Isaiah 36:12

But Rabshakeh sayd; Hath my master sent me to thy master and to thee, to speake these words? Hath he not sent me to the men that sit vpon the wall, that they may eate their owne dongue, and drinke their owne pisse with you? Isaiah 36:12 (KJV)

hath he not

sent me to the men that sit upon the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you? Isaiah 36:12 (KJV)

Context: In this verse (Isaiah 36:12, also recorded in 2 Kings 18:27, KJV), Rabshakeh, an Assyrian official serving King Sennacherib, is taunting the people of Jerusalem during the siege led by Sennacherib. He mocks King Hezekiah’s trust in God and seeks to undermine the confidence of the besieged community.

Key Points:

Rabshakeh’s arrogance and disrespect – His words reveal pride and contempt for Jerusalem, spoken in a derogatory and offensive manner to demoralize and intimidate the people. This illustrates the enemy’s attempt to erode faith and confidence in God.

The severity of the siege – The Assyrians had encircled Jerusalem, cutting off supplies and isolating its inhabitants. Rabshakeh tries to convince the crowd that their situation is hopeless and that their king cannot save them.

Testing faith and trust in God – The taunt is designed to shake the people’s reliance on God’s promises and on Hezekiah’s leadership, serving as a psychological test of their spiritual endurance.

God’s deliverance and protection – Despite the harsh mockery, the verse foreshadows divine intervention. Later Scripture (Isaiah 37) records God’s faithfulness in delivering Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat.

Lessons and Applications:

Trust in God’s promises – When faced with mockery, threats, or difficult circumstances, believers are called to trust God’s steadfast promises, remembering that He is our protector and deliverer who never forsakes His people.

Withstanding spiritual attacks – Just as Jerusalem endured taunting, Christians may encounter spiritual assaults in many forms. We must stand firm in faith, relying on God’s strength to overcome such attacks.

The power of words – Rabshakeh’s language shows how words can undermine faith. Believers should be mindful of their speech, choosing to build up others rather than tear them down.

Prayer and seeking God’s guidance – In adversity, turning to God in prayer is essential. Hezekiah’s response—seeking counsel through the prophet Isaiah—demonstrates the importance of divine wisdom and direction.

In summary, Isaiah 36:12 records Rabshakeh’s mocking and disrespectful words toward Jerusalem during the Assyrian siege. The passage highlights the need to trust God’s promises, endure spiritual attacks, use words wisely, and seek God’s guidance in times of adversity, while also pointing forward to God’s ultimate deliverance of His people.