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 36:15
Rabshakeh continues to press the promise of deliverance through imperial power, urging the people not to trust Hezekiah or the LORD, but to expect defeat unless they accept Assyria’s terms. The line “Let not Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD” is a direct assault on Israel’s covenant faith. The rhetorical strategy is to present a political solution as the only credible path to security, effectively challenging the promises of God with a practical alternative. This moment fits into the larger siege narrative that tests where ultimate trust lies—between the LORD’s fidelity and a human king’s diplomacy.
Theologically, this verse reframes trust: is the reliability of God bound to the survival of a city, or does it rest in God’s own faithfulness irrespective of political outcomes? Isaiah’s message will insist that true deliverance is God’s prerogative, but faith will be tested under pressure to compromise. It’s a reminder that spiritual fidelity is not contingent on visible success.
In modern life, this invites believers to examine where their confidence lies during crisis: does it reside in political solutions or in God’s promises? Practical wisdom includes aligning decisions with biblical values even when expediency tempts otherwise. Build resilience by cultivating a rhythm of prayer, Scripture, and community accountability when facing fear-driven choices.
Cross-References: Psalm 33:16-22; Proverbs 21:31; Isaiah 31:1; Colossians 3:1-2