These Chapter s form the conclusion of the first part of the book of Isaiah. They contain narratives of three important historical events, each of which illustrates the commanding influence exercised by the prophet in the reign of Hezekiah. These are: (1) the unsuccessful efforts of Sennacherib to o... [ Continue Reading ]
(Cf. 2 Kings 18:13) _in the fourteenth year_ The year of Sennacherib's expedition was beyond question 701 b.c. If this was really the fourteenth year of Hezekiah his accession must have taken place in 715. On the objections to this date, see Chronological Note, pp. lxxvi f. Assuming that the argumen... [ Continue Reading ]
_Rabshakeh_is not a proper name, but an official designation, like the Tartan (see ch. Isaiah 20:1) and the Rab-saris (chief eunuch) who are mentioned along with him in 2 Kings 18:17. The Assyrian word is _Rab-saq_, said to mean "chief of the officers." _from Lachish_ The most important Judæan fort... [ Continue Reading ]
The words "and they called the king" in 2 Kings 18:18 are omitted. _which was over the house_ See ch. Isaiah 22:15. It will be seen that in accordance with ch. Isaiah 22:20, Eliakim here occupies the office formerly held by Shebna, although the latter still appears in a subordinate capacity as _scri... [ Continue Reading ]
The speech of the Rabshakeh, dealing with the two motives which might be supposed to have induced Hezekiah to rebel: (1) his reliance on the help of Egypt (Isaiah 36:6), and (2) his religious confidence in Jehovah (Isaiah 36:7); and urging him to submit to the king of Assyria (Isaiah 36:8).... [ Continue Reading ]
_I say_, sayest thou, (_but_they are but _vain words_) & _c._ Rather (as Cheyne and others) THINKEST THOU THAT A MERE WORD OF THE LIPS IS COUNSEL AND STRENGTH FOR WAR? "You cannot think so," reasons the Rabshakeh, "you must have some ground of confidence; what is it?" The rendering of A.V. which tak... [ Continue Reading ]
_the staff of this broken reed_ For the idea, cf. ch. Isaiah 30:1-5; for the figure, Ezekiel 29:6-7.... [ Continue Reading ]
Not only is Hezekiah destitute of earthly help, but he has forfeited the protection of his own deity, by what from the heathen point of view seemed an act of sacrilege, the abolition of the local sanctuaries (see 2 Kings 18:4).... [ Continue Reading ]
_give pledges … to_ Better (as R.V. marg.): MAKE A WAGER WITH. The taunt must have been peculiarly galling to the war-party in Judah, who were painfully conscious of their weakness in cavalry; ch. Isaiah 30:16; Isaiah 31:1; Isaiah 31:3, and Isaiah 36:9 of this chapter.... [ Continue Reading ]
Hezekiah's power is not equal to that of the lowest official in the Assyrian Empire; yet he dares to defy the great king! The word rendered _captain_means the governor of a province.... [ Continue Reading ]
That the Assyrian should represent himself as commissioned by Jehovah to avenge the desecration of his sanctuaries is not by any means incredible. A precisely similar sentiment is put into the mouth of Cyrus in his account of the conquest of Babylon. It expresses no serious religious conviction (see... [ Continue Reading ]
_the Syrian_(or ARAMEAN R.V. marg.) _language_ was the medium of international communication in Western Asia, more especially of commerce. Assyrian on the other hand was a barbarous tongue to the Hebrews (ch. Isaiah 28:11; Isaiah 33:19). _the Jews" language_ Hebrew is so called only in one other (p... [ Continue Reading ]
The Judæan ministers, fearing the effect of these threats on the people, implore the Rabshakeh to speak to them in Aramaic; but the astute diplomatist immediately perceives his advantage, and sets himself to stir up disaffection amongst the populace.... [ Continue Reading ]
_that_they _may eat_ Note the contrast in Isaiah 36:16. The clause, therefore, expresses not the desire or purpose of the king of Assyria, but the effect of submitting to Hezekiah's insane policy.... [ Continue Reading ]
_the great king_ It is to be observed that the speaker consistently withholds the title of king from Hezekiah.... [ Continue Reading ]
The Rabshakeh's appeal to the people.... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord will surely deliver us_ Cf. ch. Isaiah 37:35.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Make_an agreement _with me_by _a present_ R.V. MAKE PEACE WITH ME. Lit. "Make to me a blessing" (see R.V. marg.). The expression does not occur elsewhere, and its exact sense is doubtful. Probably "make peaceful submission to me." _come out to me_ The ordinary phrase for the surrender of a city (1... [ Continue Reading ]
But only for a time! The Rabshakeh does not conceal from them that their ultimate fate will be deportation; although he tries to present it in an attractive light. The parallel verse in 2 Kings (2 Kings 18:31) contains these additional words "a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and n... [ Continue Reading ]
The long record of Assyrian conquest shews the folly of Hezekiah's trust in Divine power. Cf. ch. Isaiah 10:9-11. _persuade_ Rather, BEGUILE.... [ Continue Reading ]
On _Hamath and Arphad_, see ch. Isaiah 10:9. _Sepharvaim_has usually been identified with Sippar to the north of Babylon. Since, however, it is always mentioned along with Hamath and Arpad, it is more probable that a city in northern Syria is meant. Some consider it to be the same as Sibraim in Ezek... [ Continue Reading ]
_they held their peace_ i.e. the people on the wall, as is expressed in 2 Kings 18:36. Isaiah 37:1. Hezekiah, thrown back at last on the policy of faith consistently advocated by Isaiah, sends an influential deputation to the prophet, entreating him to intercede for the nation in this extremity. (C... [ Continue Reading ]