Isaiah 36:21

“But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.”

This verse is part of a larger passage that describes a historical event during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, had launched a military campaign against various nations, including Judah.

In this particular instance, the Assyrian field commander was taunting and threatening the people of Jerusalem, trying to instill fear and discouragement among them.

The verse begins by stating, “But they held their peace.” This refers to the people of Jerusalem, who were the target of the Assyrian commander’s insults and threats.

Despite the provocation, the people chose not to respond verbally to the Assyrian’s taunts. Their silence was a deliberate act, guided by the king’s commandment: “Answer him not.”

This commandment, issued by King Hezekiah, was a strategic decision. Hezekiah knew the power of words and understood that engaging in a war of words with the Assyrians would only escalate tensions and potentially give them an advantage. Instead, he chose to maintain silence and trust in the Lord for deliverance.

This verse teaches us several important lessons:

• Exercising self-control:The people of Jerusalem displayed great self-control by remaining silent in the face of insults and threats. Sometimes, it is wiser to exercise restraint and keep silent rather than respond in anger or fear.
• Seeking guidance from God:King Hezekiah’s decision to issue the commandment was an expression of his faith in God. He sought God’s guidance and wisdom before formulating a response. When faced with challenging situations, we should also seek God’s wisdom through prayer and seek His guidance.
• Trusting in God’s deliverance:By remaining silent, the people of Jerusalem demonstrated their trust in God’s deliverance. They relied on His protection rather than their own words or military might. Similarly, we are encouraged to trust in God’s power and deliverance in times of trouble, knowing that He is our ultimate source of strength and protection.

Overall, Isaiah 36:21 reminds us of the importance of self-control, seeking God’s guidance, and trusting in His deliverance. It teaches us that sometimes silence can be a powerful response, especially when we place our trust in God and seek His wisdom.