Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Isaiah 36:13. It's a really dramatic and surprising moment in the book of Isaiah! Here’s what it means, explained simply: “Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice…” – Think of Rabshakeh as a powerful and somewhat arrogant figure. He was a high-ranking official in the court of King Sennacherib, who ruled over Assyria (a large empire located in the Middle East). He was known for his booming voice and often used it to make important announcements. “…and said, ‘Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.’” – He’s essentially announcing that he's speaking to King Sennacherib. This is a significant moment because it’s a direct challenge from someone in power. So, what’s happening? This verse tells us that a messenger from Assyria was sent to the palace of King Sennacherib. The messenger was trying to impress him with his presence and speaking abilities. Rabshakeh, fueled by pride and perhaps a bit of nervousness, began to speak – and he actually cried out ! Why is this significant? This is one of the most famous and unsettling parts of the Bible. It’s a moment of intense tension and a clear indication that something very strange and potentially dangerous was happening. It suggests: A hidden audience: The messenger wasn't just speaking to Sennacherib; he was speaking to someone else who was privy to the king’s thoughts and plans. A secret meeting: It implies a clandestine conversation, perhaps one that could have serious consequences for the kingdom of Israel. Important Note: The Bible doesn't explicitly say what the messenger said. However, it's widely believed that he spoke about the future destruction of Jerusalem and the entire region under Assyrian rule. In short, this verse paints a picture of a powerful figure trying to assert his authority and perhaps hinting at a looming threat. --- Do you want me to: Explain another passage from Isaiah? Discuss the historical context surrounding this event?