Bible Commentaries

it came to pass. Note the insertion of these historical events in the midst of prophecy, corresponding with those concerning the reign of Ahaz. Compare 2 Kings 18:13, 2 Kings 20:19, on which Isaiah is not dependent, and 2 Chronicles 32:1-33, which is not dependent on either (see App-56). This history is a proof of Isaiah's prophetic mission and gifts. History and prophecy are thus combined: for the latter is history foretold, and the former is (in this and many cases) prophecy fulfilled: the two accounts being perfectly independent.

in the fourteenth year: i.e. 628 B.C. See App-50. pp Isaiah 59:60. After Hezekiah's reformation (2 Chronicles 29:1 -- Isaiah 32:1). Samaria had been taken by Shalmaneser in Hezekiah's sixth year (2 Kings 18:10). The date (fourteenth year) no "error".

defenced cities = fortified cities.

and took them. See the list and number of them (forty-six) on Sennacherib's hexagonal cylinder in the British Museum. See App-67.

Rabshakeh: or, "political officer". Probably a renegade Jew.

Lachish. Now Tell el Hesy, or Umm Lakis. See the work on the excavations there, published by the "Palestine Exploration Fund". Compare note on 2 Kings 18:17, and 2 Kings 19:8.

with a great army. Foretold in Isaiah 29:1-6, as foretold in Isaiah 22:15-26.

he stood. In the same spot where Isaiah stood with Ahaz twenty-eight years before. See Isaiah 7:3.

highway. See note on Isaiah 7:3.

Eliakim. See and Compare Isaiah 22:20-25. The promise of Isaiah 22:20, Isaiah 22:21 was already fulfilled.

house. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), for household. Eliakim fulfils Shebna's office, as foretold in Isaiah 22:15-26.

Shebna. See Isaiah 22:15.

scribe: or, secretary. Title used of a state officer, first in 2 Samuel 8:17. Connected with finance (2 Kings 22:3). Jeremiah 52:25.

the great king. Contrast Psalms 47:2.

trustest = hast confided. Hebrew. batah. App-69. See Hezekiah's "Songs of the Degrees" (Psalms 121:3; Psalms 125:1, Psalms 125:2; Psalms 127:1; Psalms 130:5-8; and App-67).

I say, sayest thou. Some codices read "Thou sayest", as in 2 Kings 18:20.

vain words = lip-talk. Hebrew word of lips.

man. Hebrew. "ish. App-14.

thou. Some codices read "ye", as in 2 Kings 18:22.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

is it not He . . . ? Manifesting Rabshakeh's ignorance.

master. Hebrew. Adonai. App-4.

Egypt. Hezekiah at first looked for help there (See Isaiah 20:3-6; Isaiah 30:2-5; 2 Kings 18:21).

am I come up. As foretold twenty-eight years before (Isaiah 10:6-8).

If Rabshakeh knew of this, it shows the falsehood of "half the truth".

Then said, &c. This led only to grosser insults.

Jews. The name by which the People were known of old, to foreigners. See note on Isaiah 36:2. No proof of a later authorship. "Hebrew" is the later word for the language (Compare Isaiah 19:18).

speak these words. See App-67.

sit upon the wall = maintain their posts: i.e. till reduced to these extremities.

this city. Some codices, with two early printed editions, Septuagint, and Syriac, read "and this city": i.e. "this city".

every one = man, as in Isaiah 36:6.

take you away. As he did Israel (2 Kings 18:11).

wine = new wine. Hebrew. tirosh. App-27.

bread. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Part), for all kinds of food.

Hath, &c. ? = [Reflect]: Hath, &c?

Where: or, Why, where. Some codices, with two early printed editions, read "Where then".