I say, sayest thou, (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
I say to you, but these are just empty words, 'I have wise advice and strength for battle.' So tell me, who are you trusting in that makes you think you can rebel against me?
The Assyrian commander is mocking King Hezekiah, saying his claims of having military wisdom and strength are just empty boasts, and demanding to know what gives him confidence to resist Assyria.
📚 Historical Context
During the 8th century BC, the Assyrian Empire was invading Judah and besieging Jerusalem, with their envoy, the Rabshakeh, taunting King Hezekiah for his rebellion against Assyrian dominance. Hezekiah had fortified Jerusalem and was likely relying on alliances with Egypt or his faith in God for defense, as Assyria sought to undermine any perceived sources of strength. This verse specifically captures the Rabshakeh's mockery of Hezekiah's claims to have wise counsel and military power, challenging the basis of his resistance.
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