Isaiah 36:15 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Rabshakeh warns the people not to believe Hezekiah's promise that the LORD will deliver Jerusalem from Assyrian conquest.
The Context of Isaiah 36:15
Rabshakeh tells the people not to trust in God's promise to deliver Jerusalem.
What Does Isaiah 36:15 Mean?
Here Rabshakeh attacks the religious foundation of Judah's resistance. If Hezekiah claims that God will protect Jerusalem, Rabshakeh seeks to undermine that claim by asserting that the city will fall to Assyria. He directly contradicts what he presumes Hezekiah is saying—that the LORD will deliver Jerusalem. By making this counter-claim publicly, Rabshakeh attempts to sow doubt about whether God will actually intervene on Judah's behalf.
This assault on faith is central to Rabshakeh's strategy. If he can convince the people that trust in God is misplaced—that the LORD will not save them—then the people will lose their last source of confidence. Every argument Rabshakeh has made points to a single conclusion: you are doomed unless you surrender. By attacking religious faith directly, he attempts to eliminate the one thing that might sustain hope and resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 36:15
What does Isaiah 36:15 mean?
Rabshakeh warns the people not to believe Hezekiah's promise that the LORD will deliver Jerusalem from Assyrian conquest.
What is the context of Isaiah 36:15?
Rabshakeh tells the people not to trust in God's promise to deliver Jerusalem.