2 Kings 18:27

But Rabshakeh sayd vnto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speake these wordes? hath he not sent me to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eate their owne doung, and drinke their owne pisse with you? 2 Kings 18:27 (KJV)

hath he not

sent me to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you. 2 Kings 18:27 (KJV)

This verse belongs to the larger narrative of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. Rabshakeh, the chief commander (a high‑ranking officer) of Sennacherib’s army, comes to deliver the king’s message to Hezekiah.

The historical setting shows the Assyrian Empire at the height of its power, renowned for ruthless military campaigns and brutal tactics. Having already subjugated the northern kingdom of Israel, the Assyrians now threaten the southern kingdom of Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital.

Rabshakeh’s message is designed to demoralize and intimidate the inhabitants of Jerusalem. He ridicules the hope that Hezekiah’s alliance with Egypt could save the city and questions the people’s trust in God’s protection. He threatens that, if they refuse to surrender, they will be forced to eat their own excrement and drink their own urine—an extreme, degrading image meant to provoke fear and capitulation.

The language employed is intentionally vulgar and offensive, not intended to be taken literally but to shock and disgust. Its purpose is to undermine confidence and serve as psychological warfare aimed at breaking the spirit of the defenders.

When the people on the wall hear these words they become distressed. Eliakim, the high official of Hezekiah, together with other officials, orders that Rabshakeh speak in Aramaic rather than Hebrew so that the common people would not understand the derogatory utterances, thereby limiting further discouragement.

Despite the intimidation and the dire circumstances, Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem remain faithful to God, seeking His guidance and intervention. The episode underscores the need for trust in God’s promises and for spiritual resilience when confronted with overwhelming adversity.