Isaiah 36:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He directed his message to those positioned behind the walls and to those prepared to confront the Assyrian forces, continuously referring to the Assyrian ruler as a great king, while diminishing their faith in God and labeling Hezekiah as deceptive, for advocating trust in divine assistance against human threats. Rapsak promised those willing to surrender that they would dwell in their own lands for a time (as implied by his words, "Until I come and take you away") and would benefit from their fields, attempting to alleviate the dread of captivity with misleading assurances. He further asserted, "Until I come and take you to a land resembling your land." By drawing a comparison between Assyria and Judea, he suggested that even if they were to leave Judah and join him, they would still find a familiar homeland, promoting the notion that the region of the Persians and Assyrians was one of grain, wine, bread, and fruit.

Pay no heed to Hezekiah, for this is the word of the king of Assyria. Rabshak’s accusation serves as evidence against Hezekiah, who, after having conquered all the cities of Judah, placed his faith in the Lord and reassured the people, saying, Do not fear or be dismayed by the king of Assyria, for we have mightier warriors with us than he possesses. While he relies on physical strength, we have the Lord our God, who is our aid and fights for us. The people drew strength from the words of Hezekiah, the king of Judah. Yet Rabshak seeks to undermine Hezekiah's comforting message, telling the people, Do not allow Hezekiah to deceive you or to bolster your confidence in the Lord your God. When Eliakim, Sobnah, and Joach humbly asked, Speak to your servants in the Aramaic language, for we understand it, and do not speak to us in Hebrew in the presence of those on the wall, they implied: why confuse the people with false fears and boast of hollow bravery? Speak in a language the people do not comprehend, for we know your speech and understand Aramaic, which is common to both. In response, Rabshak arrogantly retorted, Did my lord send me to your lord and to you, and not to the people sitting on the wall? He then escalated his threats, warning that they would resort to eating their own excrement and drinking their own urine, suggesting they would face dire hunger and thirst. Simultaneously, he combined intimidation with alluring promises, seeking to seduce those not paralyzed by fear with the enticing claims of the king of Assyria.