2 kings 18:20 - You say (but they are but vain words), ‘There is counsel and strength for war.’ Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?
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What does "2 kings 18:20" mean?
This verse, 2 Kings 18:20, is part of a speech delivered by the Rabshakeh, an Assyrian official, to the people of Jerusalem during the siege of the city by the Assyrian army. The Rabshakeh is acting as a spokesperson for the Assyrian king Sennacherib. He's using propaganda and psychological warfare to demoralize the people and convince them to surrender. Let's break down the verse:
"You say (but they are but vain words), ‘There is counsel and strength for war.’": The Rabshakeh is mocking the assurances that King Hezekiah of Judah is giving his people. He's saying that Hezekiah's promises of a good war strategy and strong defenses are empty and meaningless. The phrase "vain words" emphasizes the Rabshakeh's dismissal of Judah's preparations and hopes. He's trying to create doubt and fear in the hearts of the people, making them question their leadership and their ability to resist.
"Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?": Here, the Rabshakeh poses a pointed question, challenging the foundation of Judah's defiance. "Me" refers to the Assyrian Empire and their king, Sennacherib. He is questioning where Judah is getting their confidence to stand against such a powerful empire. It is the same "trust" that made Judah rebel from paying tribute to Assyria in the first place. He is daring the people of Jerusalem to say who or what they rely on to win a military contest against him.
In essence, the verse is:
A dismissal of Hezekiah's assurances: The Rabshakeh belittles any confidence the people might have in their king's plans and the strength of their defenses.
A challenge to Judah's faith: He is trying to undermine their faith in their allies, their gods, or any source of support that allows them to stand in opposition to Assyria.
A demonstration of Assyrian power: It underscores the overwhelming power of the Assyrian empire and implies that resistance is futile.
The Rabshakeh's strategy is to isolate the people of Jerusalem, break their spirit, and convince them that surrendering is the only logical option. The verse is a key part of his psychological warfare campaign.
2 kings 18:20 - You say (but they are but vain words), ‘There is counsel and strength for war.’ Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?
What does "2 kings 18:20" mean?
This verse, 2 Kings 18:20, is part of a speech delivered by the Rabshakeh, an Assyrian official, to the people of Jerusalem during the siege of the city by the Assyrian army. The Rabshakeh is acting as a spokesperson for the Assyrian king Sennacherib. He's using propaganda and psychological warfare to demoralize the people and convince them to surrender. Let's break down the verse:
"You say (but they are but vain words), ‘There is counsel and strength for war.’": The Rabshakeh is mocking the assurances that King Hezekiah of Judah is giving his people. He's saying that Hezekiah's promises of a good war strategy and strong defenses are empty and meaningless. The phrase "vain words" emphasizes the Rabshakeh's dismissal of Judah's preparations and hopes. He's trying to create doubt and fear in the hearts of the people, making them question their leadership and their ability to resist.
"Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?": Here, the Rabshakeh poses a pointed question, challenging the foundation of Judah's defiance. "Me" refers to the Assyrian Empire and their king, Sennacherib. He is questioning where Judah is getting their confidence to stand against such a powerful empire. It is the same "trust" that made Judah rebel from paying tribute to Assyria in the first place. He is daring the people of Jerusalem to say who or what they rely on to win a military contest against him.
In essence, the verse is:
A dismissal of Hezekiah's assurances: The Rabshakeh belittles any confidence the people might have in their king's plans and the strength of their defenses.
A challenge to Judah's faith: He is trying to undermine their faith in their allies, their gods, or any source of support that allows them to stand in opposition to Assyria.
A demonstration of Assyrian power: It underscores the overwhelming power of the Assyrian empire and implies that resistance is futile.
The Rabshakeh's strategy is to isolate the people of Jerusalem, break their spirit, and convince them that surrendering is the only logical option. The verse is a key part of his psychological warfare campaign.