Isaiah 36:4
And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
Isaiah 36:4 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of 2 Kings, Rabshakeh, the envoy of the King of Assyria, questions Hezekiah's confidence in the face of the impending invasion by the Assyrian army. By asking "What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?" Rabshakeh is challenging Hezekiah's trust in God to deliver them from their enemies. The Assyrians were known for their brutal tactics and military might, so Rabshakeh's taunt is meant to sow doubt and fear in the hearts of the Israelites. This verse highlights the tension between faith and fear, as Hezekiah's trust in God is put to the test by the threats of the powerful Assyrian king. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unwavering faith in the face of adversity, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Theological Overview
In the book of Isaiah, we find the verse where Rabshakeh, a high-ranking official of the king of Assyria, questions King Hezekiah's confidence in his trust in God. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the theme of trust and faith in God's sovereignty in the face of adversity. The word "confidence" in this verse can be explored through a word study, revealing its Hebrew origin as "batach," which conveys a sense of security, hope, and reliance. By questioning Hezekiah's confidence, Rabshakeh challenges the foundation of faith in God's protection and provision. This verse serves as a reminder to believers to remain steadfast in their trust in God, even when faced with overwhelming circumstances or threats. It highlights the importance of unwavering faith and reliance on God's promises, despite the intimidating words or actions of others.
Isaiah 36:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
World English Bible
Rabshakeh said to them, “Now tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria, “What confidence is this in which you trust?
Douay-Rheims
And Rabsaces said to them: Tell Ezechias: Thus saith the great king, the king of the Assyrians: What is this confidence wherein thou trustest?
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Rabshakeh sayde vnto them, Tell you Hezekiah, I pray you, Thus sayth the great King, the King of Asshur, What confidence is this, wherein thou trustest?