THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Observe how they summoned him. You were meant to trust in the might of God; yet, he stated, you do not instill fear in the hearts of your warriors.
Isaiah 36:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
And Eliacim, and Sobna, and Joahe said to Rabsaces: Speak to thy servants in the Syrian tongue: for we understand it: speak not to us in the Jews' language in the hearing of the people, that are upon the wall.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֶלְיָקִים֩ וְשֶׁבְנָ֨א וְיוֹאָ֜ח אֶל־רַב־שָׁקֵ֗ה דַּבֶּר־נָ֤א אֶל־עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙ אֲרָמִ֔ית כִּ֥י שֹׁמְעִ֖ים אֲנָ֑חְנוּ וְאַל־תְּדַבֵּ֤ר אֵלֵ֙ינוּ֙ יְהוּדִ֔ית בְּאָזְנֵ֣י הָעָ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־הַחוֹמָֽה׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Cyrill of Alexandria
The crowds are often quick to panic and may act impulsively in times of impending conflict, especially when violence and destruction threaten the city. Therefore, those who negotiated with Rabshekah wisely suggested that he refrain from speaking in Hebrew, opting instead for Syrian. Their intent was to prevent the maddening words from reaching the people, even though King Hezekiah encouraged them, clearly stating that the Lord was with them, and that those who place their trust in God possess an unwavering hope. He emphasized that human plans and efforts are unstable and, in the grand scheme of God's might, are of no consequence. Rabshekah, however, recognizes the motive behind their request for him to speak in a different language.
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Thus, he declares that his purpose in coming is not to address them or the king, but to negotiate with those positioned on the walls. He continues in arrogance, unleashing taunts from a corrupt heart, proclaiming that those defending the city, perched on the walls, are facing such a dire lack of food and water that they will be compelled to consume what even the dogs would find repulsive.
Jerome of Stridon
Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah approached Rabshak with a respectful request, saying, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we comprehend that language. Do not address us in Hebrew within earshot of the people on the wall.” This request conveys the notion: “Why create unnecessary chaos among the people with empty fears and false bravado? Use a language the crowd cannot grasp, as we are well-versed in Aramaic.” In response, Rabshak retorts with arrogance, “Was it only to your lord and you that my master sent me to communicate these messages? Is it not to those seated on the wall, doomed to consume their own filth and drink their own waste alongside you?”
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Rabshak then raised his voice, proclaiming in Hebrew, “Hear the declarations of the mighty king, the king of Assyria. The king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he will not be able to rescue you. Do not allow Hezekiah to encourage you by invoking the Lord’s name, assuring you, ‘The Lord will deliver us, and this city will not fall into the hands of the king of Assyria.’ Do not heed Hezekiah, for this is the proclamation of the king of Assyria.” The accusations made by Rabshak serve as a testimony to Hezekiah, revealing that even after conquering all the cities of Judah, Hezekiah placed his trust in God, reassuring the people, “Do not fear the king of Assyria, for we possess far greater strength than he does. While he wields earthly might, we have the Lord our God on our side, who aids us and fights on our behalf.”
Hezekiah’s encouraging words rallied the people, which heightened Rabshak's determination to undermine this confidence. He insisted to the crowd, “Do not let Hezekiah deceive you or embolden you with the assurance of the Lord God.” The humble request from Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah was aimed at preventing confusion among the people due to false alarms. Their plea—“Speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it, and refrain from speaking Hebrew in the presence of those on the wall”—implies a desire to avoid distress and false bravado. In his arrogant response, Rabshak dismissed this urgency, asserting, “Did my lord send me solely to your lord and to you, and not to the spectators on the wall?” He then amplified their fear with threats, suggesting they would be reduced to desperation. At the same time, he sought to entice them with promises designed to seduce those unshaken by terror.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Ezra 4:7And in the days of Artaxerxes, Beselam, Mithridates, and Thabeel, and the rest that were in the council wrote to Artaxerxes king of the Persians: and the letter of accusation was written in Syrian, and was read in the Syrian tongue.
- Dan 2:4And the Chaldeans answered the king in Syriac: O king, live for ever: tell to thy servants thy dream, and we will declare the interpretation thereof.