King James Version
What Does Isaiah 36:15 Mean?
“Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.”
Isaiah 36:15 · KJV
Context
13
Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.
14
Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you.
15
Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.
16
Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me: and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern; Make: or, Seek my favour by a present: Heb. Make with me a blessing
17
Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe Rabshakeh's command not to let Hezekiah 'make you trust in the LORD' reveals the ultimate goal of all worldly philosophy - preventing faith in God. This verbal form emphasizes the ongoing nature of trust that must be actively maintained. The promise that Jerusalem would not be delivered into Assyria's hand becomes a test case for divine faithfulness versus human calculation.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Sennacherib's army had just destroyed Lachish, Judah's second-largest city, providing visible 'proof' that trusting God was futile. Archaeological evidence from Lachish confirms the brutal efficiency of Assyrian warfare.
Reflection Questions
- What voices in your life actively discourage trusting God's promises?
- How do you maintain faith when circumstances seem to contradict God's Word?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 17 wordsוְאַל1 of 17
H408not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יַבְטַ֨ח2 of 17
“make you trust”
H982properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
אֶתְכֶ֤ם3 of 17
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חִזְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙4 of 17
“Neither let Hezekiah”
H2396chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
לֹ֤א11 of 17
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִנָּתֵן֙12 of 17
“shall not be delivered”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
הָעִ֣יר13 of 17
“us this city”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
בְּיַ֖ד15 of 17
“into the hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אַשּֽׁוּר׃17 of 17
“of Assyria”
H804ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Isaiah 36:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Isaiah 36:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge