Isaiah 36:20 - Who are they among all the gods of these countries that have delivered their country out of my hand, that Yahweh should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?’”
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What does "Isaiah 36:20" mean?
This verse, found in Isaiah 36:20, is spoken by the Rabshakeh, a high-ranking official of the Assyrian king Sennacherib, during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. It's a powerful piece of psychological warfare designed to demoralize the people of Judah and King Hezekiah. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Who are they among all the gods of these countries that have delivered their country out of my hand...?" The Rabshakeh is boasting about the military might of Assyria and its victories over numerous nations. He's pointing out that none of the local gods of those conquered nations were able to protect their people from Assyria's power.
"...that Yahweh should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?" The Rabshakeh then extends this argument to Judah and its God, Yahweh (the Hebrew name for God). He's essentially saying: "If all the other gods have failed to protect their lands from me, what makes you think your God, Yahweh, will be any different? Why should I believe that Yahweh is powerful enough to save Jerusalem from the Assyrian army?"
In essence, the Rabshakeh is:
Demeaning Yahweh: He's trying to reduce Yahweh to the level of other, lesser deities who proved powerless against Assyria.
Instilling Fear: He's attempting to break the morale of the Judeans by making them doubt the power and ability of their God to protect them.
Making a Political Argument: He's suggesting that resistance is futile. Surrender is the only logical option because their god is no match for the might of Assyria.
The Significance:
This verse is important because it highlights the historical and religious context of the time:
Power and Gods: In the ancient Near East, military success was often attributed to the favor of a nation's gods. Victory was seen as evidence of a god's power and approval.
Monotheism vs. Polytheism: Isaiah 36 and the broader story serve as a challenge to this belief. It poses the question of whether Yahweh is just another god among many, or something more.
Testing of Faith: The Rabshakeh's words are a direct attack on the faith of the Judeans. He's challenging them to trust in Yahweh despite the overwhelming odds.
The verse sets the stage for Hezekiah's response, his prayer to God, and ultimately, God's intervention to save Jerusalem. It demonstrates the importance of faith in the face of adversity and the belief in a God who transcends the power of earthly empires.
Isaiah 36:20 - Who are they among all the gods of these countries that have delivered their country out of my hand, that Yahweh should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?’”
What does "Isaiah 36:20" mean?
This verse, found in Isaiah 36:20, is spoken by the Rabshakeh, a high-ranking official of the Assyrian king Sennacherib, during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. It's a powerful piece of psychological warfare designed to demoralize the people of Judah and King Hezekiah. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Who are they among all the gods of these countries that have delivered their country out of my hand...?" The Rabshakeh is boasting about the military might of Assyria and its victories over numerous nations. He's pointing out that none of the local gods of those conquered nations were able to protect their people from Assyria's power.
"...that Yahweh should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?" The Rabshakeh then extends this argument to Judah and its God, Yahweh (the Hebrew name for God). He's essentially saying: "If all the other gods have failed to protect their lands from me, what makes you think your God, Yahweh, will be any different? Why should I believe that Yahweh is powerful enough to save Jerusalem from the Assyrian army?"
In essence, the Rabshakeh is:
Demeaning Yahweh: He's trying to reduce Yahweh to the level of other, lesser deities who proved powerless against Assyria.
Instilling Fear: He's attempting to break the morale of the Judeans by making them doubt the power and ability of their God to protect them.
Making a Political Argument: He's suggesting that resistance is futile. Surrender is the only logical option because their god is no match for the might of Assyria.
The Significance:
This verse is important because it highlights the historical and religious context of the time:
Power and Gods: In the ancient Near East, military success was often attributed to the favor of a nation's gods. Victory was seen as evidence of a god's power and approval.
Monotheism vs. Polytheism: Isaiah 36 and the broader story serve as a challenge to this belief. It poses the question of whether Yahweh is just another god among many, or something more.
Testing of Faith: The Rabshakeh's words are a direct attack on the faith of the Judeans. He's challenging them to trust in Yahweh despite the overwhelming odds.
The verse sets the stage for Hezekiah's response, his prayer to God, and ultimately, God's intervention to save Jerusalem. It demonstrates the importance of faith in the face of adversity and the belief in a God who transcends the power of earthly empires.