2 kings 18:36 - But the people stayed quiet, and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, “Don’t answer him.”
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What does "2 kings 18:36" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 18:36 describes a tense situation during the siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrian army. Let's break down what it means:
"But the people stayed quiet, and answered him not a word": The people of Jerusalem, likely those who could hear the Assyrian field commander (the Rabshakeh) speaking, remained silent. They didn't respond to his words.
"for the king’s commandment was, ‘Don’t answer him’": King Hezekiah of Judah had explicitly ordered the people not to answer the Rabshakeh.
Meaning and Significance:
Obedience and Unity: The people's silence demonstrates their obedience to King Hezekiah's command. This obedience indicates a sense of unity and discipline among the people of Jerusalem in the face of the Assyrian threat.
Control of the Narrative: Hezekiah's command was likely intended to control the narrative and prevent the Rabshakeh from further demoralizing the people. The Rabshakeh's speech (found earlier in the chapter) was designed to undermine their faith in God and their king, and to persuade them to surrender. By silencing them, Hezekiah prevented the Assyrians from gaining any more ground through propaganda and misinformation.
Avoiding Provocation: Answering the Rabshakeh could have been seen as an act of defiance or weakness, which could have provoked the Assyrians to escalate their attacks. Remaining silent was a strategic decision to avoid further inflaming the situation.
Trust in Leadership: The people's silence also shows their trust in Hezekiah's leadership. They believed that he knew what was best for them in this difficult situation and were willing to follow his instructions, even if it meant remaining silent when they might have wanted to argue or defend themselves.
In essence, the verse highlights the people's discipline, unity, and trust in their king in the midst of a crisis, as well as the King's effort to strategically control the narrative and situation. It is a poignant moment that sets the stage for the events that follow, including Hezekiah's reliance on God and his eventual deliverance from the Assyrian army.
2 kings 18:36 - But the people stayed quiet, and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, “Don’t answer him.”
What does "2 kings 18:36" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 18:36 describes a tense situation during the siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrian army. Let's break down what it means:
"But the people stayed quiet, and answered him not a word": The people of Jerusalem, likely those who could hear the Assyrian field commander (the Rabshakeh) speaking, remained silent. They didn't respond to his words.
"for the king’s commandment was, ‘Don’t answer him’": King Hezekiah of Judah had explicitly ordered the people not to answer the Rabshakeh.
Meaning and Significance:
Obedience and Unity: The people's silence demonstrates their obedience to King Hezekiah's command. This obedience indicates a sense of unity and discipline among the people of Jerusalem in the face of the Assyrian threat.
Control of the Narrative: Hezekiah's command was likely intended to control the narrative and prevent the Rabshakeh from further demoralizing the people. The Rabshakeh's speech (found earlier in the chapter) was designed to undermine their faith in God and their king, and to persuade them to surrender. By silencing them, Hezekiah prevented the Assyrians from gaining any more ground through propaganda and misinformation.
Avoiding Provocation: Answering the Rabshakeh could have been seen as an act of defiance or weakness, which could have provoked the Assyrians to escalate their attacks. Remaining silent was a strategic decision to avoid further inflaming the situation.
Trust in Leadership: The people's silence also shows their trust in Hezekiah's leadership. They believed that he knew what was best for them in this difficult situation and were willing to follow his instructions, even if it meant remaining silent when they might have wanted to argue or defend themselves.
In essence, the verse highlights the people's discipline, unity, and trust in their king in the midst of a crisis, as well as the King's effort to strategically control the narrative and situation. It is a poignant moment that sets the stage for the events that follow, including Hezekiah's reliance on God and his eventual deliverance from the Assyrian army.