Isaiah 36:5 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

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?

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

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 BOTTOM LINE

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

This is part of the Assyrian field commander's psychological warfare speech to Jerusalem around 701 BC, when the mighty Assyrian empire under Sennacherib was besieging the city. The Assyrians had already conquered most of Judah and were trying to intimidate King Hezekiah into surrendering without a fight by undermining his confidence and that of his people.

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You say (but these are just empty words) that you have good advice and strength for war. So tell me, who are you trusting in that makes you think you can rebel against me?

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