Definition: Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand [it]: and talk not with us in the Jews’ language in the ears of the people that [are] on the wall.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 18:26. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about God's judgment and the future of the Syrian region. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Situation: Rabshakeh is in trouble: This verse comes after Rabshakeh, a powerful leader in the northern kingdom of Israel, has made a serious mistake – he’s telling the people to not worship God and instead focus on their own desires. He’s essentially encouraging them to prioritize earthly pleasures over divine worship. Eliakim and Shebna are warning him: Eliakim and Shebna are two officials who are tasked with understanding what Rabshakeh is saying and relaying the message to the people. They're acting as a kind of intermediary, trying to prevent further harm. What’s Happening – The Key Message: The verse says: “Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand [it]: and talk not with us in the Jews’ language in the ears of the people that [are] on the wall.” Let's unpack this: “Speak, I pray thee…” – This is a formal command from Eliakim and Shebna. They’re instructing Rabshakeh to speak clearly and directly. “…to thy servants in the Syrian language…” – This means they need to communicate this message to people who live in the region of Syria (which is now part of Turkey). It's a specific audience. “for we understand [it]” - This suggests that they’ve been given insight into the gravity of what Rabshakeh is about to do. “and talk not with us in the Jews’ language in the ears of the people that [are] on the wall.” – This is where it gets really significant. The phrase "in the Jews’ language" is a crucial part of the translation. It means Rabshakeh’s words are being deliberately obscured or manipulated to prevent them from being understood. “On the wall” refers to the people in the region of Syria. They are being shielded from hearing the truth. The Overall Meaning - A Warning & Judgment: Essentially, this verse warns that Rabshakeh's actions – and his deliberate attempts to mislead the people – will lead to a terrible consequence for those in Syria. It’s a prediction of judgment and destruction. It emphasizes that God is using His word to punish those who are disconnected from Him. In short, it's a message of impending doom, delivered through a carefully veiled warning. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on current interpretations of the text and should not be considered definitive scripture. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can answer for you? For example: Would you like me to explain a particular part in more detail? Are you curious about the historical context surrounding this passage?