What does Isaiah 36:21 mean?
"But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not." - Isaiah 36:21
Isaiah 36:21 (KJV) states, "But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."
This verse is situated in a larger narrative in the book of Isaiah, which is one of the major prophetic books in the Old Testament. In this particular chapter, the scene is set in the context of a historical moment in the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah when Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, has come to attack Jerusalem. Sennacherib's general, Rabshakeh, is trying to intimidate the people of Jerusalem into surrendering by speaking in the Hebrew language so that everyone can understand his message, rather than in the Aramaic language of diplomacy, so that only the officials would understand and convey the message to the people.
The verse unfolds as a response to the challenge issued by Rabshakeh. It depicts the defiance of the people of Judah in the face of a formidable threat. Despite the taunting and intimidating words of the enemy, the people held their peace and chose not to respond to the provocation. They obeyed King Hezekiah's commandment to remain silent in the face of the Assyrian's attempts to disrupt their faith and confidence in God.
This verse reflects a significant theme that runs throughout the book of Isaiah, which is the theme of trust and reliance on God in the face of adversity. The people's decision to hold their peace and not respond to the enemy's provocations is an act of faith and obedience to God. It highlights the importance of maintaining trust and confidence in God's deliverance, even in the midst of threatening circumstances.
The verse also carries a message about the power of restraint. In the face of aggression and hostility, the people of Judah chose not to respond in kind. Their decision to remain silent and not engage in a verbal confrontation with the enemy demonstrates a form of strength and self-control. It is a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful response to a provocation is to exercise restraint and maintain composure.
In addition, the verse signifies the importance of adhering to the commandments of the king. King Hezekiah's command to his people to remain silent in the face of the Assyrian threat is an order that reflects his understanding of the situation and his desire to maintain order and unity among his people. By obeying the king's commandment, the people of Judah are displaying their allegiance and loyalty to their leader, as well as their commitment to following his guidance in the midst of danger.
Symbolically, this verse can be interpreted as a portrayal of the broader spiritual struggle between good and evil, and the power of faith and trust in God to overcome adversity. The people's silence in the face of the enemy's aggressive rhetoric can be seen as a form of resistance and defiance against the forces of darkness. It represents their refusal to be swayed or intimidated by the enemy's attempts to undermine their faith and trust in God.
In conclusion, Isaiah 36:21 (KJV) encapsulates a profound message about the significance of trust, obedience, and restraint in the face of adversity. It serves as a timeless reminder of the power of faith and the importance of remaining steadfast in the midst of challenges. The verse continues to resonate with believers, serving as an encouragement to trust in God's deliverance and to hold fast to His commandments, even in the midst of threatening circumstances.
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Isaiah 36:21 - "But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."
"But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not." - Isaiah 36:21
Acts 21:36 - "For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him."
Genesis 36:21 - "And Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan: these are the dukes of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom."
Joshua 21:36 - "And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,"
Exodus 36:21 - "The length of a board was ten cubits, and the breadth of a board one cubit and a half."
Job 36:21 - "Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction."
Isaiah 5:21
Isaiah 5:21
Isaiah 36:14 - "Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you."
Matthew 21:36 - "Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise."
Isaiah 36:19 - "Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?"
Isaiah 36:13 - "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."
Isaiah 3:21 - "The rings, and nose jewels,"
Ezekiel 36:21 - "¶ But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went."
Isaiah 36:3 - "Then came forth unto him Eliakim, Hilkiah's son, which was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder."
"For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him." - Acts 21:36
Isaiah 36:17 - "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."
Isaiah 36:20 - "Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?"
Isaiah 36:15 - "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."
Isaiah 36:9 - "How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?"
Isaiah 57:21 - "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."
Isaiah 38:21 - "For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover."
Isaiah 36:4 - "¶ And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?"
Isaiah 36:10 - "And am I now come up without the LORD against this land to destroy it? the LORD said unto me, Go up against this land, and destroy it."
Isaiah 36:1 - "Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them."
Isaiah 36:22 - "¶ Then came Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, that was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh."
Luke 21:36 - "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
Isaiah 36:18 - "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?"
Isaiah 37:36 - "Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses."