2 kings 18:31 - Don’t listen to Hezekiah.’ For thus says the king of Assyria, ‘Make your peace with me, and come out to me; and everyone of you eat from his own vine, and everyone from his own fig tree, and everyone drink water from his own cistern;
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What does "2 kings 18:31" mean?
This verse is part of a propaganda message from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, delivered to the people of Jerusalem during his siege. Let's break down the meaning:
"Don't listen to Hezekiah." This is a direct attempt to undermine the authority of King Hezekiah, the ruler of Judah. Sennacherib wants to sow doubt and distrust.
"For thus says the king of Assyria, 'Make your peace with me, and come out to me;'" This is the core of the offer. Sennacherib is offering surrender in exchange for peace. "Come out to me" likely means to surrender the city and submit to Assyrian rule.
"and everyone of you eat from his own vine, and everyone from his own fig tree, and everyone drink water from his own cistern;'" This is the enticing part of the offer. Sennacherib paints a picture of tranquility and prosperity under Assyrian rule. He's promising the people:
Security and access to their own property: "Eat from his own vine...fig tree..." suggests that they will still own and benefit from their land and produce. This is a stark contrast to the fear and potential deprivation of a prolonged siege and conquest.
Basic needs met: "Drink water from his own cistern" implies continued access to their water supply, another crucial element for survival.
In essence, Sennacherib is offering a seductive bargain: surrender to Assyria, and you can live peacefully and continue to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The implication is that resistance will only lead to destruction, starvation, and death.
Why is this significant?
Psychological Warfare: This message is a classic example of psychological warfare. Sennacherib is trying to demoralize the people of Jerusalem, break their loyalty to Hezekiah, and persuade them to surrender without a fight.
Contrast with the Reality of Assyrian Rule: While Sennacherib promises peace and prosperity, Assyrian rule was often harsh and exploitative. Hezekiah would likely have emphasized to his people the importance of loyalty to God, because he was trying to bring them back to worshipping God and away from pagan gods.
In conclusion, this verse is a calculated attempt by the Assyrian king to use propaganda and fear to achieve his military goals. He is promising a seemingly idyllic life in exchange for submission, likely masking the true realities of Assyrian domination.
2 kings 18:31 - Don’t listen to Hezekiah.’ For thus says the king of Assyria, ‘Make your peace with me, and come out to me; and everyone of you eat from his own vine, and everyone from his own fig tree, and everyone drink water from his own cistern;
What does "2 kings 18:31" mean?
This verse is part of a propaganda message from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, delivered to the people of Jerusalem during his siege. Let's break down the meaning:
"Don't listen to Hezekiah." This is a direct attempt to undermine the authority of King Hezekiah, the ruler of Judah. Sennacherib wants to sow doubt and distrust.
"For thus says the king of Assyria, 'Make your peace with me, and come out to me;'" This is the core of the offer. Sennacherib is offering surrender in exchange for peace. "Come out to me" likely means to surrender the city and submit to Assyrian rule.
"and everyone of you eat from his own vine, and everyone from his own fig tree, and everyone drink water from his own cistern;'" This is the enticing part of the offer. Sennacherib paints a picture of tranquility and prosperity under Assyrian rule. He's promising the people:
Security and access to their own property: "Eat from his own vine...fig tree..." suggests that they will still own and benefit from their land and produce. This is a stark contrast to the fear and potential deprivation of a prolonged siege and conquest.
Basic needs met: "Drink water from his own cistern" implies continued access to their water supply, another crucial element for survival.
In essence, Sennacherib is offering a seductive bargain: surrender to Assyria, and you can live peacefully and continue to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The implication is that resistance will only lead to destruction, starvation, and death.
Why is this significant?
Psychological Warfare: This message is a classic example of psychological warfare. Sennacherib is trying to demoralize the people of Jerusalem, break their loyalty to Hezekiah, and persuade them to surrender without a fight.
Contrast with the Reality of Assyrian Rule: While Sennacherib promises peace and prosperity, Assyrian rule was often harsh and exploitative. Hezekiah would likely have emphasized to his people the importance of loyalty to God, because he was trying to bring them back to worshipping God and away from pagan gods.
In conclusion, this verse is a calculated attempt by the Assyrian king to use propaganda and fear to achieve his military goals. He is promising a seemingly idyllic life in exchange for submission, likely masking the true realities of Assyrian domination.