Definition: And Rabshakeh said unto them, Speak ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence [is] this wherein thou trustest?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse! It's a really interesting and slightly unsettling passage from the Book of Kings. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s anger and His desire to punish someone who is overly confident or complacent. It’s essentially saying, “God is angry with Hezekiah, and he wants to make him pay for his arrogance.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And Rabshakeh said unto them…” : This refers to a powerful figure named Rabshakeh, who was a king in Assyria. He’s the one speaking. “…Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria…” : He's declaring something very important – he’s the king of Assyria, a nation known for its power and military might. “What confidence [is] this wherein thou trustest?” : This is the core of the verse. It’s asking, "How can you be so confident about this?" The word “confidence” here means assurance , belief , or trust . So, what's the big picture? Rabshakeh is telling Hezekiah (the King of Jerusalem) to speak to him and ask: “What assurance do you have?” It’s a warning! The verse suggests that Hezekiah has become too confident in his own power or ability – perhaps he thinks he can control God or the situation. Why is this important? This passage highlights a potential danger of pride and arrogance. It warns against placing your faith or power too heavily on yourself, because God is ultimately in control of everything. It’s a reminder that God sees all things and will judge those who are not humbled. Context & Interpretation: The Bible often uses metaphors to describe God's actions. This verse is one of the most famous examples. It speaks to a time when Assyria was becoming increasingly powerful, and it’s a warning about the dangers of challenging God's authority. In short, this verse warns against complacency and encourages humility – believing in God without being afraid of Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss a specific aspect of this verse (like its symbolism)?