verbal): Parallel in Isaiah describing Hezekiah and the same officials’ response—Hezekiah’s mourning actions and sending envoys/officials in reaction to the Assyrian threat.
- 2 Chronicles 32:21 (thematic): Chronicles’ retelling of the Sennacherib/Rabshakeh crisis and its aftermath; thematically linked as a parallel account of the Assyrian threat, the Jerusalem officials’ response, and divine deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they told him the words of the Rabshekah.
- Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder came to Hezekiah with their garments torn, and told him the words of Rab‑shakeh.
And the king of Assyria sent Tartan, Rabsaris, and Rab‑shakeh from Lachish to King Hezekiah with a great army to Jerusalem. They ascended and came up to Jerusalem; they came and stood by the upper pool, on the highway of the Washer's Field.
They called to the king, and Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder went out to them. And Rab‑shakeh said to them, “Say to Hezekiah, Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: On what are you relying?
You say—only words of your lips—‘Counsel and might for war.’ Now on whom do you rely, that you have rebelled against me?
Behold, you trust in this broken reed, Egypt; if a man leans on it, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who rely on him. And if you say to me, ‘We rely on the LORD our God’—is not he the one whom Hezekiah removed his high places and his altars, and said to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘Before this altar you shall bow’? Now therefore make a bargain with my lord the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses—if you are able to put riders on them.
How then will you turn back the face of one officer, one of the least of my lord’s servants, and trust in Egypt for chariots and horsemen?
Now—besides the LORD—I have come up against this place to destroy it; the LORD said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’”
Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah and Shebna and Joah said to the Rab‑shakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand; and do not speak to us in Judean in the hearing of the people on the wall.” But the Rab‑shakeh said to them, “Has my master sent me to your master and to you to speak these words? Is it not to the men sitting on the wall that I am sent—to make them eat their own dung and drink their own urine with you?”
Then Rab‑shakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in Judean, and spoke, “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria. Thus says the king: ‘Do not let Hezekiah mislead you, saying, “The LORD will surely save us; this city shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.”’
Do not trust in Hezekiah; do not listen to him. For thus says the king of Assyria: ‘Make terms with me; come out to me, and every one eat of his own vine and his own fig tree, and drink the waters of his own cistern;
till I come and take you away to a land like your own, a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey; and you will live and not die. Do not listen to Hezekiah, for he misleads you by saying, “The LORD will save us.”’”
“Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria?
Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivah? Did they save Samaria from my hand?
Who among all the gods of those lands has delivered his land from my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?” And the people were silent and answered him not; for the king’s command was, “Do not answer him.”
Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of Rab‑shakeh. And Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the men, and read it; then Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD and spread it before the LORD.