Isaiah 36:17 - until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards.

Generated Verse: Isaiah 36:17

What does "Isaiah 36:17" mean?


This verse from Isaiah 36:17 is part of a speech delivered by Rabshakeh, an envoy of the Assyrian king Sennacherib, to the people of Jerusalem. Rabshakeh is trying to demoralize the people and convince them to surrender to the Assyrians. Let's break down the meaning:

"Until I come...": This refers to the Assyrian army conquering Jerusalem.
"...and take you away to a land like your own land...": This is a deceptive promise. Rabshakeh claims the Assyrians will deport them to a new land that is similar to their own homeland (Judah).
"...a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards.": This describes the characteristics of the "new land." Grain, wine, bread, and vineyards represent agricultural abundance and prosperity, similar to what Judah could offer.

The Intended Meaning and Context

The verse is a propaganda technique designed to undermine the people's loyalty to their king (Hezekiah) and their trust in God. Rabshakeh is attempting to convince them that surrendering to Assyria would be in their best interests. He uses the following tactics:

1. Appealing to self-interest: He offers them a tempting alternative to the expected hardship of a siege and war.
2. Creating doubt: He implies that Hezekiah and God cannot protect them, and that life under Assyrian rule might be better.
3. Deceptive language: The promise of a land "like your own land" is likely a lie or, at best, a gross oversimplification. Deported people rarely have the same rights and freedoms as they did in their homeland.

Important Considerations

Historical Context: The Assyrian Empire was known for its brutal tactics, including deportation of conquered populations. These deportations were often intended to break resistance and assimilate people into the empire.
Biblical Perspective: The prophet Isaiah is portrayed as a voice of faith and hope. He urges the people to trust in God, not in foreign alliances or empty promises. The verse from Rabshakeh is meant to be seen as a deceitful temptation that the people must resist.

In summary: The verse is a manipulative promise from an enemy, designed to break the morale of the people of Jerusalem by offering them a deceptively appealing alternative to resisting the Assyrian invasion. It's a tactic of psychological warfare, playing on their fears and desires to convince them to surrender. The verse is presented negatively within the narrative of the book of Isaiah.