KJV ORIGINAL
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
But they remained silent and didn't say a word to him, because the king had commanded them, 'Don't answer him.'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The people stayed completely silent because their king had ordered them not to respond to the enemy's words.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem around 701 BC, when the Assyrian field commander was trying to demoralize the people of Jerusalem by speaking directly to them in Hebrew. King Hezekiah had wisely instructed his officials not to engage in debate with the enemy, knowing that responding might give credibility to the Assyrian's threats and discourage the people further.
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