Definition: 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;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from Isaiah 36:16. It's a really dramatic and unsettling passage about a powerful enemy trying to trick someone into a deal. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: What it Means on the Surface: The king of Assyria (a very powerful and large empire) is saying, "I’m going to come and take what you have – your crops, your trees, even your water sources. I want to eat them all." He’s essentially offering a deal where he will take everything the person has if they agree to cooperate with him. Let's unpack it layer by layer: “Hearken not to Hezekiah…” : This is a direct address to King Hezekiah, who was the ruler of Jerusalem at the time. Hezekiah was a powerful and influential leader. “…for thus saith the king of Assyria…” : This establishes that this is a message from a very powerful, foreign force. “Make an agreement…by a present…” : Hezekiah needs to commit to something – he has to agree to this deal. "...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.” This is where it gets really strange and symbolic. “His vine” : This refers to a large, sprawling garden or orchard that Hezekiah cultivated. It’s a symbol of abundance and prosperity. “Every one of his fig tree” : Hezekiah was known for growing figs – a popular food in the region at the time. “Every one of his cistern” : This is the most crucial part. Hezekiah had a private, small water source (a cistern) that he used for himself and perhaps some limited use for his family. The king wants all of this water. So, what’s the big picture? This verse paints a picture of utter devastation: A Powerful Enemy: Assyria is portrayed as immensely powerful and aggressive. Greed & Deception: The king is offering a deal that involves taking everything valuable – food, water – through deception. He’s not trying to help; he's actively trying to steal. Symbolic Threat: It’s a warning about the dangers of being tricked or exploited by powerful forces. Why is it important? This passage is often interpreted as a prophecy of imminent disaster – perhaps war, famine, or rebellion – because of Assyria's immense power and ambition. It highlights that even seemingly small people can be vulnerable to overwhelming forces if they don’t act with wisdom and vigilance. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of the time? Explore the meaning of the symbolism within the verse?