King James Version
What Does Isaiah 36:17 Mean?
“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.”
Isaiah 36:17 · KJV
Context
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.
18
Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?
19
Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryRabshakeh's offer of relocation to "a land like your own land" is dressed-up slavery. The litany of promised abundance—grain, wine, bread, vineyards—sounds appealing but ignores that these blessings are tied to the Promised Land covenant. Exchanging the land God gave for foreign territory means abandoning covenant promises. This temptation parallels Satan offering Jesus all kingdoms (Matthew 4:8-9)—trading God's promises for immediate comfort. The offer reveals that sometimes our greatest temptation is not obvious evil but comfortable compromise.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Assyrian policy was to deport conquered populations to prevent rebellion and assimilate conquered peoples. Rabshakeh honestly describes what awaits if Judah surrenders.
Reflection Questions
- How does the enemy tempt us to trade God's promises for immediate comfort?
- What does it mean to value God's specific calling over apparently better opportunities?
- How do we recognize when "good" offers are actually compromises that forfeit God's best?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsעַד1 of 13
H5704as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֶתְכֶ֖ם4 of 13
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְתִיר֔וֹשׁ10 of 13
“and wine”
H8492must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
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 36:17 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 36:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge