Definition: But Rabshakeh said unto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? [hath he] not [sent me] to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this difficult verse from 2 Kings 18:27. It’s a really strange and unsettling passage, and it's important to understand its context before we dive into the literal meaning. Here’s what it says in simpler terms: “Rabshakeh said unto them, ‘Has my master sent me to your master, and to thee, to speak these words? Has he not sent me to the men who sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?’” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Rabshakeh said unto them…” : This is a formal, somewhat archaic way of speaking. Rabshakeh was a high-ranking official in King David's court. “…Has my master sent me to your master…” : He’s questioning whether the message they were receiving was from his master, the God of Israel. “and to thee, to speak these words?” : He's asking if the message they were receiving actually contained something that would involve a direct, harmful interaction with his master. “…Has he not sent me to the men who sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?” : This is the really shocking part. Rabshakeh is describing a horrific scenario: a group of people – likely priests or officials – are being instructed to consume each other’s waste products (dung and urine). They're being commanded to engage in this disgusting behavior, essentially worshipping their own filth. What does it all mean? This verse is considered one of the most disturbing passages in the Old Testament because it describes a scene of profound evil and potential rebellion against God. It’s interpreted as a warning about the dangers of idolatry – worshiping anything other than God. Idolatry: In ancient times, people often worshipped false gods or idols to gain power or appease them. This verse suggests that Rabshakeh was suggesting that the people were becoming obsessed with worshipping their own desires and impurity, rather than worshipping God. The Setting: The imagery of eating waste products is a powerful symbol of spiritual corruption and rebellion. It represents a descent into moral decay and a rejection of divine authority. Important Note: It's crucial to understand this text within its historical context. It was written during a time of intense political turmoil and religious conflict in ancient Israel, and it reflects a deeply flawed worldview that prioritized earthly power over spiritual devotion. --- Disclaimer: I’m an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on interpretations of the text. Biblical interpretation can be complex, and there are many different viewpoints. Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about how this verse relates to other stories in the Bible?